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Social action theory - Coggle Diagram
Social action theory
Introduction
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We are mainly concerned with those known as Weberian sociology (Verstehen), symbolic Internationalism and Ethnomethodology
They share basic assumptions, but also have special characteristics
Key Ideas
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Individuals define and interpret situations, negotiate meaning and thus create social reality.
Sociologists must discover the meanings and interpretations of individuals in social action by placing themselves in the social positions of those individuals and gaining an empathetic understanding.
Symbolic Interactionism examines the use of 'symbols' such as language and gestures in social action
It uses the concept of the self (the I and the me) to show that individuals are self-reflexive and that, by using their understanding of past experiences, they can modify present action.
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In Verstehen sociology, Weber uses the ideal types of social action (rational, value-rational, tradition and effectual) to impose meaning on social reality.
Only through empathetic interpretation of the meanings and motivations of individuals in social positions in sociology possible.
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Social order depends on taken-for-granted assumptions of rules of everyday life; when these are challenges, anxiety is created.
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Evaluation
Strengths
These are micro approaches that see the individual as having agency, not simply as a recipient of external social forces.