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The Red, Shaking Fool: Dramaturgical Dilemmas in Shyness
Author(s) -
Scott Susie
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
symbolic interaction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.874
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1533-8665
pISSN - 0195-6086
DOI - 10.1525/si.2005.28.1.91
Subject(s) - shyness , symbolic interactionism , social psychology , psychology , competence (human resources) , identity (music) , the symbolic , sociology , aesthetics , psychoanalysis , anxiety , philosophy , psychiatry
Shyness has previously been conceptualized as an object of psychological study, but a symbolic interactionist approach relocates the condition in its social context. Using data from in‐depth interviews and an e‐mail distribution list, this article considers the ways in which the shy role is defined and negotiated in everyday interaction. It examines the myriad dramaturgical strategies through which shy actors attempt to conceal their lack of poise and competence, as well as how shyness itself can be a discrediting performance. Managing this identity therefore requires complex skills of self‐presentation and paradoxically reveals a strong commitment to the interaction order.