Exploring the Dynamics of Gender Representation in the Concept of Dramaturgy on Social Media
In the digital age, social media has become the main stage for self-expression. From sharing photos to expressing opinions, every post reflects who we are, or at least, who we want to appear. Interestingly, the way men and women present themselves on social media is often influenced by culturally embedded gender roles. In fact, religious texts are often used as a tool to reinforce these identities.
In a research journal article written by Musfiah Saidah, Maya Maulidia, Diah Ayu and Rafiq Subhi on “Dramaturgy of Gender Roles in Personal Outreach on Social Media Through Religious Texts”, published in the Harkat Journal of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta in 2023, it explains how men and women “play” in the virtual world.
The concept of dramaturgy, which views life as a theatrical stage, suggests that on social media, we are all actors. Statuses, captions, or even photo choices are all part of the “show”. This concept was introduced by Erving Goffman, who saw individuals as “actors” who play certain roles on the social “stage”. This research explores how men and women present themselves on social media in certain ways to fulfill gender expectations.
Why are Women and Men Different on Social Media?
The results show that women more often utilize social media to show their relational side, such as sharing inspiring advice or religious quotes. In contrast, men are more likely to focus on the leadership side, such as posting religious opinions or personal achievements related to spiritual values.
When linked to dramaturgical strategies in explaining why the phenomenon of women and men are different on social media, this study reveals that women are more personal and emotional in using social media. Women tend to choose quotes that match their psychological state or current life experiences. Men, on the other hand, tend to be more formal and goal-directed. To show their knowledge or social position, not just emotional expression.
The Terms Front Stage and Back Stage in the Concept of Dramaturgy
In the concept of dramaturgy developed by Erving Goffman, social interaction is divided into two main spaces, namely the front stage and the back stage. These two concepts are used to understand a person (actor) presenting themselves on social media, especially in the context of gender and the use of religious texts.
The front stage is explained as a space for someone who appears before the public, in this case social media. Social media becomes the main platform for the front stage, where users “play their roles” to give a certain impression that they want to display. On this front stage, actors (social media users) carefully choose attributes such as religious quotes, photos, or statuses that they consider support the image they want to build.
Meanwhile, the back stage is a space where individuals can behave more freely without the need to think about public impressions. Here, individuals show their true side, which may differ from what they display on the front stage. The back stage includes activities that are invisible to social media audiences, such as the process of choosing a religious quote or the underlying emotion of a particular post. For example, someone may choose a religious quote to show calmness, but behind the scenes, they may be experiencing anxiety or doubt.
Dramaturgy Develops Insights for Social Media Users
By adopting Erving Goffman's concept of dramaturgy, this research expands the understanding of how individuals play a role on social media as a front stage, while keeping their personal lives on the back stage. It provides a new perspective in social media studies, particularly on how online interactions can be influenced by cultural, religious and gender norms.
In addition, this research is also relevant to the wider community as it provides a reflection on how our behavior on social media is influenced by social and cultural expectations. And for academics or practitioners in the fields of communication, gender and media, this research provides a basis for further exploration of the relationship between digital identity, gender and religion.
This research shows that social media becomes a “front stage” for men and women to perform gender-role identities through religious texts. Men tend to prefer texts that demonstrate authority, while women emphasize emotion and personal experience. This difference reflects gender norms in religious culture. Social media serves as a space to filter self-image, as well as a medium to understand gender dynamics and identity negotiations in the digital era.
(Aida Adha Siregar/Fauziah M./Dzihan Aufa Kilmi Firdausi)
Source of Journal Article
Research Title: Dramaturgy of Gender Roles in Personal Outreach on Social Media Through Religious Texts
Journal Publication : Harkat Journal: Gender Communication Media
Author: Musfiah Saidah, Maya Maulidia, Diah Ayu and Rafiq Subhi
Article link : https://journal.uinjkt.ac.id/index.php/psga/article/view/34513/pdf
**Research Article Review is a review of research journal articles written by lecturers at UIN Jakarta that discuss current issues close to the community as recommendations or case studies on social phenomena.
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