The Performance of Self: How Social Theories Explain Our Curated Identities
Published on: January 30, 2026, 10:27 am
By Jose IV T. Lopez, University of Cebu Main Campus
The internet is currently abuzz with a performative discourse, where many voices criticize so-called "performatives" for being deceptive and eroding individuality. While these points have merit, I believe it is crucial to unpack this phenomenon from a different perspective. In my view, performance has become deeply integrated into our identity, unconsciously woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
The Unconscious Drive to Perform
Consider how we style our outfits, apply makeup, modify our language and pronunciation, choose perfumes, select music, or generally present ourselves to the outside world. These actions are performative, driven by an unconscious desire to make an impression not only on ourselves but on society at large. This behavior is not merely superficial; it reflects a fundamental aspect of human interaction.
Goffman's Dramaturgical Analogy
Erving Goffman's theatrical stage analogy provides a powerful framework for understanding this dynamic. He differentiates between the front stage and the backstage in our social lives. The front stage represents our public self, where we are observed by an audience—the people of society. Here, we present ourselves in curated ways, often influenced by socioeconomic status or social expectations.
In contrast, the backstage is our private self, accessible only to a select few. This is where we can let our guards down, free from the conformist demands of society. This dramaturgical approach highlights how people adapt their presentations based on comfort and convenience, navigating different social contexts with varying personas.
Political and Psychological Dimensions
From a political standpoint, the Social Contract Theory elucidates why individuals voluntarily relinquish some rights and autonomies to a governing authority. In exchange, they gain security, stability, and supervision, enabling membership in a civilized society. This theory resonates deeply today, as the human yearning to belong drives much of our social behavior.
While I am not a professional psychologist, insights from Tajfel and Turner's Social Identity Theory further illuminate this topic. This theory posits that humans enhance their self-esteem and foster a sense of belonging by identifying with specific groups. It categorizes groups into two types:
- In-groups: Composed of individuals with whom we resonate, based on dimensions such as religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, politics, or shared interests.
- Out-groups: Consist of people outside these typologies, often perceived as alien to our collective identity.
In essence, in-groups provide membership and solidarity, while out-groups may become targets of prejudice. This framework sets the tone for why people engage in performative behavior: to avoid being seen as foreign and subjected to discrimination, as xenophobia can unfortunately manifest in social interactions.
Acknowledging the Complexity of Identity
All these theories collectively explain why people behave the way they do, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and creating space for this discourse. However, my conclusion might seem to contradict the initial critique. I struggle with the idea that we have reached a point where performance is so deeply etched into our identity merely to become palatable—not just to society, but to our own insatiable desires for acceptance and validation.
This integration of performance into identity is a complex, multifaceted issue that warrants thoughtful reflection rather than simplistic condemnation. By understanding the social, political, and psychological underpinnings, we can better navigate the nuances of individuality and conformity in the modern world.
