Goffman's Interaction Rituals

Erving Goffman's Interaction Rituals refer to the subtle, often unconscious behaviors people use to manage social interactions and maintain social harmony. These rituals include polite gestures, eye contact, tone of voice, and body language that signal respect, understanding, and cooperation. They help establish a feeling of mutual recognition and reduce social tension, making conversations more comfortable. Essentially, Goffman viewed everyday interactions as performances where individuals follow unwritten rules to present themselves positively and sustain social order.