Week 4 - Symbolic Interactionism Flashcards
Key features of SI
- Use of symbols (ie. gestures, words, body language and facial expression) influence communication
- Actions communicate meaning
- Individuals become more aware of societal expectations and identity categories
- Individuals internalize expectations
Key theorists of SI
- George H Mead
- Charles Cooley
- Herbert G. Blumer
- Erving Goffman
Main criticisms of SI
- Ahistorical and ignores coercive effects of social structure
- Focuses on power of individual in creation of their social world
- Emphasizes agency but doesn’t consider relevant constrictions
- Doesn’t address aspects of power, conflict nor social change
SI theory of Social Problems
Social problems refer to conditions that have been defined or recognized as social problems
What type of theory is SI?
Micro - looking at the individual role in constructing society
Definition of SI
“A theoretical framework that emphasizes that human behaviour is influenced by definitions and meanings that are created and maintained through symbolic interaction with others” (Mooney et al p.14)
What is an identity category?
Encompasses roles, statuses and social locations
SI and drug use
- learned behaviour through social interaction
- if initiation and use is defined as positive, it is likely to occur
- negative labels often escalate the usage due to the internalization process
Blumer’s stages of a social problem
- Societal recognition
- Social legitimation
- Mobilisation for action
- Putting an action plan in place (development and implementation of an official plan
Labelling theory
A social condition or group is only viewed as problematic if labelled as such
Social Constructionism
Individuals who interpret the social world around them socially construct reality
How are social problems solved?
Changing its label or recognising that something is a problem and then working to solve it.
Goffman’s theory
dramaturgical analysis - idea of social scripts and adaptation to the world around us
Type of research
Qualitative - focused on individual interactions and how symbols are used to convey a message
