Goffman How To Lose Face Analysis

Analysis of the phase face can be applied to all social situations. According to Goffman, “ The term face may be defined as the positive social value a person positively claims for himself by the line others assume he has taken during a particular contact” (Goffman, 1). During social interactions individuals will go to great lengths in order to save face instead of lose face. The difference between the two can be seen through an individual’s actions and the counterpart’s reactions. In many instances “to lose face” can be an embarrassment and an insult to one’s pride. In the words of Goffman, “ ‘to lose face’ seems to mean to be in the wrong face, to be out of face, or to be shame faced” (Goffman, 1). When one loses face they may commit and action either verbal or nonverbal that violates a social code, offends an individual, or embarrasses them. In many instances losing face is seen as a negative connation because the person is placed in a vulnerable position for scrutiny. Losing face can cause others to lose respect for you and can hurt the social status you have. To lose face to an individual in the middle class may mean something completely different to those of the higher class. …show more content…
Saving face has many different dimensions. In a social interaction one may try and save their own face or the counterpart may regret in a way to help them save face. This concept can be seen as the defensive orientation of saving their face and protective orientation of saving another’s face. An example of protective the ultimate goal of saving face is to maintain one’s dignity, honor, and respect. According to Goffman, “Each person, subculture, and society seems to have its own characteristics of repertoire of face-saving practices” (Goffman,