The two essays in this classic work by sociologist Erving Goffman deal
with the calculative, gamelike aspects of human interaction. Goffman
examines the strategy of words and deeds; he uses the term strategic
interaction to describe gamelike events in which an individual's
situation is fully dependent on the move of one's opponent and in which
both players know this and have the wit to use this awareness for
advantage. Goffman aims to show that strategic interaction can be
isolated analytically from the general study of communication and
face-to-face interaction.
The first essay addresses expression games, in which a participant spars
to discover the value of information given openly or unwittingly by
another. The author uses vivid examples from espionage literature and
high-level political intrigue to show how people mislead one another in
the information game. Both observer and observed create evidence that is
false and uncover evidence that is real.
In Strategic Interaction, the book's second essay, action is the central
concern, and expression games are secondary. Goffman makes clear that
often, when it seems that an opponent sets off a course of action
through verbal communication, he really has a finger on your trigger,
your chips on the table, or your check in his bank. Communication may
reinforce conduct, but in the end, action speaks louder.
Those who gamble with their wits, and those who study those who do, will
find this analysis important and stimulating.
