Symbolic Interactionism And Social Structure - 1190 Words

Could you image at the age of fourteen not having any education and living in extreme poverty everyday? Using the lens of symbolic interactionism, this essay will analyze Maria’s education, gang surroundings, and family conditions. In the beginning, I will define symbolic interactionism, then I will explain why Maria a fourteen year old girls conditions contain these elements. Finally I will explain how symbolic interactionism is integrated into her life. Symbolic interactionism can be easily described as the â€Å"interactions of individuals with the larger institutions of social structure† (Ainbinder, 2015 p. 20). It can also be explained as focusing on ways, which meanings emerge through human life (symbolic interactionism, 2003 para. 2). In everyday life, it represents that people are repeatedly observing and understanding through their social interactions (Ainbinder, 2015 p. 20). Symbolic Interactionism can be defined in many ways, simply it means that everyday we are observing our surroundings. Historically, symbolic interactionism was coined by one of the Mead’s students Herbert Blumer (â€Å"symbolic interactionism†, 2003 para. 2). He intended the term to have three basic ideas (â€Å"symbolic interactionism†, 2003 para. 2). He focused on terms of actions and its consequences (â€Å"symbolic interactionism†, 2003 para. 2). Herbert Blumer refers to this theory as role –taking with the ability to take perspective of other people (symbolic interactionism, 2003 para. 3). Though he doesShow MoreRelatedSymbolic Interactionism Was Proposed By J. Mead1440 Words   |  6 PagesThe theory of symbolic interactionism was proposed by J. Mead. He identifies two levels of interaction: non-symbolic and symbolic. The difference between them is that non-symbolic interaction is a characteristic of living nature, whereas a symbolic interaction is common for human society only. The scientist believed that people react not o nly to the actions of others but also to their intentions. It means that they unravel the intentions of other people, analyzing their actions, putting themselvesRead MoreSymbolic Interactionism, By George Herbert Mead And Charles Horton Cooley937 Words   |  4 Pages Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that is influential in many areas of the sociological discipline. It is particularly important in microsociology and social psychology. Symbolic interactionism is derived from American pragmatism and particularly from the work of George Herbert Mead. Herbert Blumer, a student and interpreter of Mead, coined the term symbolic interactionism and put forward an influential summary of the perspective: people act toward things based on the meaningRead MoreCritical Theory, Functionalism And Symbolic Interactionism Essay1351 Words   |  6 PagesIn sociology, there are three major theories; critical theory, functionalism and symbolic interactionism. These theories express the structure of society in which each theory looks at a different aspects of sociology. Sociologists apply these theories in the study of society, but it becomes difficult if only one theory is applied. For that one applied theory, would only look at the aspect to which it is confined to. To successfully study sociology all three theories must be applied together. CriticalRead MoreSociological Accounts on Individuals Acquiring Their Identities591 Words   |  3 Pagesand Perspectives, chapter 12, p 885) The main sociological accounts on this issue are: Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionism, Marxism, Feminism and Giddens concept of structuration. Functionalism ------------- Functionalism is too deterministic. It emphasizes the roles and identities to relatively passive human are shaped by the needs of the social system. It tends to see all the identities as passive identities (e.g., class identity) and give no choiceRead MoreMajor Theoretical Sociological Perspectives: Similarities and Differences1507 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract What are the three major sociology perspectives in regards to social issues? They are Symbolic Interactionism perspectives, Functionalism perspectives, and Conflict Theory perspectives. These perspectives offer sociologists abstract examples for explaining how society affects people, and vice versa. Each perspective individually theorizes society, social forces, and human behavior. Keyword’s: Social Issues, Human Behavior Introduction This paper will explain theRead MoreExample Of The Three Theoretical Perspectives Of Sociology1044 Words   |  5 Pages Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology Nanesha Greathouse HCC Abstract This paper describes the three major theoretical perspectives in Sociology: symbolic interactionism, functionalism and conflict theory. Sociologists developed these theoretical perspectives to help explain the way individuals conduct themselves and to help us to gain a better understanding of the world around us. Throughout this paper, the reader will learn about each perspective and its origin as well as additionalRead MoreStructural Functionalism And Conflict Theory972 Words   |  4 Pageslevel of the social world examines large-scale social structures, while the micro level of the social world involves face-to-face and small-group interactions. Both macrosociology and microsociology attempt to better understand society, groups, individuals, and institutions. Some sociological theories are better at explaining the social world at a macro level than they are at a micro level, and vice versa. Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory are best for macrosociology while Symbolic In teractionismRead MoreFunctionalist Theory And Conflict Theory1597 Words   |  7 Pagesthey contribute to the maintenance of the whole. Latency is described as the structures that serve to maintain and revitalize the motivation of individuals to perform their roles according to social expectations (Farganis, 20111). Spencer compared society to the telegraph, with wires running to and from the central nervous system and it nerves, as well as a social organism. He viewed evolutionary schema based on social functions and survival of the fittest, relating to simple and complex societiesRead MoreThe Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, And Conflict Theory1040 Words   |  5 Pagesthe symbolic interactionism. This focuses mainly on how the individual interacts with others, and how others influence the individual behaviors that impact society in a micro or macro way. The second theoretical framework is the conflict theory, it examines the rift between the rich and the poor and how it affects the quality of education, health care, and living condition of said group. Thirdly, the functionalist theory, which compares society to a system of interrelated parts, it’s a social systemRead MoreSociology : A Sociological Perspective896 Words   |  4 Pages According to the University of North Carolina, â€Å"Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions† (http://sociology.unc.edu/undergraduate-program/sociology-major/what-is-sociology/). Sociology is science practiced by everyone in the world, whether they realize it or not. It is not only an incredibly important social science but also a beautiful art to study how society works. Now, an educated sociologist will realize that there are different perspective to view the world through