Social Strings Facilitation Guide

Sociology: Identity, Social Control, and the Dramaturgical Perspective

Teacher Resource

Lesson Overview

This lesson bridges classical philosophy (Nietzsche) with foundational sociology (Goffman) to explore how identity is constructed and controlled. By analyzing the "Puppet" and "Mask" metaphors, students will deconstruct how societal expectations (the "shoulds") are enforced through toxic shame, leading to the creation of "false personalities" or "front stage" performances.

Learning Objectives

Analyze the social construction of identity through a dramaturgical lens.
Evaluate the role of social control and "shaming" in maintaining social norms.
Identify the tension between the "True Self" and "Socially Conditioned Roles."

Pacing

Warm-up (Goffman) 10m

Viewing (Nietzsche) 15m

Group Activity 15m

Exit Ticket 05m

Total 45m

Video Facilitation: Nietzsche & Shame

Key Discussion Anchors

[1:20] The Oak Tree Metaphor

"Think of yourself like the seed of an oak tree... if the conditions aren't right, you can fail to become a fully grown oak tree."

Prompt: What are the "soil and sunlight" (social conditions) needed for a human to grow into their true self?

[2:57] Want vs. Should

"A pure mind says, 'This is what I want to do.' A conditioned mind says, 'This is what I should do.'"

Prompt: List 3 things you do because you truly want to, and 3 things you do only because you feel you "should." Where did those shoulds originate?

[5:28] Timmy's Mask

"He had to convince himself of his persona before he could convince others... he had to cut off contact with his authentic self."

Prompt: Why did Timmy put on the mask? What did he gain? What did he lose? Is it ever sociologically "necessary" to wear a mask?

Sociological Connections

Goffman Context: The video's "Mask" is Goffman's "Front Stage." The "True Self" corresponds to the "Back Stage" where we let our guard down.
Social Control: Shame acts as an informal sanction. It is one of the most powerful tools society uses to enforce normative behavior without formal laws.
Ideal Images: These are "Collective Representations" (Durkheim) or "Generalized Others" (Mead) that dictate the standards we use to judge ourselves.

Activity Key: Deconstructing Norms

Role: The "Good Girl"

Ideal Image:

Polite, quiet, and accommodating.
Modest appearance but aesthetically pleasing.
High academic achievement but not "bossy."

Shaming Mechanisms:

Labels: "Promiscuous," "Attention-seeker," "Bitchy."
Exclusion from peer groups.
Parental disappointment/comparisons.

Role: The "Real Man"

Ideal Image:

Stoic, avoids showing vulnerability.
Physical strength and dominance.
Financial or athletic success.

Shaming Mechanisms:

Labels: "Weak," "Sensitive," "Girly."
Mockery for crying or expressing "soft" emotions.
Questioning of masculinity/sexuality.

Exit Ticket Guidance

"How does social media amplify the 'Ideal Image' described in the video?"

Look for: Students should identify that social media acts as a 24/7 "Front Stage." The "Ideal Image" is no longer just local peers but global, curated, and filtered standards. Shaming is amplified through public metrics (likes, comments, "canceling").

Social Strings

Social Strings Facilitation Guide

Stage Directions Handout

Social Strings Slides

Deconstructing Norms Activity

Digital Mask Exit Ticket

Similar Lessons

Social Scaffolding

Jennifer Baley Gunn

Battle Cry Echoes

Kathleen Basoco

Common School Crusade

Meredith O'Brien Moseley

Foundations of Power

Joseph Worstall

Walls of Exclusion

bliddy

Total War Dossier

Oskar Smolokowski

Convention Crossroads

Chelsea Elliott

Constitutional Clash

Chelsea Elliott

Compromise Architects

Chelsea Elliott

Somatic Whispers

The Anxiety Spectrum

Breaking the Anxiety Loop

The Susceptibility Debate

Dissociation Declassified

The Identity Lab

Under Pressure

The Happiness Gym

Body Logic

Systemic Stigma and Policy Barriers