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Questions and Answers
What is symbolic interactionism?
What is symbolic interactionism?
What is the definition of symbolic interactionism?
What is the definition of symbolic interactionism?
A theoretical perspective in which society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning.
What does 'definition of the situation' mean according to W.I. Thomas?
What does 'definition of the situation' mean according to W.I. Thomas?
People act on the basis of how they define a situation.
Functionalists believe socialization creates instability in the social system.
Functionalists believe socialization creates instability in the social system.
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What do symbolic interactionists focus on?
What do symbolic interactionists focus on?
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What does the term 'pragmatic actors' refer to?
What does the term 'pragmatic actors' refer to?
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What are symbols in the context of symbolic interactionism?
What are symbols in the context of symbolic interactionism?
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How is meaning defined in symbolic interactionism?
How is meaning defined in symbolic interactionism?
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What is the criticism of symbolic interactionism?
What is the criticism of symbolic interactionism?
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Who is George Herbert Mead?
Who is George Herbert Mead?
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What is sociological imagination?
What is sociological imagination?
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What does 'the mind' allow humans to do?
What does 'the mind' allow humans to do?
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Meaning in symbolic interactionism is an idea.
Meaning in symbolic interactionism is an idea.
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Study Notes
Symbolic Interactionism
- A theoretical perspective viewing society as a composition of symbols that facilitate meaning-making and communication.
- Emphasizes subjective, micro levels of social life rather than large-scale structures.
Key Concepts
- Definition of the situation (W.I. Thomas): Individuals behave based on their interpretations of situations, highlighting the subjective nature of social interactions.
- Functionalists: Argue that socialization contributes to the stability of the social system, focusing on integration and consensus.
- Symbolic Interactionists: Suggest that social life is negotiated and constantly evolving, with individuals forming temporary relationships influenced by social contexts.
Human Behavior
- Pragmatic actors: Individuals continuously adjust their behaviors according to interactions with others, relying on interpretation of those actions.
- Symbols: Objects, people, or concepts to which we assign significance, crucial for creating societal meaning.
Meaning Construction
- Definition of a symbol: Emerges from the interaction between personal feelings and societal norms and values.
- Meaning as a relationship: Involves three components: an individual's gesture, the responsive action by another, and the completion of the social act initiated by the first gesture.
- Meaning is not merely an idea: It is a reaction to a gesture formed within the context of social interaction.
Criticism
- Symbolic interactionism is criticized for neglecting psychological aspects, overemphasizing day-to-day life, and lacking precision regarding larger social structures.
Influential Thinker
- George Herbert Mead: Proposed that while individuals are shaped by society, they also possess agency and the ability to act independently.
Sociological Imagination
- The concept reflects on how personal experiences relate to and are shaped by broader social and historical forces.
The Mind
- This capacity enables individuals to use symbols to signify and name objects in their environment, guiding the understanding of meaning through interpersonal conversations.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of symbolic interactionism with these flashcards. This theoretical perspective examines how society is made up of symbols and how individuals use these symbols to create meaning in their interactions. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of sociology.
