Final answer:
The main focus of Goffman's early work was the idea of dramaturgy and the study of social interaction as if it were a theater performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main focus of Goffman's early work was the idea of dramaturgy, which is the study of social interaction using theater as an analogy. Goffman believed that individuals perform different roles in different situations, just like actors on a stage. He argued that people use 'impression management' to present themselves to others as they hope to be perceived. Each situation is like a new scene, and individuals improvise their roles based on the unfolding situation.
This idea of dramaturgy expands on the ideas of Charles Cooley and the looking-glass self, which suggest that we base our image on what we think others see and react to their perceived reactions. Goffman's work emphasizes the importance of symbols and cultural 'scripts' in social interaction, and how individuals navigate these scripts to create desired impressions. Overall, Goffman's main focus was on understanding the role of performance and presentation in everyday life.