SOC250 Independent
Research Project
Name: Claire Langtry
Student Number: 3743226
Tutor: Matt Dallas
Tutorial Time: Thursday 10.30
Student Number: 3743226
Tutor: Matt Dallas
Tutorial Time: Thursday 10.30
The
natural occurring data I have chosen to analyse transpired on the British talk
show “Parkinson”. The show hosted by journalist Michael Parkinson has been on
air on and off for 36 years, and during this time he has interviewed some of
the world’s most high profile people from celebrities to sporting royalty and
back again (Episodes World 2012). The segment I have chosen to analyse is 2
minutes and 35 seconds of a longer interview by Parkinson in 2001, with his
guests David Beckham a British football player, and his wife Victoria Beckham a
fashion designer and former Spice Girl, “Posh Spice”, whose marriage in 1999
and the amalgamation of their individual brands propelled them further into the
public eye (Parentier 2011 p.218). Throughout the interview, the two are
questioned by Parkinson on their professional and personal lives. This clip is
intriguing as it is unusual to see a husband and wife being interviewed
together, and the familiarity in their interactions and the way that all three
interact in this situation makes it very interesting to analyse.
For
any performance the “setting” is important and can include furniture, props,
physical layout, costume and so on, these in most cases stay in the same place
meaning the individual can only perform when they are there (Goffman 1971 p.33).
In the data, the setting shows the interviewees David and Victoria sitting next
to each other, whereas the interviewer Parkinson is in a chair to the side and
they are separated by a small table with glasses on it (1), the set also has a
bright purple backdrop and this enables those involved in the interview to
stand out to the viewer. There is a studio audience present and although the
camera does not show the audience to the viewer, they can be heard through
their reactions to what is being said. The
set is important in this instance as it sets up the type of interaction they
will have, throughout the interview all involved appear to be at ease, respecting
the situation they are in, and also each other. Victoria answers the majority
of the questions that are posed to the couple, with David taking a back seat
until the end, although he uses body language and facial expressions to add to
the interaction without having to actually speak. The contact between the two creates the
impression for the viewer that they have a reciprocated admiration and
affection for each other, which is what is expected by the viewer because of
their relationship.
Screen Shot 1
The
idea of performances and “belief in the part one is playing”, is a notion
studied by Goffman (Goffman 1971 p. 29). The metaphor of theatre is used when
refering to an individual’s performance in everyday life (Nelson 2009 p.121). He
states that individuals offer their own “performance and put on a show for the
benefit of other people” (Goffman 1971 p.29). In the data, all three involved
in the interview perform on some level in their chosen profession, yet
Goffman’s theory can also transcend into their personal lives, making it is
possible that in the context of the interview all three are still performing,
just in a different role. Parkinson’s role as the interviewer and host is one
that he regularly undertakes, and he questions without giving away much of
himself to the viewer. On the other hand, David, and Victoria especially, offer
more of themselves by giving an insight into their personal and professional
lives. They both put on a performance for the viewers; this also benefits other
such as employers, fans and the media and ultimately themselves through how
they are perceived by others. In the data they all appear to believe in the
parts they are playing.
Dramaturgy
is a concept that seems to be described effectively in William Shakespeare’s
quote “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many
parts”. Everyday across the world, every person is under the spot light and are
on a “stage” with other actors, props, sets, costumes, reviews and so on,
“acting” in a particular way to create a respectable impression of themselves
(Gardiner 1992 pp.33-34). In the data, impression management is evident. David
and Victoria’s physical presentation intentionally givens the impression that
they are well off and live a comfortable lifestyle, David is wearing a large
diamond earring in each ear (2), he is also dressed in a suit, with Victoria
wearing a stylish dress and a sizable diamond bracelet (3). They also
intentionally give the impression that they are down to earth through the topics discussed such as Victoria being a
working mother, she says “I like to think people can relate to me. I’m a normal
girl, I’m a working mum, you know, I’m working very hard and trying to raise a
family at the same time”. However, without noticing they are also giving
impressions to the viewer unintentionally through Victoria constantly fiddling
with her dress, suggesting that she feel self-conscious and is aware of the
impression she wants to project to the viewer (Whelan 2012).
