Final answer:
Erving Goffman popularized the dramaturgical approach to sociology, using theater as a metaphor for social interactions where people manage impressions and perform roles in society like actors on a stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dramaturgical approach to sociology, which compares everyday life to theater and stage, was made popular by sociologist Erving Goffman. Goffman used the theater as a metaphor to describe social interaction, suggesting that individuals perform roles depending on the social context, similar to actors in a play. This performance is guided by cultural scripts and influenced by the concept of impression management, where individuals present themselves in a manner they expect to be perceived by others. He introduced the idea of role improvisation, implying that as situations change, people adjust their roles accordingly. Given the dynamic nature of social interactions, Goffman highlighted the need for individuals to manage the impressions they make on others to navigate social life effectively.