action theories Flashcards
What’s the difference between structural and action theories?
Structural- macro (large scale), deterministic, society exists above us e.g. functionalism, marxism
Action- micro, free will, our actions aren’t determined by society, we are free agents e.g. social action theory, symbolic interactionism
What does Weber argue about both structuralist and action theories?
What 2 levels are needed for an adequate sociological explanation according to him?
Both are necessary for a full understanding of human behaviour, if we cannot account for both, our explanation will be incomplete or false
Level of cause- explaining the objective and structural factors that shape peoples behaviour
Level of meaning- understanding the subjective meanings that individuals attach to their actions
What does symbolic interactionism focus on?
Our ability to create the social world through. our actions and interactions
Interactions are based on meanings we give to situations
Meanings are conveyed through symbols e.g. language
What does Mead argue about symbolic interactionism?
Our behaviour is not shaped by fixed instincts, (*unlike animals), instead we respond by giving mean, through symbols e.g. shaking fist has a variety of meanings (joking or angry?) , to understand this, you must consciously interpret, then CHOOSE how to respond
*E.g. dogs snarling at eachother, it will start back as an automatic defence, there is no conscious interpretation
According to Mead, how do we respond to symbols?
What does this rely on?
By putting ourselves in the place of the other person and seeing ourselves as they see us
This ability develops on social interaction, we do this as young children e.g. through play as parents, here we learn to see ourselves from their pov
Developed after Mead’s death, what are Blumer’s 3 key principles?
1 Our actions are based on the meanings we give to situations
2 These meanings arise from the interaction process
3 Means we give to situations are the result of the interpretive procedures we use
How does Blumer contrast structural theories
Our actions are partly predictable because we internalise the expectations of others, there is always room for negotiation and choice in how we perform our roles
Functionalists see the individuals as a puppet, responding to the systems needs -there in no negotiation
In what 2 ways can action theories be applied to labelling theories
The definition of the situation
The looking glass self
What is the definition of the situation
Thomas argued that if people define a situation as real, then it will have real consequenses
If we believe something to be true, this belief will affect how we act>consequenses for people involved
E.g. teacher labelling pupil as troublesome, teacher will act differently towards pupil e.g. punishing them more harshly
What is the looking glass self
Cooley uses this to describe how we develop an idea of who we are
This self concept arises out of our ability to take the role of the other -we come to see ourselves as they see us ‘looking at the glass self’>self fulfilling prophecy as we become what others see us as
E.g. mentally ill fins that psychiatrists and relatives are treating them differently>turns into this view
What is a strength and weakness of symbolic interactionism and labelling theory
+ useful for explaining impact of racism and other discrimination
- small scale, does not explain large scale issues e.g. poverty or social class
What does Gidden’s structuration theory argue?
How does he illustrate this?
Structuralist theories and action theories cannot exist without eachother
Through language (structure), made up of a set of rules like grammar -constraints to our behaviour, if we wish to use language, we must obey its rules
This shows how our action (comunication) depends on existsence of structure (language)
Action is important e.g. language wouldnt exist if nobody used it
According to Giddens, what 2 elements must structure have? Explain
Rules- norms and laws that govern action e.g. obeying the law reproduces existing structure
Resources- both economic (materials, tech) and power over others e.g. new technology may change law
What are 2 criticisms of Giddens?
Structuration theory doesnt explain what actually happens in society, instead it just describes the kings of things we will find when we study society e.g. actions, rules, resources
Fails to unite structure and action, failingto explain how his theory applies to large scale structures e.g. the economy and state, too simplistic
