Symbolic Interactionism In The Family

Introduction

Throughout history, several definitions have been produced over time about what it truly means to be a family. Whether it be based on residence, love, functions, or blood, the definition of family can be perfectly represented by the Tuohy family as they work together to establish a family system that allows each member to flourish. The Tuohy family is a traditional upper class family comprised of a mother, father, daughter, son and adopted son. Each member of their family plays a key role and contributing factor to the families overall development. Leigh-Anne Tuohy is the mother and is in charge of both the decision making and nurturing in the household. She works hard to ensure that the needs of her children are met and that her

Leigh-Ann, Sean, Collin, SJ and Michael are all guilty of using their interpretations of other people 's perception of them to determine their actions. The first example is during the Tuohy’s Thanksgiving lunch. Initially, Sean, SJ and Collin grabbed their food buffet style and went to sit in the living room to watch the football game. When Leigh-Ann looked over to find Michael sitting at the dining room table alone, she quickly set the table, moved the food onto the table and called her family over to eat all together in the dining room. Based on Sean’s, SJ’s and Collins’s reactions, it was made apparent that they usually eat their Thanksgiving lunch in the living room watching the football game. Leigh-Ann demonstrated the symbolic interactionism theory here because by seeing Michael sitting alone at the table, she interpreted that Michael believed that the family should be sitting together rather than continuing their tradition of eating in the living room. She calls everyone over to eat in the dining room not because she thought she should or wanted to, but because she thought Michael thought that they should be eating together on Thanksgiving. Due to the fact that Leigh-Ann acted based on her interpretation of Michael’s perception, her behaviours can be perfectly explained by the symbolic interactionism theory. Moreover, during Michael 's multiple college football interviews, SJ sat by his side and negotiated as if he was Michael’s manager. SJ knew that it was a big moment for Michael and when Michael asked the college recruits if SJ could be apart of their meetings, SJ interpreted that Michael’s perception of him was that he was his manager at that time. SJ talked and acted like Michaels manager not because he thought he should but rather because he thought