Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Article Review Example

Part 1:

The author was born in Canada, Alberta. He was a sociologist and a writer; he later received his Bachelors Degree from University of Toronto. He then proceeded to complete his Masters in 1949 and PHD in 1959 from University of Chicago. He published the book in 1959 and later received American Sociological Association’s Maclever award in 1961.

Part 2:

The objective or scientific theory aims at discovering the truth through the highest value of objectivity. This theory uses quantitative methods like surveys and experiments to verify information in an objective manner. The theory explains data and tries to draw meaning and order out of chaos. On the other hand the interpretive theory has aims based on freer thinking methods. This theory seeks to create several realities and is based on the free will. The interpretative theory unlike the scientific theory, leaves questions open for interpretation.

The scientific theory predicts future events in physical science this prediction is accurate than in social science where prediction is based on probability. By the relative simplicity the parsimony recurs that we embrace the simple rather than the complex explanation. This theory also tests its hypotheses where assumptions made without prove are merely guesswork.

Part 3:

Both theories use qualitative methods to collect and analyse their data and are used to explain the functioning of group communication. While the scientific theory seeks questions to predict the course of the communication the interpretative theory leaves these questions open for interpretation. The scientific theory is straight forward and simple to predict the future the interpretative theory on the other hand is more complex as it involves the reformation of the society and the societal dynamics. It is through the interpretative theory that we are bale to understand the different symbols that are used in communication between people. Furthermore human communication utilizes symbols that represent their ideas and thoughts.

Part 4:

Such relationships are realized by closeness that is fueled by rewards and outcomes. These are the items that motivate the communication to take on a process of growth from the superficial to intimate. Griffin the used the theory of social exchange incorporated into the social penetration theory through the relation of behavior associated by the perceived benefits.

The theory supports the concept that relationship behavior and status is regulated by parties who have perceived rewards and costs of the interaction.

Part 5:

According to this theory relationships develop through a gradual and systematic manner or process. This process also applies to the deterioration of the relationship. Relationships deteriorate is the participants do not realize the perceived rewards and benefits that were expected at the begging of the interaction. At the begging of the interaction when the participants are exchanging peripheral items if the items do not present any similarities or present a hope for future benefits this interaction dies out. Since the first stage is usually fast if the interaction is successful they move fast to intimacy. However if the peripherals items are not productive the interaction also dies out fast. In addition if the interaction had proceeded to the intimate level then the participants have a chance to share intimate items.

Part 6:

The concept of media ownership deals with the proportion of the number of people who own and control media houses. This also involves the number of those who are exposed and influenced by the same media. It is without a doubt that media has great influence over the actions and behavior of the society. Therefore media is a matter of concern to the society as a whole. The perception is that if media was in the hands of the public then the effects on the society would be different.

Since most media houses are owned and controlled by a few then the results is the current social deterioration. The debate is that by giving media to the public the commercialization of media programs would reduce. The view is that it is from the commercialization of media that drives the hunger to sell to the loyal consumers. Since media is often funded by sponsorships like governments and advertisements then the media have to be loyal to them. Such loyalty has led to the biasness in reporting of news and facts. By making them public the media will have to be loyal to their stakeholders who are the general public.

Conclusion

In my opinion, this will also reduce the monopoly created by the few individuals and persons controlling the airwaves. In addition it will increase moral and societal values that represent the public interest. The concept is that by going public the media houses will be more accountable for every news and programs aired. This will also increase accountability as they have to present their programs to the general public. This will also require that they have diversity in their programs that promote societal harmony. The Facebook account opened will enhance harmony and peace which are realized when the common good of the society is marketed through the use of media. The commercialization of media houses led to the theory of free press that is seen as the cause of the loss of information to the public that leads to biasness.

Reference

Goffman, E. (2009). Presentation of Self in Everyday Life” Retrieved November 6, 2010 from http://www.clockwatching.net/~jimmy/eng101/articles/goffman_intro.pdf