Goffman and the Godfather

Erving Goffman and Robert K. Merton observations upon the concept of self-presentation and norms of society are shown through in movies The Godfather and A face in the Crowd. The ideas of both sociologists are shown through the interactions of the briny characters of both movies. In The godfather we are shown Francis Coppells interpretations of the companionable complex body part of the mafia and the role of social queues in maintaining power. These concepts can as well as be seen in Elia Kazans A shell in the crowd through one characters rise from boozy drifter to national celebrity. Both movies provide a opthalmic rendering of social norms, self-presentation and the social hierarchy, in American society.
In Erving Goffmans writings upon the presentation of self in prevalent life Goffman explains how, inside every social interaction plurality undergo a process of both self trial run and manipulation while at the same time analyzing the theory made by others around them. In everyday interactions citizenry act in a certain way to do work how they are perceived so that the overprotect treated by others accordingly. Also Goffman proposes that to bypass actually acting in a specific manner, some people try to give the essence that they are behaving a certain way and are achieving their ends in a socially acceptable way.




In Robert Mertons name on social theory and social structure he observes the importance of social norms and culturally defined goals. These goals are form in a hierarchal manner based on sentiment and significance. Social norms, on the other hand, are non based on technical or efficient norms towards achieving these goals. They put how people interact and act. Institutional norms are driven by sentimental values and socially acceptable perceptions of peoples actions in attempting to achieve their goals. The interaction between cultural goals and social norms seem to oppose each other but Merton states that in American society it is more often the hierarchal...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



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