SOC 201 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Erving Goffman, Total Institution
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Many adults, for example, when asked to explain who they are, preface all their other remarks by noting their occupation. Work is our calling card to the rest of the world. Men and women alike use their work to identify themselves to others. Picture yourself silently circulating at a cocktail party and eavesdropping on how people introduce themselves to one another. I guarantee that you are not going to hear anything like the following: Howdy, i"m susan, and i support habitat for humanity. Workers describe themselves first by name, rank and serial number, that is, by name, occupation, and title. It is only later, if at all, that they might divulge what they like, what they value, and how their lives are structured outside of work. Most socialization processes take place in the context of everyday life in our families and peer groups, in school, in the workplace.
