Final answer:
Erving Goffman's dramaturgical analysis likens social interaction to theater, with impression management and personal front being key elements in how we present ourselves to others in varying contexts. The personal front consists of the expressive equipment we consciously or unconsciously use, like clothing and gestures, to create a particular appearance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erving Goffman's dramaturgical analysis draws parallels between social interaction and theater. In his theory, Goffman suggests we engage in impression management akin to actors on a stage, modifying our behavior based on the setting and audience to convey a desired impression. This act involves different elements, including the setting, which is the physical scene, and the personal front, consisting of appearance and mannerisms that communicate social information to others.
Following Goffman's ideas, the personal front includes aspects like clothing, hairstyle, makeup, and other personal expressions—which we choose in an effort to manage how we are perceived by those around us. These choices reflect both our individual sense of self and the influence of societal expectations and reactions. Therefore, the personal front is crucial for the performance of one's role in different social contexts, whether one is interacting with coworkers, relatives, or during a blind date.
Expanding on Charles Cooley's looking-glass self, our sense of self is shaped not only by our perception of how others see us but also by their reactions, which act as a 'mirror' reflecting our social persona back to us. Within this process, we can see how one's personal front is continually shifting and is influenced by the various 'stages' or social situations that we find ourselves in.