The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (by Erving Goffman)

"The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life" by Erving Goffman explores how people behave like actors on a stage, managing their impressions in social interactions. We tailor our words, actions, and appearance based on the setting and who we're with, aiming to present ourselves favorably. This "performance" helps us navigate social norms and maintain relationships. Goffman emphasizes that much of our daily life involves such strategic presentations, revealing how social roles influence behavior and how individuals manage their identity in various social contexts.