Screen Shot 2
Screen Shot 3
When watching a stage show there is a front stage
where the story is played out for the audience, and the back stage where the actors
can go and be themselves. For Goffman, these are two very different regions, the
front stage is where the performance for the audience occurs and “the pressure
is ‘on’” to maintain a positive image of yourself. Yet, in the backstage you
are “off stage” (Richards 2001 p.61). Goffman writes about some of the different
language used backstage including “profanity, open sexual remarks, elaborate
griping, smoking, roughened formal dress, ‘sloppy’ sitting and standing
posture, use of dialect or substandard speech, mumbling and shouting” he then
goes onto say this is the opposite of the front stage (Whelan 2012). The data shows David and Victoria’s front
stage, in the interview she says “We have seen the comedy sketches you see, we
have got that off to a fine art now”. This statement implies that they are
aware of the criticism that they receive at times and shows they are aware of
what individuals in the front say about them. Interestingly, as they are both
public figures, at times they seem to have given us a quick glimpse into the
backstage of their lives. In one instance, Victoria refers to David as “golden
balls” and the audience are left to question if you are seeing more than the
front stage. However, as this is their job, even if at times we feel we are
getting a hint of the back stage, it is possible we are still only seeing the
front stage as they are showing only as much as they want the audience to see.
Dramatic
Realization, is a further concept penned by Goffman and focuses on an activity
that an individaul does that uses signs or guestures to highlight what they are
doing or discussing that may not have been clear otherwise. These actions play
a important role in expressing what they wish to convey (Goffman 1971 p.40). The
Oxford online dictionary describes body language as “conscious and unconscious movements and postures by
which attitudes and feelings are communicated” (Oxford Dictionary 2012). In the
interview, body language and signs play a vital role in how the three interact and
assist in creating the dynamics of the interview, while also reinforcing what
they are saying. During the interview Victoria in particular, uses her hand to
reiterate and accentuate what she is saying. In one instance, Victoria
refers to David as “Golden Balls” and covers her mouth for a moment implying
this is something she should not say, that it is cheeky and David should not
hear, although she is aware he will, as he is sitting next to her (4) . Yet by
making the movement with her hand, the dramatized action is highlighting that
she is aware of what she is saying, yet she is doing so playfully as she also
has a smile on her face, as does David.
Screen Shot 4
A further example of dramatic realisation in the
interview, occurs when Parkinson says to Victoria “Do
you think they think you are too pushy perhaps? Is that what they think?
Victoria laughing then replies “A bit too pushy? I’m sure some people do” at
this point all three are laughing and David uses body language and nods his
head, to this Victoria replies “Shut up David”, while still laughing she
brushes him off by making a waving movement with her hand, this easy
interaction again suggests that they are comfortable with each other and are having
a joke and are not serious (5). They are presenting the image of themselves as easy
going and that they don’t take themselves too seriously. In using her hand to
brush him off while laughing; she is echoing to the audience that what she is
saying is a joke. In both of these examples we can see how dramatic realisation
and body language can give the audience an enhanced understanding of what is
happening.
Screen
Shot 5
Rules and codes of conduct are a set of social
norms that are present in countless interactions, between individuals,
outlining how they should act across the globe on a daily basis (Jimerson &Oware
2006 pp. 24-25). These rules prohibit and recommend how we conduct ourselves
around others during interactions (Cogan 1996 p.98). These can affect
individuals in two different ways, directly through obligations of how an
individual should act and indirectly through expectations others may have in
regard to another individual. When an individual “becomes involved in the
maintenance of a rule, he tends to become committed to a particular image of
self” (Goffman 1967 pp.49-50). In the
data, we can see how rules of conduct are maintained by the three people
involved as they act in the way that is expected of them. They are cooperative
and respectful, Parkinson questions and Victoria and David answer the questions
playfully, without trying to offend anyone, although when Victoria makes a
comment about the press, she says “I think they think I’m a miserable cow in
high heels and just go down bond street all the time”, she then quickly goes
onto say “Not that there is anything wrong with that”, in saying this she is
saving face and attempting not to hurt anyone. In doing this they are maintaining
their image and ensuring others expectations of them remain intact and their
reputations are not tarnished because they broke a code of conduct.
