In this book, Susie Scott examines how identities are shaped by social interactions using a Symbolic Interactionist perspective and Goffman's dramaturgical theory. Through empirical studies, she explores key dimensions of identity negotiation in everyday life, including self-presentation, stigma, and the impact of total institutions.
The book delves into the social dynamics of self-identified 'shy' individuals, examining how they navigate their identities and interactions in public settings. It employs Symbolic Interactionist theories to analyze the processes that lead to the development of a 'shy' persona, highlighting themes of interactional competence, embodiment, and performativity. Additionally, it addresses the concept of deviance in relation to shyness, offering insights into the complexities of social behavior and identity formation.
This accessible, introductory text explains the importance of studying 'everyday life' in the social sciences. Susie Scott examines such varied topics as leisure, eating and drinking, the idea of home, and time and schedules in order to show how societies are created and reproduced by the apparently mundane 'micro' level practices of everyday life.