Erving Goffman and the Cold War

Erving Goffman was a social theorist of the Cold War who was deeply connected to the ethos of his time and to cold warriors and their critics. Gary D. Jaworski's book explores these connections through chapters on loyalty, betrayal, secrecy, strategy, interrogation, provocation, and aggression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Erving Goffman and the Cold War offers a fresh and thought-provoking interpretation of the sociologist Erving Goffman's work. Rather than portraying him as a mere "marginal man" or an academic outsider, Gary D. Jaworski delves into Goffman's role as a social theorist of the Cold War era. Goffman's connections were profound, spanning from the ethos of his time to a diverse array of cold warriors and their critics, including Edward A. Shils, Thomas C. Schelling, and the researchers associated with the "brainwashing" studies conducted at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. The book's chapters on loyalty, betrayal, secrecy, strategy, interrogation, provocation, and aggression serve as concrete examples of these intricate relationships.

Erving Goffman and the Cold War reveals that Goffman was far more than a mere microsociologist of everyday life. He possessed a keen insight into the complexities of Cold War America. Through his meticulous analysis, Goffman shed light on the social dynamics, power struggles, and psychological implications of the era. He explored the ways in which individuals navigated the treacherous waters of loyalty, betrayal, and suspicion, as well as the strategies employed by governments and organizations to manipulate public opinion and maintain control.

Goffman's work on the Cold War not only provides a valuable historical perspective but also has contemporary relevance. The themes he addressed—such as the erosion of trust, the use of propaganda, and the manipulation of emotions—remain relevant in our increasingly interconnected and polarized world. By examining the ways in which individuals and societies responded to the Cold War, we can gain insights into the challenges and opportunities we face today.

In conclusion, Erving Goffman and the Cold War is a groundbreaking work that challenges our preconceptions of Goffman and his contributions to social theory. Through his meticulous analysis and insightful observations, Jaworski provides a fresh perspective on the Cold War era, demonstrating Goffman's profound understanding of the social and political dynamics of the time. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in sociology, history, and the complexities of human behavior in times of crisis.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666936803