Narodziny humanisty: Doświadczenie „teatru życia codziennego” i „instytucji totalnych” w pracach i biografii Ervinga Goffmana
The Birth of a Humanist: The Experience of the 'Theater of Everyday Life' and 'Total Institutions' in the Works and Biography of Erving Goffman

Summary/Abstract: The article is a pioneering attempt to show the close connections between the works of the great luminary of sociology, Erving Goffman, and his life journey – from a 'rational scientist' to an 'empathetic humanist'. The authors discuss Goffman’s key concepts, such as the “theatre of life,” 'stigma', and 'total institutions', and link them to his personal experiences: his status as an Other, his mastery of the art of pretending, and his response to the illness and death of close partners. Goffman’s metamorphosis from a hardcore scientist to humanist is presented here as intertwined with his evolution from a misogynist into a sensitive feminist, from a cool, detached researcher into a compassionate and wise mentor. The article also points to intriguing affinities between Goffman and the Polish writer, Witold Gombrowicz – a topic that calls for a separate study.

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