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Interactionism - Coggle Diagram
Interactionism
What is interactionism?
Micro Theory:
Focuses on individuals and small groups and the interactions, rather than focusing on large structures across society
Social Action Theory:
focuses on how individuals make sense of the world through their intentions with each other
'Top Down':
Structural theories referred as this because they aim to give an overall view of society from above- allows for large scale qualitative research
'Bottom Up':
Social action theories aim to give a detailed perspective of a certain group- allows for in-depth qualitative data collection
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Symbolic Interactionism
George Mead (1863-1931)- worked with Max Webber:
We interact with society by using signs and symbols. People make sense of the social world through these symbols in any given situation.
We acquire a 'bank' of knowledge about what appropriate behaviour is for that given moment (social context)
Social Construction:
Created by society, rather than being objective facts. We learn these signs and symbols through socialisation.
Mead also argues that these signs and symbols are specific to different cultures, therefore you must experience the to understand them.
Labelling Theory
Howard Becker- mostly associated with crime and deviance:
Can be applied to education in relation to teachers applying labels on their pupils in terms of their ability, potential or behaviour.
Can be positive or negative and they result in a self- fulfilling prophecy.
Labelling is seen as an internal factor that could explain differential achievement in schools by class, ethnicity or gender.
Stages of labelling:
1) Label is applied
2) Label is reinforced several times
3) Label is internalised by the individual
4) Becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy
5) Becomes their master status
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Dramaturgy
Goffman (1922-1982):
Argues that social interaction has many similarities with acting in a play, using probs and mannerisms to give a believable performance.
Saw social life was essentially concerned with successful role playing.
Some roles have scripts so that we know what we should be doing and so others predictably respond.
Looking Glass Self
Charles Cooley (1864-1929):
argues that we understand ourselves based on how others react to us. A persons picture of self comes from their perception of how others see them.