Topic 8 - Social Action Theories

Question 1

What did Max Weber suggest about society?

Answer 1

1. That you must understand a human action (Verstehen).
2. Understanding individual motives is crucial for understanding changes to the social structure.
3. The 4 types of motive for action (Instrumental, Value Rational, Traditional, Affectual Actions).

Question 2

Evaluate Max Webber theories?

Answer 2

1. Weber is useful to show the insight to a persons subjective meanings they attach actions to.
2. Schultz (1972) noted that it is too individualistic and does not explain shared norms and meanings attached to actions.
3. How can we truly understand someones motives and reasons

Question 3

What is symbolic internationalism?

Answer 3

1. People self-concept is based on their understandings of how others perceive them.
2. We act based on how we expect others to interpret our actions
3. Constantly taking on the ‘role of the other’ and it is an active conscious process.
4. We constantly think about the ‘generalized other’ which represents society.
5. These social roles are not fixed or specific and can be interpreted differently.

Question 4

Evaluate symbolic internationalism + Goffman’s Theory?

Answer 4

1. Too descriptive and has no explanation as why we act as we do
2. It focuses on too small scale interactions.
3. Some actions maybe routine or inexplainable.
4. During an interaction we are both actor and audience.

Question 5

What is Goffman’s Dramaturgical Theory?

Answer 5

1. People are actors on a ‘social stage’ and put on a front.
2. People manipulate the setting and the way they appear/act.
3. Create an ‘idealised image’, with a ‘true-selves’ we keep hidden from others we are not comfortable with.
4. People bounce between the act and thier ‘true-selves’

Question 6

What is meant by Labeling Theory?

Answer 6

1. Focuses on how the meanings people impose on situations can have real consequences.
2. People in power are generally able to have more ability to impose definitions.

Question 7

What are some positives of Social Action Theory?

Answer 7

1. Recognizes the complexity of people motives and meanings.
2. Overcomes the determinism found in structural theories.
3. Goffman’s theory useful in understanding social media world.
4. Labeling theory recognizes how small interactions can shape people identities.
5. In-depth research methods associated with social action theory often very valid.

Question 8

What are some negatives of Social Action Theory?

Answer 8

1. It neglects other social structures that constrain action e.g. class
2. Tends to ignore power-distribution in society.
3. Labelling theory can be argued too deterministic.
4. The small-scale methods associated with this theory can equally be criticized for lack reliability.