The Virtual Self and Cultural Psychology

Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday.
“The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life” by Erving Goffman explores how
individuals manage their self-presentation in everyday social interactions. Goffman argues
that people engage in impression management, which is the process of actively managing the
impressions that others have of them. Through various examples, Goffman illustrates people
use different strategies to create and maintain a certain impression, including clothing, body
language, and verbal communication.
Goffman introduces the concept of “impression management” early in the book and
defines it as “the art of creating favorable first impressions” (p. 22). He argues that
individuals engage in impression management by strategically presenting themselves to
others in a way that creates a particular impression. Impression management has widespread
implications in various phenomena including social status, power dynamics, and group
membership.
The book is divided into two sections: the first section focuses on the concepts of
impression management and front-stage and back-stage behavior, while the second section
examines the implications of these concepts in various social settings, including work, the
arts, and leisure activities. One of the strengths of the book is the focus on the micro-level of
social interaction. By examining how people present themselves in specific situations,
Goffman provides valuable insights into the complexity of human behavior.
This concept is significant because it highlights the importance of self-presentation in
social interaction. Goffman contends that individuals are constantly engaged in impression
management, whether they are aware of it or not. By carefully selecting what to reveal and

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conceal, individuals can shape how others perceive them and influence the outcome of social
interactions.
“The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life” is considered an important and influential
work in the field of sociology. By providing a framework for understanding how individuals
construct their identities and manage their self-presentation in various social situations, the
author demonstrates that the social environment plays a crucial role in determining how
people present themselves to others. For example, in order to fit in a wealthy society,
individuals must carefully stage their financial, social, and personal outlooks. These external
cues are then perceived by those around them as symbols of opulence, leading to acceptance.

Cultural Psychology

Poulin-Dubois, D., & Brosseau-Liard, P. (2016). The Developmental Origins of Selective
Social Learning. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 25(1),
60–64. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721415613962
This article highlights the origins of selective social learning, which is a key aspect of
human cognition and behavior. The authors argue that the ability to selectively learn from
specific individuals develops early in life and is impacted by various factors. The article
provides insights into the complex nature of social learning and the role it plays in shaping
human behavior.
The authors contend that selective social learning is a critical cognitive function that
allows individuals to learn from reliable sources of information. It is the ability to distinguish
between different sources of information and to choose those that are deemed knowledgeable
or trustworthy. The authors assert that this ability develops early in life, and children as
young as 6 months show a preference for individuals who display certain traits. For example,
children were found to prefer adults or older children who provide information consistently
and accurately.

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Moreover, the article also highlights the role of social cues and cultural norms in
shaping selective social learning. Social cues such as eye gaze, pointing, and vocalizing are
essential for infants to learn from others. Cultural norms also play a significant role in
shaping selective social learning. For example, in collectivistic cultures, individuals may
prioritize learning from those within their own social group.
The authors further assert that understanding the developmental origins of selective
social learning is critical to understanding how it shapes social behavior and cognition
throughout the lifespan. Selective social learning plays a role in a range of social behaviors,
including social trust, cooperation, and conformity. The ability to selectively learn from
reliable sources is also linked to the development of social norms and moral reasoning.
Overall, the authors provide valuable insights into the origins and development of
selective social learning. By shedding light on the complexity of cognitive function, the
authors show that social learning is a significant factor in shaping social norms and moral
reasoning.