Final answer:
The setting, in Goffman's dramaturgical analysis, refers to the physical scene of social interaction, akin to a theater set, which sets the stage for how individuals present themselves and perform their roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of setting according to Erving Goffman's dramaturgical analysis refers to the physical scene where social interactions take place. This includes the location, time, and the physical props that help set the stage for human behavior and social interaction. For Goffman, the setting provides the context that influences how individuals perform their roles within any given situation. It's analogous to a theater set that helps the audience understand the plot and dynamics of a play. In everyday life, settings contribute to the broader frame of reference that individuals use for impression management, guiding the way they present themselves in different social contexts.