essay "The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life"

"The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life" by Erving Goffman explores how people manage their image and behavior in social interactions, akin to actors performing on a stage. He suggests individuals tailor their actions, words, and appearance to influence how others perceive them, aiming to create a desired impression. This ongoing 'performance' helps maintain social order and relationships. Goffman's work highlights that much of our daily behavior is strategic and context-dependent, emphasizing the importance of understanding social roles and the ways we present ourselves in various situations.