Communication Quote by Erving Goffman
“When persons are present to one another they can function not merely as physical instruments but also as communicative ones. This possibility, no less than the physical one, is fateful for everyone concerned and in every society appears to come under strict normative regulation, giving rise to a kind of communication traffic order.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, 1959
People act as both physical tools and communicative agents, shaping social order through regulated interaction.
In simple terms: We communicate and act, creating social rules.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the dual role of individuals in society.
Themes
communication
social order
norms
interaction
identity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
sociological
theoretical
When to use this quote
- teamwork
- public speaking
- conflict resolution
- media production
- online forums
Key Concepts
Symbolic interactionism
role theory
normative regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do norms influence your daily interactions?
- When might you challenge a communicative norm?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on regulation can stifle spontaneity and creativity.
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