SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM What is Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic Interactionism
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
What is Symbolic Interactionism? ■ Symbolic Interactionism believes that: Ø The individual is at the centre of understanding society because social values and roles are formed by individual interpretation. Ø An individual creates a sense of self by the reactions of others. Ø Social life depends on our ability to imagine ourselves in social roles and the ability to see ourselves reflected in the experiences of those around us. Ø Society functions smoothly because people are greatly influenced by how others respond to their behaviour. Ø The way that individuals give meaning to social interactions is important. Ø We accept roles for ourselves in order to fit into the society in
Is Symbolic Interactionism a Macro or Micro Theory? ■ It is a micro theory. ■ It studies human interaction at the micro level.
Max Weber (1864 – 1920) ■ Weber developed a theory called rationalization. Ø It is the idea that social actions are motivated by efficiency or benefit, rather than morality, custom, or emotion. ■ Weber believed that rationalization helps society function efficiently. ■ He was certain that people could free themselves from the capitalist system through bureaucracy instead of revolution. Ø It is a large administration that pursues a wide variety of goals. Ø People are given specialized tasks (based on their
George Herbert Mead (1920 s) ■ Mead believed that symbols are the key to understanding how we view the world and communicate. ■ Without symbols, he said that we would not know how to interact with others. ■ He believed that symbols can help identify people and places. ■ Ultimately, Mead said that symbols define our relationships.
Group Activity ■ Find a group of 4 or 5 people to work with. ■ Using chart paper and markers, draw symbols that represent youth culture.
Read p. 110 -112 and do the following: ■ What does the research in The Chicago School focus on? ■ How did Charles Cooley describe the primary group? ■ What is the looking-glass self? ■ What did George Herbert Mead focus on? ■ What is C. Wright Mills most known for?
Source: ■ Social Science: An Introduction. Canada: Mc. Graw-Hill Ryerson, 2011, p. 119.
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