Back region

From Geography

The term back region is used to describe an area (within social networks) in which one can retrieve from social control. It therefore is the opposite of the front region in which one finds himself under social constraints. Psychologically seen people can also be in a back region, while being among other people. In such a situation the back region might also be reached in thoughts, meaning that one can think and wish something else than corresponding with his overt behaviour. Without the possibility to retreat into the back region, everybody would act as he or she wishes and say what he or she is thinking. When given a more spatial implication, the back region can be seen as a spatial entity where one can be alone, for example the home.

The term is introduced by Goffen and used by Giddens (see front region).

References:

Orgtheory.net http://orgtheory.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/goffmans-front-and-backstages/

For clear examples see http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id2.html

Published by Lorenzo Goudsmits (s0827991) & Lisanne Dols (s0822701)