The correct answer is (c), Goffman.
Role distance is a concept in sociology that refers to the ways in which individuals distance themselves from the roles they are expected to play in society. Goffman argued that individuals are constantly playing a variety of roles, and that they often feel a sense of tension or conflict between these roles. This tension can lead to role distance, which is a way of managing these conflicting expectations.
There are a number of ways in which individuals can express role distance. One way is to simply ignore the expectations associated with a particular role. For example, a student might ignore the expectation that they should always be respectful of their teachers. Another way to express role distance is to make fun of or ridicule the role. For example, a person might make jokes about the expectations associated with being a parent. Finally, individuals can also express role distance by simply refusing to play the role at all. For example, a person might refuse to take on a leadership position at work.
Goffman argued that role distance is a necessary part of social life. He believed that it allows individuals to manage the conflicting expectations that they face on a daily basis. Without role distance, individuals would be constantly feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Goode, Newcomb, and Hiller are all sociologists who have made significant contributions to the field. However, they did not develop the concept of role distance.