ABSTRACT
Several thinkers have already established that opposing conceptions of dominant sociology on the one hand and Goffman's work on the other is the main reason behind the misunderstandings of some of his critics. Furthermore, some have also explicitly addressed the relationship between the epistemological conception and the theoretical and methodological positions of both Goffman and of those who criticize him. This chapter discusses the misunderstandings about Goffman and the consequent depreciation of his work which is the result of a conflict or, better put, a clash between two perspectives, two viewpoints, two paradigmatic ways of understanding social life. Scheff has clearly defined the basic nature of the conflict, stating that Goffman's work challenges the "overall footing of social sciences". The chapter details the various inconsistencies among Goffman's critics between James, pragmatism, and the multiplicity of selves.