In
conclusion, the 2 minutes and 35 second clip of naturally occurring data
featuring Michael Parkinson, David Beckham and Victoria Beckham has proved to
be an intriguing platform for deeper analysis. Theories and ideas studied this
semester in SOC250, were used to interpret the data such as Goffmans idea of performances and the belief
in the parts people play in day to day life, and it is apparent that all three
are playing a role, are comfortable with this role and believe in the part they
are playing. Impression management was also discussed focusing on the
impression that all three intentionally give, through clothes and dialogue and
the unintentional impression given through body language and so on. The concept
of front and backstage was looked at, with those involved only showing the
front in their interaction. Dramatic realization and signs were used to
reconfirm to the viewer what they were saying, Victoria in particular dominated
the majority of the conversation and used dramatic realization, signs and gestures
to emphasise what she was saying. Rules of conduct were also considered and
what was evident was that all three were following rules of conduct and were
respectful towards each other throughout. These theories and concepts all
played a role in breaking down the clip and analysing what was happening throughout
the interaction, effectively allowing us to delve deeper into
understanding what is happening underneath the surface of the interview.
References
·
Goffman, Erving 1971, “Performances” The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life,
Hamondsworth, Penguin, accessed 23 August 2012, University of Wollongong
Library e-reading.
·
Goffman, Erving 1967, “The nature of Deference and
Demeanor”, in Interaction Ritual: Essays
on Face-to-Face Behaviour, Doubleday, Garden City, accessed 21/8/2012,
University of Wollongong Library e-readings
·
Parentier, M A 2011, “When David met Victoria:
Forging a strong family brand”, Family
Business Review, vol 24, iss 3, pp. 217 – 232, accessed 29/10/2, University
of Wollongong Library website
·
Cogan, N H 1996, “The Rules of Everyday
Life”, The ANNALS of the American Academy
of Political and Social Science, vol 543, iss 1, pp 97 – 102, accessed
26/10/12, University of Wollongong Library website
·
Gardiner, W 1992, “Lessons in
Organisational Dramaturgy: The art of impression management”, Organisational Dynamics, vol 21, iss 1,
pp. 33 – 46, accessed 26/10/12, University of Wollongong Library website
·
Jimerson, J & Oware, M 2006, “Telling the code
of the Street: An Ethnometgodological Ethnography”, Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, vol 35, no 1, pp 24-50,
accessed 5/9/12, University of Wollongong Library website
·
Richards, A 2001, “Shaking the Frame:
Erving Goffman & Performance Studies”, Australasia
Drama Studies, iss 39, p58, accessed 26/10/12, University of Wollongong
Library website
·
Nelson, K B 2009, “Enhancing the
Attendee’s Experience through Creative Design of the Event Environment:
Applying Goffmans Dramaturgical Perspective”, Journal of Convention & Event Tourism, vol 10, iss 2, pp.120 –
133, accessed 27/10/12, University of Wollongong Library website.
·
BBC 2008, David and Victoria Beckham interview – part 1- Parkinson, accessed
20/8/12, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqe6wGF58cM
·
Whelan, A 2012, “Dramaturgy”, lecture
notes, accessed 26/10/12, Blogger.com
·
Oxford Online Dictionary 2012, Body Language, accessed 27/10/12, http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/body%2Blanguage?q=body+language
·
Episodes World 2012, Parkinson, accessed 27/8/12
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