Mommin' Ain't Easy: Conforming to Societal Expectations on Facebook and in Real Life

Abstract

Goffman’s dramaturgical theory focuses on how we perform in our daily lives, guiding our expectations and disciplining our actions. We utilize back stage areas (private spaces) and front stage areas (public spaces) in these performances. This case study explores how mothers engage in the difficult work of motherhood while portraying themselves as “the perfect mother.” This performance includes completing the invisible labor of motherhood (contained within the back stage area) as well as recognizing social media as a new front stage area in which to perform motherhood.