Politeness Theory & Abusive Relationships

Brown and Levinson (1987) developed politeness theory based on Goffman’s (1959) face theory. Since politeness stems from face, face is explained first in order to understand politeness. Face and politeness are the theories that I will use to examine how partners manipulate politeness
to continue emotional abuse.
In the following section, I will give an overview of each theory before examining the dark side of politeness theory.