Impression ManagementImpression management is a social phenomenon that occurs in our daily lives, consciously and unconsciously. “It is the act of presenting a favorable public image of oneself so that others will make a positive judgment.” (Newman 184) Our first impressions of a person are always based on their physical appearance and we compare them to the standards of our society. We can all relate to first meeting someone and noticing their age, gender, race, or other attributed characteristics for the first time. Our cultural norms are ideas like fat is “ugly,” which are very different across societies and times. Additionally, impression management is an idea of ​​how individuals interact in different social situations. “Sociologists refer to dramaturgy as the study of social interactions such as theater, in which people (“actors”) project images (“play roles”) in front of others (“the audience”). (Newman 169) It is our human need for acceptance and our way of managing the impressions we give to others and achieving what we think people want to see. Our social life is governed by this concept but it only works with an effective separation of front and backstage. Our facade is the visible part of ourselves that we allow others to see, unlike our hidden behind-the-scenes self. A common example of impression management and a personal experience I've encountered in this area is working in a restaurant. I was a hostess and as I seat the family of 6 with 2 young children, I anticipate the server's reaction as they sit in their section. The waiter approaches the table with a big smile as if it is the highlight of his day to serve the table. I watch them all night as they run back and forth to that table while trying to keep up with the...... middle of paper ...... r status positions in our society. As a young student, I have many ambitions and hopes for my future which include yes, a family and taking care of my children, but also a serious full-time career in meteorology. I do not believe that there should be any gender-based inequality or stereotypes that would prevent me from achieving my goals and advancing in any position, even if it is considered primarily a “man’s work”. Works CitedNewman, David. 2010. “Seeing and Thinking Sociologically.” Sociology: Exploring the architecture of everyday life: 8th edition, edited by D.Newman. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press, Sage Publications Company.Block, Fred. 2006. “The Compassion Gap in American Poverty Policy.” » P. 242-250 in Sociology Readings 8th edition, edited by David M. Newman and Jodi O'brien. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press, Sage Publications Company.