social action theories Flashcards
What are the key features of social action theories?
Interpretivism, Micro, Bottom up approaches
What perspectives are covered under the social action theory umbrella?
interactionists
what does social action theory focus on?
Individuals active role in shaping their own personal identity. There life chances are not inherent and based on their social background.
Who are the key sociologists for this theory?
Weber, Becker, Mead, Goffman and Cooley
What did Weber study?
Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism
What did mead study?
The “self” develops through social interaction. Argues there is a difference between the I, which is constantly evolving due to social interaction, and the Me which can be reflected upon after said social interaction.
What did Goffman find?
The dramaturgical model. This suggested that society members are social actors, and likens social interactions to theatrical performances.
What did Cooley say?
There is a “looking glass self”. This occurs when an individual imagines how they look to someone else, imagines the judgement faced from them and then feels a sense of guilt, shame, happiness etc.
What was Becker’s theory?
Labelling.
