Deck 19: Erving Goffman, on Face-Work

Question 1

John was a terrible dancer. When he went on a date he was quick to point out this fact, and in so doing he

A) lost face.
B) gained the advantage of deciding what they would do on the date.
C) aimed to avoid the possibility of his (and his date) becoming embarrassed later on.
D) gained status by agreeing to try to learn to dance.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Goffman's discussion is relevant only for situations in which a person is

A) interacting (communicating) with another person or several persons.
B) being interviewed, as for a job.
C) an American or Western European; his argument is very ethnocentric and culturally specific.
D) educated enough to understand social theories and paradigms.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

When we consciously don't talk about certain topics or overlook a discrepancy in what someone says that might indicate that he or she is being dishonest, we are engaging in what Goffman calls

A) an avoidance strategy.
B) a white lie.
C) civil inattention.
D) a conspiracy of silence.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

According to Goffman, our interactions with others involve many strategies and actions that are designed to

A) help us practice the culture of our society.
B) reflect our personality.
C) present a favorable impression of ourselves.
D) make other people feel good about themselves.

Question 5

A "corrective interchange" that allows someone to "save face" begins with what act?

A) an apology
B) a short break or recess
C) a payoff
D) a challenge

Question 6

"I'm sorry" is what part of a remedial interchange?

A) challenge
B) acceptance
C) offering
D) closing

Question 7

According to Goffman, what does it mean to present a "face"?

A) to present an identity that one wants others to accept
B) to put forward an image that masks or hides how one really feels
C) to challenge what another person says by making facial expressions that communicate disbelief or doubt
D) to summon the courage to defy others' expectations and to go one's own way

Question 8

Goffman argues that one's face is

A) rarely shown to others; rather, we present a "mask" over our face.
B) a positive image.
C) the difficulties and obstacles in our life.
D) one's pride and self-confidence.