Final answer:
The theory that describes how individuals manage others' perceptions of them through their actions is called dramaturgy, introduced by Erving Goffman. It involves impression management and aligns with symbolic interactionism and Cooley's looking-glass self.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory that explains the methods individuals use to "put on a show" to manage how others view them is called dramaturgy. This concept was developed by sociologist Erving Goffman, who compared social interaction to a theatrical performance. According to Goffman's theory, we engage in impression management, which involves presenting ourselves in ways we hope will be perceived positively by others. Each social setting can be seen as a stage where different roles are performed based on who is watching. This aligns with Charles Cooley's concept of the looking-glass self, which suggests that our self-image is shaped by how we think others perceive us and their reactions.
Impression management is also a key part of symbolic interactionism, whereby successful interaction is based on the appropriate use of symbols, like language and gestures, to convey messages and manage impressions in social contexts like a courtroom or the workplace.