B. According to Irving Goffman (Dramaturgical Analysis pg 101) we all engage in "Impression Management" to control what others think of us. Choose two of the following social situations and describe every aspect of the "personal front" you use to manage your impression: Begin with choosing clothing and go from there, (see Data Workshop: "Analyzing Everyday" life pg103 for guidance) 1 . Going to Work, 2 . Going to Class, 3. Having a visitor/friend visit you at home 4. You are meeting a same sex friend for lunch/dinner/coffee, 5. You are meeting significant other boyfriend/girlfriend for lunch/dinner/ coffee 6. Going to a job interview, 7 . Meeting friends for Sat night partying 8 . Going grocery shopping Explain: What was different between the two situations and what was similar, what was surprising?

Below is an example response exploring how one might manage impressions differently (yet sometimes similarly) when “Going to Work” versus “Having a Visitor/Friend Visit You at Home.” ────────────────────────────── Example Answer: For this analysis, I’m choosing the situations of “Going to Work” and “Having a Visitor/Friend Visit You at Home.” In both situations, I engage in what Erving Goffman describes as “impression management,” meaning I deliberately craft a “personal front” that signals to others who I want to be perceived as. 1. Going to Work a. Clothing & Accessories: • I begin by choosing attire that fits the established professional dress code of my workplace. This might mean a neatly tailored suit or a smart blouse paired with dress pants or a pencil skirt. • Accessories are minimal and carefully selected—a classic watch, subtle jewelry, and a professional bag—signaling reliability and competence. b. Grooming: • I take extra care with personal grooming: a neat hairstyle, light makeup if applicable, and ensuring my nails are clean and tidy. • The choice of scent (a mild, professional cologne or perfume) is subtle yet signifies effort in self-care. c. Physical Appearance & Mannerisms: • I am conscious of posture and body language, maintaining a confident stance and practicing smiling at appropriate moments to appear approachable yet focused. • The way I speak is measured and polite, matching the formal context of a professional setting. • I select accessories that are consistent with a professional “front” — for example, a simple leather briefcase that conveys competence. d. Environmental Front (Contextual “Stage” Elements): • Even before entering the building, my appearance signals preparedness and respect for the workplace—my items are organized, and I’ve planned my daily schedule in a visible way (e.g., a neat planner in my bag), showing attention to detail. ────────────────────────────── 2. Having a Visitor/Friend Visit You at Home a. Clothing & Accessories: • In a home setting, the clothing choice shifts toward casual but intentional comfort. I might choose a clean, well-fitting pair of jeans with a relaxed blouse or shirt—something that feels genuine but shows that I’ve made an effort. • Accessories in this context can be more personalized: for example, a unique necklace or a statement scarf that might hint at my personality and interests rather than strict professionalism. b. Grooming: • While I still pay attention to grooming—neatly styled hair, fresh breath, and minimal makeup (or grooming in a way that still feels “me”)—the emphasis is on being approachable and relaxed rather than strictly impressive. • The home situation allows for a little more personal style; I might let my hair down or wear a look that’s slightly more expressive, matching the informal setting. c. Physical Appearance & Mannerisms: • I adopt a more relaxed yet warm posture, often greeting friends with an open smile and even a hug. • My conversation style is friendlier and might incorporate a bit of humor or storytelling, aligning with the intimate, informal nature of a home gathering. • There’s less emphasis on rigid posture and more on genuine engagement—using eye contact and casual gestures to create a comfortable atmosphere. d. Environmental Front (Contextual “Stage” Elements): • My home environment itself becomes part of my impression management. I tidy up the space, add touches like fresh flowers or a well-set coffee table to show that I care about creating a welcoming, appealing environment. • Details such as soft background music or a subtle pleasant aroma (from a candle or diffuser) support the impression I want to give: that of a conscientious, hospitable host. ────────────────────────────── Comparison: Differences and Similarities Differences: • Form of Attire: At work, the choice of clothing is highly regulated and leans towards formal, professional wear; at home, the dress code is relaxed and reflects personal style while still being neat. • Grooming Intensity: The work setting calls for meticulous grooming to project competence and professionalism. At home, grooming remains important but has more leeway for personal expression and comfort. • Environmental Cues: In the workplace, the “stage” is dictated by corporate standards (structured desk, professional briefcase), while at home the environment is curated to create warmth, intimacy, and authenticity. • Mannerisms and Speech: In a professional setting, movements and communication are controlled and deliberate to signal authority and reliability. In the home scenario, there is more room for spontaneous, playful, and intimate behavior. Similarities: • Conscious Effort: In both contexts, I engage in a deliberate dressing and grooming process—it’s not that I completely relax at home or that work never allows for a touch of individuality. In both situations, I’m aware of how every element of my “personal front” contributes to the impression I want others to have. • Attention to Detail: Whether selecting a coordinating accessory for a work outfit or choosing the right piece of décor to welcome a visitor, careful thought is given to the details that influence perception. • Behavioral Consistency: Both settings prompt a conscious management of body language, speech, and tone to convey reliability and authenticity in the moment, although with different emphases (professional competence versus personal warmth). Surprising Observations: • It is surprising how similar the underlying processes are—even though the costumes differ, the same core instinct to “put one’s best foot forward” applies across situations. • I found myself reflecting on the “performance” quality of everyday life. The overall effort to maintain a favorable impression often goes undetected by those who see the final result, rather than the painstaking process behind it. • Despite the freedom of the home context, there is still an element of performance—suggesting that even in our most “private” spaces, we actively construct and manage our image for social validation. ────────────────────────────── Conclusion In sum, while the specific elements of my “personal front” change depending on the expectations of the social situation—ranging from formal attire, strict grooming, and poised behavior at work, to a slightly more expressive, comfortable look with a welcoming home setting—the underlying goal remains the same. In every situation, I manage impressions by intentionally curating how I appear physically and behaviorally, thus engaging in a daily performance that aligns with Goffman’s idea of dramaturgical analysis.