Deciphering Goffman: the structure of his sociological theory revisited

Challenging the 'classical' conception of Goffman's sociology, this book offers a new interpretation based on a comprehensive examination of previous interpretations and critical assessments of Goffman's work.

Epistemologically, the book acknowledges the important but overlooked influences of both pluralism and particularly of pragmatism, where not only Simmel but also James and Dewey played a pivotal role in his work, thus rooting Goffman's thought in symbolic interactionism.