Introduction
Erving Goffman, in his article “On Face-Work: An Analysis of Ritual Elements in Social Interaction,” which was first published in 1955, provides a comprehensive explanation of the concepts of face, line, and face-work. He describes face as the “positive social value” a person can claim for oneself during societal interactions (Goffman 7). The line refers to the pattern of spoken and non-spoken specific acts by which a person expresses their view of the situation and the attitude they expect others to take towards them.
Face-work encompasses the activities performed by somebody to make their actions and representations consistent with their face (Goffman 7-9). In this essay, it is important to explore Goffman’s ideas about these conceptions and apply them to Elijah Anderson’s study “The Code of the Street.”
Goffman’s Ideas of Face, Line, and Face-Work
The author’s views regarding the concept of face insist on the value that a person holds during an interaction; it is something that is emotionally capitalized and can be lost, “maintained,” preserved, as well as enhanced. “Line,” on the other hand, represents the pattern of verbal as well as non-spoken acts, essentially the expressive components of an individual’s behavior. Moreover, “face-work” comprises the efforts a person puts in to preserve the consistency between their actions and their face (Goffman 7-11). According to Goffman, face-work is not merely an individual activity but is co-produced in public interactions, as people are constantly engaged in giving and maintaining face in a conversation.
Goffman’s Ideas and Anderson’s “The Code of the Street”
One should state that Anderson’s “The Code of the Street” presents a social situation in which Goffman’s ideas can be aptly applied. This study explores the lives of people in inner-city neighborhoods and how they navigate their social world (Anderson 1). The “line” being presented by these individuals is often one of toughness and street-smartness, as the code of the street dictates that respect is something to be earned, often through displays of strength or aggression.
Furthermore, the “face” to be presented is one that communicates capability, resilience, and dominance, which are seen as valuable and essential for survival. The face-work techniques employed involve strategies to focus on this tough exterior. This approach may include physical posturing, assertive language, and occasionally, aggression (Anderson 1-3). The face-work is a continuous process of negotiation, where individuals strive to maintain their face while respecting others’ faces in a context where respect is scarce and highly contested.
The social setting in Anderson’s study presents unique challenges for face-work. The environment, characterized by violence, poverty, and social instability, creates intense pressure for individuals to demonstrate a tough, resilient face. The risk of losing face in such a setting can have severe consequences, including physical harm or loss of status (Anderson 1-2). Face work in this setting is not just about maintaining one’s own face but also about navigating complex societal dynamics where the line between respect and disrespect can often be blurred. People must constantly balance their need for self-presentation with the recognition of others’ faces, which can be a challenging task in a setting where the norms and expectations are constantly shifting.
Conclusion
To conclude, Goffman’s principles of face, line, and face-work offer a valuable lens to understand interactions in challenging settings, as described in Anderson’s “The Code of the Street.” These notions underscore the importance of self-presentation and the continuous negotiation involved in maintaining one’s social value. Despite the unique challenges posed by such settings, individuals employ various strategies to navigate these complexities, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.
Works Cited
Anderson, Elijah. “Code of the Street.” The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Studies, edited by Anthony M. Orum, Wiley, 2019, pp. 1-3.
Goffman, Erving. “On Face-Work: An Analysis of Ritual Elements in Social Interaction.” Reflections, vol. 4, no. 3, 2003, pp. 7-13.