social action theory

Question 1

what do social action theorists say about human behavior

Answer 1

they argue that peoples’ behaviors and life chances are not determine by social background

Question 2

symbolic interactionism

Answer 2

we act according to how we interpret people’s symbolic action, we constantly “take on the role of each other”

Question 3

labeling theory

Answer 3

1. an individual is labeled
2. the label becomes the “master status” and other identities are ignored
3. the individual starts to believe that the label is true and internalizes the label
4. self fulfilling prophecy: the individual starts to act in am according manner

Question 4

who developed the labeling theory

Answer 4

beck

Question 5

dramaturgy theory

Answer 5

we create a front in order to project an image of ourselves by manipulating the setting, appearance and our manners. we are just social actors on a social stage.

Question 6

who developed the dramaturgy theory

Answer 6

goffman

Question 7

verstenen

Answer 7

observation alone is not enough to under human behavior, we need empathetic understanding

Question 8

who developed the verstenen theory

Answer 8

max weber

Question 9

social action theory positives

Answer 9

• recognizes that people are complex and have diverse motives
• overcomes the determinism in structural theories
• the dramaturgical theory is especially relevant in the age of social media
• labeling theory recognizes the importance of micro level interactions in people’s identities

Question 10

social action theory critiques

Answer 10

• doesn’t pay attention to how social structures constrain action
• tends to ignore unequal power distribution in society