Quran and Social Sciences

Quran and Social Sciences

Applying Goffman’s Dramaturgical Theory to the Representation of the Social Identity of Disbelievers in the Holy Qur’an

Document Type : Original Article

Author
faroogh nemati
Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/arq.2026.252003
Abstract
In representing social groups, the Holy Qur’an does not merely describe their beliefs and actions; rather, through linguistic and narrative strategies, it also constructs their social identities. Among the prominent groups represented in this manner are the disbelievers, who are characterized in various verses by denial of the truth, disputation, mockery, arrogance, and influence over others. The present study seeks to analyze the representation of the social identity of the disbelievers in the Holy Qur’an based on Goffman’s theory of “dramaturgical analysis.” Within this framework, concepts such as role performance, impression management, self-presentation, the social stage, and the discrepancy between appearance and reality serve as the basis for analysis. The study employs a descriptive-analytical method, with data selected from verses in which the disbelievers are depicted in dialogical, behavioral, and confrontational situations involving prophets, believers, or other audiences. The findings demonstrate that the Qur’an does not represent the disbelievers merely as deniers of the truth; rather, it portrays them as social actors who seek to maintain their position on the social stage by performing specific roles, managing audience perceptions, concealing the truth, and displaying power and superiority. In addition to explaining the behavior of the disbelievers, this representation also serves a normative function by highlighting the boundary between faith-based and unbelieving identities. Accordingly, Goffman’s dramaturgical theory can provide an effective framework for understanding the social and communicative dimensions of the Qur’anic representation of the disbelievers.
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Keywords
Holy Qur&‌‌rsquo
an
Disbelievers
Social identity
Dramaturgical analysis theory
Goffman
Representation
Social interaction
Subjects
The Holy Qur’an
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Quran and Social Sciences
Volume 6, Issue 2 - Serial Number 22
Spring 2026
Pages 116-151

  • Receive Date 06 June 2026
  • Revise Date 30 June 2026
  • Accept Date 31 August 2026