Power and Inequality in Symbolic Interaction | A&S - CHSS 1961. Who Governs? Dennis, Alex . Topics: Economic Inequality, Gender, Gender Inequality, Social Norm, Social Psychology, Social Status, Structural Functionalism, Symbolic interactionism Functionalism, Society is a System According to functionalism, society is a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium . Communication—the exchange of meaning through language and symbols—is believed to be the way in which people make sense of their social worlds. These three perspectives all have different views and ideas of the aspect of economic inequality in a society. Symbolic Interactionism - Social Stratification Theoretical Perspectives - Introduction to Sociology 2e The Interactionist View of Power and Inequality. What Is Symbolic Interactionism? Symbolic Interactionism. This theory relies on the symbolic meaning that people develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction. Three assumptions frame symbolic interactionism: Individuals construct meaning via the communication process. In Society as Symbolic Interaction (1962), Blumer enforced …show more content… Theorists such as, Emile Durkheim and Aguste Comte, known as the "fathers of functionalism", were able to apply this theory directly to society and fought to justify it. The conflict theory garners most individuals into two classes that stimulate inequality. One thing symbolic interactionist see as positive in school is that schools are centres for communication. Symbolic interaction theory is very useful to those seeking to understand the social significance of sex and gender. What are the 3 basic assumptions of Symbolic Interaction? Sociologists typcially cite Weber in defining power as the capacity a person or a group has to realize their will despite the resistance of others (Weber 1946). shame, guilt, and embarrassment reflect . Feminism - This theory is based on the idea that there are inequalities based on gender and the practice of trying to fix those inequalities. Symbolic Interactionism, Inequality, and Emotions 159. from both peers and adults. We argue that symbolic interaction's unique contribution to understanding inequality results from two of the perspective's central features. Symbolic interactionism as opposed to functionalism is a distinctly American branch of sociology and it emerged later in the 19th century or rather in the early part of the 20th century. Symbolic interactionism is a micro-level theory that focuses on the relationships among individuals within a society. Symbolic Interactionism Theory George Herbert Mead studied and used an interactionist approach for many years. "Symbolic Interactionism and the Concept of Power." People define situations based on their own personal experiences and sense of self. Sociological Paradigm #3: Symbolic Interactionist Theory. Mead believed that one's self develops through social interactions. So Mead decided to study the procedures of . In fact, some interactionists propose that the symbols of race, not race itself, are what lead to racism. 696. Blumer was a follower of George H. Mead‚ and was influenced by John Dewey. A symbolic interactionist who does directly confront symbolic interactionism on questions of power is Lonnie Athens (1992, 1997). Emotions are central to everyday interactions. We argue that symbolic interaction's unique contribution to understanding inequality results from two of the perspective's central features. Post #2 Symbolic Interactionism And gender Inequality. Herbert Blumer was credited with the term " symbolic interactionism " in 1937. Symbolic Interactionism, Inequality, and Emotions 165 Rather than reject their belief in Christianity, support group members redefined "what it meant to be a good Christian" and how to feel authentic doing so (p. 311). "Socialization and Inequalities across the Life Course: New Directions for Interactionist Scholarship.". Self-concept is a motivation for behavior. Symbolic interactionism takes a small scale view of society. Symbolic interactionism Symbolic interactionism provides a major contribution to understanding inequality by illuminating the various manifestations and contexts of ine-quality at the micro, everyday level of social life. For example, if you have a great relationship with your wife, the word wife will be positive. Education promotes social inequality through the use of tracking and standardized testing and the impact of its "hidden curriculum." Schools differ widely in their funding and learning conditions, and this type of inequality leads to learning disparities that reinforce social inequality. The symbol of mother rather then father, or the symbol of worker rather . Education promotes social inequality through the use of tracking and standardized testing and the impact of its "hidden curriculum." Schools differ widely in their funding and learning conditions, and this type of inequality leads to learning disparities that reinforce social inequality. Symbolic interactionism uses everyday interactions of individuals to explain society as a whole. Democracy and Power in an American City. According to Harris (1), sociologists follow different theoretical backgrounds when exploring certain subjects in the field. Education promotes social inequality through the use of tracking and standardized testing and the impact of its "hidden curriculum." Schools differ widely in their funding and learning conditions, and this type of inequality leads to learning disparities that reinforce social inequality. Robert Merton and Emile Durkheim elaborated functionalism. Structural Functionalism is a sociological theory that focuses on the structures of society and their functional significance (positive and negative consequences) for other structures (Ritzer, 2013). Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory of human behavior that focuses on individuals' meanings in social interactions. Through your interactions with the letters 'dog', you see this as a furry, four-legged canine. The main difference between functionalism and conflict theory is that the functionalism states that each aspect of a society serves a function and are necessary for the survival of that society while the conflict theory states that a society is in perpetual class conflict due to the limitation and the unequal distribution of resources.. 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