The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (book)

"The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life" by Erving Goffman explores how people manage their appearances and behavior to influence how others perceive them. Using the metaphor of theater, Goffman explains that individuals perform roles in social interactions, selecting cues like clothing, speech, and gestures to create desired impressions. These “performances” help establish identities, build relationships, and navigate social norms. The book highlights that social life is a series of such performances, often intentionally crafted to fit different situations, emphasizing the nuanced ways we present ourselves beyond mere personal honesty.