Symbolic Interactionism and YOU Essay example - 1647 Words

As a society, we feed off of each other for what a proper response to something may be. As children, we first look to see our mother’s reaction after falling down; if she is calm, I should also be. We look to each other for what a definition of things should be, as well. In the 1950’s, it was generally obscene for a woman on television to show her belly button, whereas today we will show nude breasts on primetime programming. This follows the sociological theory of symbolic interactionism, where society and individual social interaction provides a subjective meaning to deviant behavior. Many social definitions change for the better, however some change for the worse. One such example was once viewed as normal, with no second thoughts given†¦show more content†¦The overall approval was accredited to early societies defining gay behaviors as suitable and normal, making the societal definition a good one. As religious culture took hold of many countries, the normality and acceptance of homosexual behavior became viewed as a sinful life. The spread of homophobia attributed to so-called â€Å"accurate translations† of the bible condemning such a lifestyle began as early as the 12th century. In the year 342, the Christian emperors Constantius II and Constans declared the death penalty for any man who played the role of a wife. In the year 390, the Christian emperors Valentinian II, Theodosius I, and Arcadius accused males acting the part of a woman to be publicly burned in order to make sure such acts openly condemnable. The Christian emperor Justinian, years 527–565, made those who would now be called homosexuals a scapegoat for problems such as famines, earthquakes, and pestilences (Crogiez, Jailette Poinsotte, 2009). Overwhelming fear and distrust spread throughout the societies, permanently changing the way homosexuality would be received for decades. Even though the mandatory killings and public burnings have stopped, there is still rampant discrimination caused by the remnants of this mentality. The stigma caused by organized religion, even though our world slowly regains its idea of equality,Show MoreRelatedSymbolic Interactionism And Social Structure1190 Words   |  5 PagesCould you image at the age of fourteen not having any education and living in extreme poverty everyday? Using the lens of symbolic interactionism, this essay will analyze Maria’s education, gang surroundings, and family conditions. In the beginning, I will define symbolic interactionism, then I will explain why Maria a fourteen year old girls conditions contain these elements. Finally I will explain how symbolic interactionism is integrated into her life. Symbolic interactionism can be easily describedRead MoreSymbolic Interactionism, By Herbert Mead And Charles Horton Cooley1512 Words   |  7 PagesSymbolic interactionism is one of the four major theoretical perspectives in sociology. It is particularly influential in microsociology, which makes this view of social behavior unique from the other three major perspectives that focus on large scale social organizations (Buccieri, September 11 2014). I believe symbolic interactionism is the most appropriate method for studying sociology based on my experience with a brother with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The theory of socialization within symbolicRead MoreThe Major Theories of Sociology Essay1221 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolic Interactionism In the field of sociology, sociologists use many different theories to base their ideas and observations on; however, the three major theories that are used are symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. It is these three theories that will be the focus of this paper. To begin with, we will start with symbolic interactionism. Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead developed symbolic interactionism. In order to understand what this theory isRead MoreSymbolic Interactionsim1477 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONSIM Abstract Since the beginning of Symbolic Interactionsim, when George Herbert Mead coined the theory, despite its lack of official information, anyone who studies the theory can see how it relates and is true to most, if not all human beings and the culture that they derive from. In this paper, it will discuss the theory; provide examples from people who have studied this specific theory more in depth, asRead MoreSymbolic Interactionism1361 Words   |  6 PagesSymbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionism is the way we learn to interpret and give meaning to the world through our interactions with others (LaRossa amp; Reitzes, 1993). Herbert Blumer was credited with the term â€Å"symbolic interactionism† in 1937. Blumer was a follower of George H. Mead, and was influenced by John Dewey. Dewey insisted that human beings are best understood in relation to their environment (The Society for More Creative Speech, 1996). With this as his approach, HerbertRead More Applications of Symbolic Interactionism Theory Essay696 Words   |  3 PagesApplications of Symbolic Interactionism Theory George Herbert Mead begins his discussion of symbolic interactionism (talking with others) by defining three core principles that deal with meaning, language, and thought. The theory states that meaning is the construction of social reality. Humans act toward people or things on the basis of the meanings they assign to those people or things. The second principle of symbolic interactionism is language, which is the source of meaning. MeaningRead MoreMajor Theoretical Sociological Perspectives: Similarities and Differences1507 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract What are the three major sociology perspectives in regards to social issues? They are Symbolic Interactionism perspectives, Functionalism perspectives, and Conflict Theory perspectives. These perspectives offer sociologists abstract examples for explaining how society affects people, and vice versa. Each perspective individually theorizes society, social forces, and human behavior. Keyword’s: Social Issues, Human Behavior Introduction This paper will explain theRead MoreEssay about Herbert Blumers Symbolic Interactionism1326 Words   |  6 PagesHerbert Blumers Symbolic Interactionism THE THEORY Symbolic Interactionism as thought of by Herbert Blumer, is the process of interaction in the formation of meanings for individuals. Blumer was a devotee of George H. Mead, and was influenced by John Dewey. Dewey insisted that human beings are best understood in relation to their environment (Society for More Creative Speech, 1996). With this as his inspiration, Herbert Blumer outlined Symbolic Interactionism, a study of human group life andRead MoreWhat Does Celebrating June 4th Say About Americans?964 Words   |  4 Pages4th Say About Americans? Baylee Vaughn Butler Community College Abstract If the accepted definition of Symbolic interactionism is ?a school of thought in sociology that explains social behavior in terms of how people interact with each other via symbols? (Chegg.com) then celebrating the 4th of July Holiday can be rightfully described as the quintessential example of symbolic interaction. On that day, 160 million will enjoy a cookout and 115 million will attend an organized fireworks displayRead MoreSociological And Historical Structure Identifying My Life1407 Words   |  6 PagesIn applying C.W. Mills’ theoretical perspective of symbolic interactionism I will attempt to link how Mills’ theory has influenced three key areas of my life. I will first explain how symbolic interactionism played a role in my age, career, and income. Lastly, I will entertain the ideal of envisioning how my life’s chances would be different if I were a white woman in American society. C.W. Mills’ theoretical perspective of symbolic interactionism rests on the foundation of how one’s interpretation