Erving Goffman and Modern Sociology

The work of Erving Goffman has had an enormous impact throughout the social sciences. Yet his writings have not received the detailed scrutiny which they deserve.

This new book is the first comprehensive and accessible account of Erving Goffman's contributions, ranging in its scope from his very earliest work right up to the projects upon which he was engaged at the time of his death. Goffman's writings, Manning argues, are much more systematic and conceptually powerful than is ordinarily acknowledged. The book thus offers a defence of Goffman's writings as well as providing an introduction for those who have no prior acquaintance with Goffman's ideas.

1. Introduction and Overview.

2. Early Writings.

3. Social Life as a Game.

4. Trust and the Rules of Social Interaction.

5. Goffman's Sociology of Deviance and Conformity.

6. Goffman's Later Work: Frame Analysis.

7. Goffman's Methods.

8. Goffman and Modern Sociology.

Bibliography.

'Erving Goffman and Modern Sociology is first-rate sociological exegesis.' Reviewing Sociology

'Manning has written an excellent introduction to, and commentary on, the work of Erving Goffman.' British Journal of Sociology

'... Timely and compact book... ... An important book for any anthropologist or sociologist likely to engage in ethnographic work in a modern society.' The Australian Journal of Anthropology

Philip Manning, Cleveland State University The work of Erving Goffman has had an enormous impact throughout the social sciences. Yet his writings have not received the detailed scrutiny which they deserve.

This new book is the first comprehensive and accessible account of Erving Goffman's contributions, ranging in its scope from his very earliest work right up to the projects upon which he was engaged at the time of his death. Goffman's writings, Manning argues, are much more systematic and conceptually powerful than is ordinarily acknowledged. The book thus offers a defence of Goffman's writings as well as providing an introduction for those who have no prior acquaintance with Goffman's ideas.