This thesis examines the hidden aspect of family dynamic and questions the idealized convention of family portraits. Based on Erving Goffman’s theatrical theory of community, family as a relaxing intimate group in the backstage, the underlying tensions, conflicts, and power play are discussed. This thesis draws upon the familial issues and treatments of Leon J. Saul and Rhee Dong Shick to evalu...

Erving Goffman's essay, "On the Characteristics of Total Institutions," is classic example of the relation between methods of presenting research and scholarship and to their political content, which is to never simple and direct. This assay analyzes the politica of the presentation in Goffman.