Answer to Question #311445 in Sociology for Pre

Question

2.1.Discuss how symbolic interactionism is applied to society.Use examples in the discussions.

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

2.3.Discuss,from a symbolic interactionism perspective,how families transmit norms and values to learners through socialization.Provide examples of this transmission.

2.4.What are the five assumptions about the theory of symbolic interactionism?Give a short description of each assumption.

Answer 1

2.1. Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical perspective that aims at addressing the instinctive meaning that people in a given society inflict on matters to do with objects, events and as well as behaviors. Subjective meanings are always given priority over the others because of a believe that people's behavior is based on what they believe and not what is regarded as true.

2.2. Symbolic interactionism theory is not homogenous thus the distinction between these two schools, is that they throw back the fundamentally splitting within the social sciences between humanistic orientations which line up with history and as well as humanities and positive orientations that line up with the physical sciences.

2.3. According to this theory people are considered to be living in both a natural and symbolic environment. Its values relies on building of symbols in the mind. This theory has been passed through generations and families. Some of the symbolic interactionism that was held long time ago have been developed and has become the cultural norms and values of the society we live in. Symbolic interactionism in socialization is the main way through which personalities and self-concept have been formed, values, and attitudes transmitted, and the culture of one generation passed to the next. A good example of this theory is by using the word "cat", which is just a series of letters, people pictures a furry, four-legged canine animal. Further, if one mentions "decent dressing", it is relative in different cultures with some cultures picturing a fully clothed person with the whole body covered while in some cultures once so long as one is clothed then they can be considered decent. Therefore, symbolic interactionism is what is perceived in the mind of a person when a word or statement is mentioned.

2.4. Individuals construct meaning via the communication process.

Self-concept is a motivation for behavior.

A unique relationship exists between the individual and society.