Final answer:
Goffman's mechanism for showing deference to others is facework, which relates to the broader concept of impression management within his dramaturgy theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Erving Goffman, the mechanism people use to show deference to others is b) Facework. Goffman's concept of facework is part of the broader idea of impression management, which falls under his theory of dramaturgy. Impression management is the process by which people attempt to influence the perceptions of other people about a person, object, or event by regulating and controlling information in social interaction.
In essence, everyone is an actor on a social 'stage' performing roles with the aim to control the impressions others form about them.
This is done to achieve a favorable definition of the situation, aiming for positive social value through interactions.