Goffman

Erving Goffman was a sociologist who studied how people present themselves in social interactions. He compared social life to a theatrical performance, where individuals manage their behavior—called "impression management"—to create a certain image in the minds of others. Goffman introduced ideas like "front stage" and "back stage," explaining how people act differently depending on the setting. His work helps us understand everyday social dynamics, including how we communicate, show our identities, and navigate social roles, revealing the subtle ways people influence how they are perceived by others.