Chapter 4- Symbolic Interaction Theory

Question 1

Chicago school vs Iowa school

Answer 1

Chicago said humans are studied using case studies, histories, and non directive interviews.
Iowa said humans are studies quantitatively

Question 2

Importance of meaning for human behavior

Answer 2

Humans act the way others view them.
Meaning is created between interaction.
Meaning is modified through interpretation.

Question 3

The importance of the self -concept

Answer 3

Individuals develop self concepts through interactions with others.
Provides motive for behavior.

Question 4

Relationship between individual and society

Answer 4

People and groups are influenced by culture and social processes.
Social structure is worked out through social interactions.

Question 5

Definition of the mind

Answer 5

Ability to use symbols that have common social meaning that develop through interactions with others

Question 6

Definition of self

Answer 6

Ability to view yourself based off of how others view you.
“I” the spontaneous creative self
“Me” the reflective socially aware self

Question 7

Definition of society

Answer 7

Society gives you symbols about who you’re supposed to be
Particularlized other- individuals close to you
Generalized other-society as a whole

Question 8

Symbolic interaction theory

Answer 8

How humans create symbolic words and how these shape human behavior.
George Herbert Mead
To create shared meaning