ABSTRACT
97To help achieve a better understanding of Goffman’s work, I have made an analytical distinction between two broad dimensions. One I have decided to refer to as “willing adjustment” leading to “remedial action”; the other is referred to as “necessary adjustment” leading to what I refer to as “defensive action”. This distinction is based on Goffman’s reciprocal analysis of immediate interaction, where he developed what I have called a dual perspective. Although Goffman’s predominant perspective was that of the interaction, he nevertheless shifted from this position to adopt the point of view of the individual. This change of perspective involves a different kind of relationship based on a different type of adjustment, directly related to another type of action—which I have termed defensive action. However, since substantiating the plausibility of this analytical distinction should take into account the structure of his sociological theory, it is necessary to elucidate the selection of concepts.
