Interactionism Theory Quiz

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that focuses on how individuals act based on the meanings they derive from their social interactions. According to this theory, society is constructed through everyday actions, and individuals interpret and respond to symbols, such as language, gestures, and objects. Key principles include the self being shaped through social interaction, the importance of language and symbols in communication, and the idea that meanings are socially constructed.

George Herbert Mead, a key figure in symbolic interactionism, argued that the self is developed through social interaction. The self is not an inherent or static concept but evolves as individuals engage with others. Mead’s concept of the "generalised other" refers to the societal expectations and attitudes that individuals internalise as they develop their sense of self. The self emerges through the roles individuals play and the feedback they receive from others.

The "looking-glass self," a concept introduced by Charles Horton Cooley, suggests that individuals form their self-concept based on how others perceive them. This process involves three steps: imagining how others view us, imagining how others evaluate us, and developing a sense of self based on these perceptions. In this way, individuals’ self-concepts are shaped by their interactions and the reflections of others.

Language and symbols are central to symbolic interactionism as they allow individuals to convey and interpret meanings. Through symbols, people create social reality, negotiate identities, and communicate thoughts and feelings. Language, as a symbolic tool, enables individuals to interact with others, construct shared meanings, and coordinate actions, thus shaping social life.

Symbolic interactionists argue that society is not an external structure that dictates individual behaviour but is continually created and modified through the interactions between individuals. Social norms, values, and roles are not fixed; instead, they are negotiated and reaffirmed through daily interactions. Society is, therefore, seen as a dynamic and fluid construct rather than a static entity.

Symbolic interactionism stresses that the meanings attached to objects, behaviours, and actions are not inherent but are socially constructed. People act based on the meanings that things hold for them, and these meanings are derived from social interaction. For example, a gesture or a word may have different meanings in different social contexts, and individuals interpret these symbols according to their experiences.

Socialisation is the process by which individuals learn and internalise the norms, values, and behaviours of their society. According to symbolic interactionism, identity is formed through the process of socialisation, which occurs through interaction with others. By participating in different social roles, individuals come to understand who they are and how they fit into society.

Labelling theory, a sub-theory of symbolic interactionism, argues that deviance is not inherent in an act but is a result of social reaction. Society defines certain behaviours as deviant through labels, and these labels can shape individuals' identities. What is considered deviant can vary across societies and historical periods, and labelling theory challenges traditional perspectives that view deviance as an objective feature of certain acts.

Edwin Lemert distinguished between primary and secondary deviance. Primary deviance refers to initial acts of deviance that may not significantly affect an individual’s identity. Secondary deviance occurs when an individual internalises the deviant label, and this label begins to shape their identity and behaviour. The label can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the individual continues to engage in deviant behaviour as a response to the label.

Labelling theory emphasises that those in positions of power (e.g., police, media, political elites) are the ones who define what is considered deviant. This process of labelling can marginalise certain groups or behaviours, especially those that challenge the status quo. The theory shows that deviance is often a result of societal power dynamics, as powerful groups are able to impose labels that reflect their interests.

According to labelling theory, once an individual is labelled as deviant, this label can become central to their identity. The individual may internalise the label, leading to further deviant behaviour. The label can also result in social exclusion and discrimination, reinforcing the deviant behaviour and perpetuating a cycle of marginalisation and deviance.

Howard Becker’s work on labelling theory challenges traditional views of deviance. He argued that deviance is not inherent in any act but is the result of the societal reactions to certain behaviours. In his book Outsiders (1963), Becker highlighted that those who are labelled as deviant may begin to conform to the expectations of their label, which can reinforce the deviant behaviour. Becker also stressed that different groups have different powers to label others as deviant.

In his dramaturgical model, Erving Goffman distinguished between the "front stage" and "back stage." The front stage refers to the public, performative aspect of social life, where individuals manage the impression they give to others. The back stage, on the other hand, is where individuals can relax and behave more authentically, without the pressure of managing others' perceptions. These concepts highlight the social roles individuals play in different contexts.

Goffman’s concept of impression management refers to the strategies individuals use to control how others perceive them. This process involves managing various aspects of social interaction, such as appearance, body language, and speech, to project a desired image. Impression management varies depending on the social context and audience, and it plays a key role in how individuals navigate social life.

Erving Goffman explored the concept of stigma, referring to situations where individuals are devalued or treated as socially inferior due to certain characteristics, such as a disability or a criminal record. Individuals with stigmatised identities often engage in strategies to manage their interactions, such as concealing their stigma or adjusting their behaviour to avoid negative reactions. Goffman examined how these individuals strive to maintain a positive sense of self despite being marginalised.