Symbolic Interactionism Flashcards
What is Symbolic Interactionism?
A sociological perspective emphasizing organized interactions among individuals and the subjective meanings derived from these interactions.
How does communication contribute to society in Symbolic Interactionism?
Through “symbolic interaction,” individuals develop self-consciousness and make society possible by communicating and sharing meanings.
What does Symbolic Interactionism emphasize about human behavior?
It focuses on the subjective meanings of human behavior and social processes rather than objective, macro-structural aspects.
How does Symbolic Interactionism view human beings?
Humans are seen as active participants who construct their social world, not as passive objects of socialization
What is the role of pragmatic actors in Symbolic Interactionism?
Humans are viewed as pragmatic actors who continually adjust their behavior based on social interactions and contexts.
What is the primary focus of research in Symbolic Interactionism?
Research focuses on face-to-face interactions and the roles people play in constructing social meanings.
What did Erving Goffman explore in his work?
In “The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life,” Goffman analyzed identity formation and how individuals perform roles in various contexts.
What does Role Theory suggest?
Ordinary people work to convey desired impressions to others, supporting smooth interactions according to social norms.
What is “impression management” in Symbolic Interactionism?
It refers to the efforts individuals make to present a credible and idealized performance to others.
How are sports studied in Symbolic Interactionism?
Sports are examined in terms of how people actively create and assign meaning to their participation and identities.
What are ‘on-stage’ and ‘backstage’ performances in sports?
On-stage: Performance in public settings like fields or courts.
Backstage: Private interactions in settings like locker rooms.
What was the focus of research on women rowers?
It examined how rowers negotiated their identities, especially when facing injuries that conflicted with their athletic self-image.
What were key findings from the study on women rowers?
Identifying as a rower was central to their self-image.
Injury was normalized; training through injury was common.
Stigma was attached to injury avoidance; displays of commitment were highly valued.
What are some critiques of Symbolic Interactionism?
It often ignores how meaning, identity, and interaction connect with social structures.
It tends to overlook issues of power and how they shape participation and experiences in sport.
