Final answer:
Erving Goffman outlined three reasons for studying microsociology: understanding identity construction, analyzing interaction patterns, and examining power dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erving Goffman identified three reasons for studying microsociology. The first reason is to understand how individuals construct their identity and present themselves in social situations. Goffman used the analogy of theater to explain how people perform different roles and adapt their behavior based on the social context. The second reason is to analyze the patterns and scripts that shape social interactions. Goffman believed that social interactions follow cultural scripts and are guided by shared understandings of appropriate behavior. Lastly, microsociology helps us understand power dynamics and inequalities in social interactions. Goffman examined how individuals with more social power influence the behavior and perceptions of others.