Symbolic Interactionism

What is the main point of the symbolic interaction theory?

• People place subjective (opinion-based) meanings on objects, events, and behaviors

• Individuals use symbols to live

• People interact with the world based on objective meanings

• symbols are created based on experience in life

Who introduced the theory to American sociology?

• Max Weber

• Karl Marx

• George Herbert Mead

• Auguste Comte

Symbolic interactionism is based on objectivity/facts instead of subjectivity?

• True

• False

What was the dramaturgical analysis?

• A way for sociologists to analyze symbols

• When sociologists watch dramas to better understand people's opinions

• A technique in which sociologists view societies as a theatre play.

Who invented the dramaturgical analysis technique?

• Max Weber

• Erving Goffman

• George Mead

What were 2 criticisms of the symbolic interaction theory?

• it only focuses on the micro-level of social interaction, not the macro level

• The theory does not make sense because it is too complex to comprehend

• Since the theory is more subjective, it fails to remain objective / it lacks testability

• Since it is a standalone-type theory, it has no relationship to other theories

What is one example of the symbolic interaction theory in everyday life?

• If you have a good relationship with your siblings, the word "siblings" becomes positive. And vice versa

• When you see a dog and feel afraid

• looking at a car and you start chasing it

• Reading a message and leaving the person on read

Is this an example of colorism?

Seeing 2 black men. One is light-skinned, the other is much darker. You immediately think the darker man is more violent than the light-skinned man.

• Yes

• No

What did Weber say about societies that the symbolic interaction theory is based on?

• Individuals act based on what they like

• People only succeed because of their opinions of others

• People's behaviors are affected by how they view the world

• The world is an oyster

We use meanings (constructed by society) of gender and race to help us know who to communicate with, how to do so, and to help us know the meaning behind people's words.

• True

• False