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Symbolic interactionism theory: strengths & weaknesses
Symbolic interactionism theory: strengths & weaknesses
Symbolic interactionism
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Symbolic interactionism is placing a meaning on an object and behave based of that meaning which might not be necessarily true. This theory is present within the novel because the Hmong ascribe a stigma to doctors and by doing so this causes them to interact with them differently. Another example of symbolic theory within the novel is the placenta that the Hmong symbolize. The placenta is symbolize as the passage for the soul and they were upset with the Western medicine for not being able to keep the placenta after child birth, however Dr. Fife did allow this which caused more interactions with Hmong for Dr. Fife. Also, even though doctors warn against the handling of the placenta because it may transfer disease, they ignore it because of the symbolic importance it have to them.
They are two different symbols, yet they both describe something as looking nice. Another example of interactionism is how men and women sleep at night. In Pleasantville, there are only separate beds for a married couple. They both have a single twin sized bed of which they sleep at night, and when they become intimate they move the beds together to make one big one. The beds symbolize how men and women respect each other, and give each other their space.
In conclusion, symbolism is used to demonstrate how conformity is detrimental towards
Mean Girls is a movie filled with unique words and weird gestures that we as watchers can understand. Symbolic interaction theory emphasizes face-to-face interaction and thus is a form of microsociology. In our textbook, symbolic interaction is described as a theory that human interaction and communication is facilitated by words, gestures, and other symbols that have acquired conventionalized meanings. An example that captures the essence of symbolic interaction theory involves Cady, Janis, and Damian at the beginning of the movie.
The subtle but accepted social norms can be categorised neatly into two categories; folkways and mores. While both of these are informal social rules; folkways carry almost no punishment, although, mores are rules that when broken reap heavy consequences. The study of social norms is best done under the symbolic interactionalism lens. Symbolic interactionalism allows us to look at society on a micro level, meaning, we are able to focus on individuals, particularly, emphasizing verbal and physical gestures and how we interpret them.
Conflict Theory American society today is made up of all three of the theories. In my opinion, these theories all thrive off each other as a whole. I feel that the chain is something like this, Symbolic Interactionism, as well as Functionalism, lead into Conflict Theory. However, I feel that Conflict Theory is by far the largest component American society is made from, here is why! First I would like to touch on Symbolic Interactionism, symbols we attach value or meaning.
Today’s society is comprised of culturally defined symbols that have been designated a meaning which create the basis of social life. Symbols vary in different social settings because of different cultures, age, gender, languages, and especially time period. These symbols that carry certain meanings guide all our actions and interactions that provide a social reality. Although these meanings attached to symbols are socially derived, they are individually interpreted by the constituents of society. With this, comes the abstract identity of symbols which allows for symbols to be assigned with power.
In response to Maya Jackson paper. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this assignment. Maya did an excellent job in explaining concept of theory, it’s function and the three major theoretical paradigms of Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. Maya further detail theory by stating that theories are a constant change and that it adapts to our culture. I agree that theories serve as a basis for explaining how we interact with one another, because we can use theories as a broad guideline to explain social phenomena’s happening around our daily throughout the world.
In sociology, there are three theoretical perspectives; symbolic interactionism, functional analysis and conflict theory. The major point of symbolic interactionism is to use symbols to help understand how we as a society view the world, and how we communicate with one another. In functional analysis, the major point is to look at society as a whole, constructed of various parts, or groups, that all have their own function. Lastly, conflict theory is the opposite of functional analysis. In this perspective, society is viewed as different groups, each competing for power, or dominance.
I didn’t think that symbolic interaction applied here because it is more of a micro analysis, and structural-functionalism is about how aspects of society are functional and work in harmony, which also does not apply to this topic. This approach is about analyzing the inequalities of aspects in the social world such as race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation etc., and the issues that stem from them. I believe that in the realm of racial inequality, this perspective ties in with it the most due to the nature of “conflict” that is deeply embedded in its foundation. Racial inequality is an example of social conflict because of the divide that is caused between various races. In this case specifically, the divide between white America and the rest of the minority groups comprising America.
The biological explanation of the brain in regards to drug addiction is interesting. According to the textbook, "Studies have found convincing evidence that drugs such as alcohol, heroin, and cocaine act directly on the brain mechanisms that are responsible for reward and punishment. " When one use drugs, the drug stimulates the areas of the brain that create the sensation of pleasure and suppress the pleasure of pain, as, a result, the user receives reinforcement to engage in further drug-taking behavior. The psychological explanation of drug abuse, "Focus on either personality disorders or the effects of social learning and reinforcement on drug-taking behaviors."
As mentioned, structural functionalism is how members in a team are given specific roles and tasks to perform in order to work well as a team; Social conflict on the other hand is how team members will disagree at some points or on certain decisions which might include electing a new captain for the team. In relation to sports and to both theories mentioned, Symbolic Interactionist could be manifested through the symbol of what a captain represents and how it affects a team. A captain is generally there to lead the team, encourage, organize and remind them of their respective roles within the team. The role of a captain directly affects how the team will function and perform through interaction such as their communication skills and their ability to lead a team. Another is how the members of the team give meaning to and identify the authority of a captain and how they respond to it.
Now as most people may know is that with our world’s great population which is constantly growing and which creates a greater demand for more food such as crops, which are things like vegetables and certain kinds of roots such as carrots. So in order to meet these larger demands for crops bio-engineer’s made crops that can withstand colder environments and crops that can withstand many other things such as parasites or insects that eat the crops such as caterpillars and tomato plants. Bio-engineers altered the plant’s D.N.A. and made the plant’s stem and leaves much stronger than a caterpillar can chew through. Another of many reasons we alter their genes is to improve how long the vegetable will last when not on a stem so take watermelon
INTRODUCTION This is a key framework of sociological theory. It depend on symbols and their meaning. The words we use to describe our behaviour and the behaviour of others is very important. To elaborate further and get into detail about this theory, firstly the theory and key terms have to be defined, secondly the major proponents and tenets, thirdly the history of the theory, fourthly the purpose of the theory, fifthly the significance of the theory for social work practice, followed by the epistemology, consistency with social work values and ethics, implication of the theory, position of the theory on the population served by the social worker, strength and weakness, relevance of Intersectionality, critical perspective on contemporary issues
In today’s modern society, everyone is largely affected by society. From multiple social institutions like the government and economy for instance or even the effects of education and mass media; these all play a huge role in an individual’s relationship, behavior, and actions in their society. For an individual to understand things like a “culture” or why every society has a ‘social class hierarchy,’ they will be directed to “Sociology”. Sociology is the systematic study of the structures of human society and social interaction. Sociology attempts to understand how things like society, social events, interactions, and patterns influence the way humans think, act, and feel.
