Introduction - 1.3 Interactionist Perspectives

Question 1

Define Symbolic Interaction

Answer 1

Social action theory claiming that identity is developed through interacting with others. the key feature is the process of interpreting the symbolic behaviour of others (facial expression and body language)

Question 2

Define Symbol

Answer 2

A thing that represents something else, usually a material object representing something abstract.

Question 3

Define Semiology

Answer 3

Sociological study of symbols and signs, mainly used to study the content of media. Also known as Semiotics

Question 4

Define Social Meanings

Answer 4

When the actions of others are interpreted, meaning is applied to the action and it is responded to accordingly

Question 5

Define Labelling Theory

Answer 5

An idea that people identify and behave in ways that is reflected on how more powerful others label or stereotype them

Question 6

Define Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Answer 6

When a false definition or label is applied to a person making a prediction about future behaviour. Results in a new behaviour confirming the initial label / prophecy

Question 7

Define Dramaturgical Approach

Answer 7

Idea that people’s day-to-day lives can be understood, like performers in action on theatre stage

Question 8

Define Social Actors

Answer 8

Social action theorists use this to describe people / individuals who freely interact with others

Question 9

Define Front

Answer 9

The way people present themselves in any social situation just to create specific impressions in other people’s minds

Question 10

Define Impression Management

Answer 10

A conscious or subconscious process where people try to influence the perceptions of others about a person, object / event

Question 11

Define Social Exchange Theory

Answer 11

Theory explaining social order and stability being a consequence of negotiating exchanges between social actors.
Interactions involves transactions between individuals resulting in exchanging a mutual value.
( group of people agreeing to obey the law)

Question 12

Define Social Capital

Answer 12

Collective value of al social networks (value of knowing influential people) and the obligations that appear from the networks to do for one another.
(return a favour)

Question 13

Define Cultural Capital

Answer 13

A person’s social, intellectual and cultural assets that contribute to their educational success / social mobility.
(knowing how to dress for ‘success’)

Question 14

Define Coercion

Answer 14

The action of persuading another person to do something by using force or threats