TOWARD AN INTERPARADIGMATIC DIALOGUE ON GOFFMAN

Many observers have lamented the fact that sociology continues to frag ment into a number of allegedly incompatible theoretical camps. To cou ntervail such sectarian tendencies. I suggest that we return to the wr itings of key thinkers in our field--here specifically Erving Goffman- and search for those findings, observations, concepts, or analyses whi ch have found purchase across the discipline and which seemingly defy the forces of theoretical balkanization. This interparadigmatic dialog ue on Goffman can be realized only if a concerted effort is made to br ing together representatives of sociology's major theory groups to dis cuss their possibly varying interpretations of Goffman. Problems assoc iated with launching such a unification project are discussed.