Setting

Definition

Setting refers to the physical and social context in which interactions occur, including the environment, location, and circumstances surrounding a performance. It plays a crucial role in shaping the behavior and roles of individuals, influencing how performances are perceived and enacted. The concept of setting is essential in understanding how individuals navigate their social lives, as it provides a backdrop that can alter meaning and significance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Setting influences not only the actions of performers but also the interpretations of their audience, often altering perceptions based on context.
2. Different settings can evoke varying emotional responses and reactions from both performers and spectators, affecting the overall performance dynamic.
3. In Goffman's dramaturgical approach, settings are seen as stages where individuals present themselves in specific ways to align with social expectations.
4. The physical elements of a setting, such as decor, lighting, and arrangement, can significantly impact the tone and atmosphere of a performance.
5. Understanding setting allows for deeper analysis of social interactions, revealing how environmental factors contribute to the roles individuals play.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of setting shape the dynamics between performers and their audience in social interactions?
  • The concept of setting shapes dynamics by providing a framework within which performers present themselves and their actions. In different settings, audience expectations shift, influencing how performers adapt their roles to meet these expectations. For instance, a formal event may lead to more rigid behavior from performers, while a casual gathering allows for more relaxed interactions. Thus, the setting not only determines what is appropriate but also enhances or constrains the nature of the performance.
• Evaluate the differences between front stage and back stage settings in Goffman's dramaturgical approach.
  • In Goffman's dramaturgical approach, front stage settings are where individuals perform in accordance with societal norms for an audience, presenting a polished version of themselves. In contrast, back stage settings provide a space for individuals to drop their social facades and behave more authentically without the pressure of an audience. This distinction highlights how different environments affect self-presentation and authenticity, revealing the complex interplay between societal expectations and personal identity.
• Analyze how changes in setting can lead to shifts in individual roles within social interactions, considering both physical and social aspects.
  • Changes in setting can drastically alter individual roles by shifting the expectations placed on them by society. For example, moving from a formal workplace to a casual coffee shop might encourage individuals to adopt more relaxed roles that align with the new environment. Physical aspects like layout or decor can create an inviting atmosphere that encourages openness and spontaneity, while rigid structures might lead to formal behavior. Social aspects such as the presence of authority figures or peers also influence how roles are enacted, demonstrating that both physical and social settings are integral to shaping individual identities and performances.

Related terms

Front Stage: The area of social interaction where individuals perform for an audience, adhering to expected norms and behaviors.

Back Stage:

The private area where individuals can relax and be themselves, away from the expectations of an audience.

Role: The expected behavior associated with a particular social position or status within a given setting.