SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISMPresented By Mikayla, Emily J, Timmy, Josh,Jocelyn, Emma and Haley

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISMKEY TERMS

Symbolic Interactionism: the studies of human interaction at the micro level

Bureaucracy: A large administration that pursues a wide variety of goals

- This approach features the study of individuals within society and in groups - Differs from structural functions and

conflict theory- Thomas and Znanieckis historic theory

of polish peasants

MAX WEBER: THINKER

Theory: Rationalization; helps society function more efficiently; social actions that bring efficiency or benefit to society

Focus: Bureaucracy: accomplishing a wide variety of goals; “iron cage”

Beliefs: reduce tension within a community; potentially get rid of existing inequality

THE CHICAGO SCHOOL

Furthered the development of the symbolic interactionist approach

-much of the research centered on how physical environment and social structures determine individual behaviour

THE CHICAGO SCHOOL

Sociologists from the Chicago School were studying a new way of researching social issues:

They conducted ethnographies supported by participant observation

Qualitative methodology Their findings were linked with

the subjects and groups they studied and had implications for public policies

SOCIALIZATION The continuing process where an individual learns the appropriate behavioural patterns, skills, and values for his or her social world.

CHARLES COOLEY

(1864-1929) Studied the

relationship between the individual and society

Believes that they are interconnected and can shape each other

CHARLES COOLEY’S WORK

The set of people with whom and individual has the most intimate and important interactions (Family and friends)

Crucial for developing a social identity

The individual becomes a reflection and representative of the group

The way in which the individual’s sense of self is mirrored and reflected by others

An example of this is an avatar online

Primary Group Looking-Glass Self

GEORGE HERBERT MEAD

Colleague of Cooley’s Agreed with Cooley’s

idea of the Looking-Glass self

Expanded on the idea Sees human’s actions

as one’s perception of their social situation – Rather than society’s perception