Answer to Question #297062 in Sociology for Gontse

Question

2.2.Briefly explain the two divisions within the theory of symbolict interactionism

Answer 1

The main division is between those who emphasize process and the ones who emphasize structure in the study of human realities. The former in association with Blumer (1969), advocates the use of qualitative methods in studying the process of reality construction within natural social settings. The duo, joined with Manfurd Kuhn (1964) and labeled the Iowa school that advocates the use of quantitative methods in studying the results of social interaction, especially self-concepts. Therefore, differences between the two schools of symbolic interactionism mirror the fundamental division in the social sciences between humanistic/interpretive orientations which go hand in hand with history and the humanities, and positivistic orientations, which adhere the physical sciences.