Self-Presentation and Social Interaction: A Case Study of the Buddhist Community in Makassar City

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-436-5_35How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Communication; Self-Presentation; Dramaturgi; Monk

Abstract

This study aims to identify the behavior patterns in managing the presentation of self-image of monks through a dramaturgical approach, including: the management of front stage and back stage impressions of monks within the Buddhist community in Makassar. A qualitative research method using a phenomenological perspective is employed to explore the personal experiences of research subjects in symbolic interaction and dramaturgical approaches. Participant observation and in-depth interviews are used as primary instruments for data collection. The research findings reveal that the presentation of self-image by monks, viewed through a dramaturgical lens, appears on the theatrical stage as “actors.” The front stage, as the public or social domain, involves a gentle voice intonation, the use of inner and outer robes, a shaved head, limited interaction, a friendly demeanor, maintaining eye contact and physical touch, and upholding dignity. The back stage shows a different presentation compared to the front stage. The self-image presentation on the back stage features gentle voice intonation, the use of inner robes, a shaved head, no limitations on interaction, no attention to eye contact, and no restrictions on physical touch. The use of attributes in communication, as part of the effort to interpret the surrounding environment, individual behavior, and interpersonal communication, can strengthen relationships.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Laksmi Nurul Suci
AU  - Tuti Bahfiarti
AU  - Muhammad Farid
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/07/01
TI  - Self-Presentation and Social Interaction: A Case Study of the Buddhist Community in Makassar City
BT  - Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Indonesian Social and Political Enquiries (ICISPE 2024)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 401
EP  - 412
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-436-5_35
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-436-5_35
ID  - Suci2025
ER  -