The key work of one of the most influential sociologists of the twentieth century. Erving Goffman deals with human interaction in social situations using the metaphor of the stage. Role-playing is now recognized as not merely the province of the performer and the maladjusted neurotic, but as an integral and necessary function of daily living. Social techniques of self-presentation are illuminated by examples taken from detailed research and observation of social customs in many regions and a variety of occupational levels. One of the most interesting aspects of this study is its revelation of the many roles that must be assumed by everyone engaged in even the simplest life-situations. In the course of any day one may easily play a half-dozen parts: with the boss, with fellow-workers, with friends, with one's spouse, and so on. Dr. Goffman's analogy details how "acting" techniques are used in the most common everyday circumstances; it bares the mainsprings of manipulation that keep society moving.--From publisher description.