...Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Media Analysis SOC/100 May 19, 2014 Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Media Analysis In the dramatic television series Breaking Bad, the main character Walter White is an overqualified, mild mannered, Chemistry high school teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Working two jobs and financially strapped, Walter has a wife that is pregnant with their second child and teenage son that has cerebral palsy. After passing out at his job at the car wash, Walter has a series of medical tests done and finds out he has inoperable lung cancer. Walter's brother- in-law is a Drug Enforcement Agent takes him on a ride along during a Crystal Methamphetamine drug raid. It is at this time that a thought crosses Walter's mind, he can use his knowledge of Chemistry to produce Crystal Methamphetamine and make enough money to pay for his treatment and to leave his family financially comfortable in the event of his death. The series demonstrates the struggles of a middle class family trying to pay for expensive treatments, surgeries, and hospitalization in a time when health care costs are at an all-time high. The television drama speaks volumes about the state of America’s health care for the poor and middle income families. In the series, Walter White does have health insurance coverage through his high school teaching job. However, one of the top oncologists in the country has an office in Albuquerque and is not covered by Walter’s HMO; the out of pocket...
Words: 930 - Pages: 4
...Behavioral and Social/Cognitive Approaches to Forming Habits Paper Jeston Walker PSY/250 December 8, 2014 Ronald Goodnight Introduction In this paper I will analyze one of your habits, how did I develop this habit, were there role models for this habit, and which people influenced the adoption of this habit. I will explain why do I continue the habit and has there been a time when I have attempted to break this habit. I will use the behavioral personality theory to explain why I have this habit. I will describe components of social/cognitive theory that explain why the habit formed. I will develop a plan that applies operant conditioning to change this habit. Between the behavioral and social/cognitive theories, I will also describe which one do I find best explains my personality. Analyze one of your habits. How did you develop this habit? Were there role models for this habit? Which people influenced the adoption of this habit? My smoking habit began before I even turned 18. I tried my first cigarette around the age of 16, and I was addicted by the time I turned 18. It was several reasons why I developed the habit of smoking. A lot of my family members that was closed too were smokers. Their friends encourage them to try cigarettes, and to keep smoking. They saw smoking as a way of rebelling and showing independence. They think that everyone else is smoking, and that they should, too. Also I used to see tobacco advertising all the time, which targeted a lot of teenagers around...
Words: 1408 - Pages: 6
...Research categories Symbolic Interactionism Home Social Sciences and the Law Sociology and Social Reform Sociology: General Terms and Concepts International Encyclopedia... A Dictionary of Sociology International Encyclopedia... Further reading TOOLS Symbolic Interactionism International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family | 2003 COPYRIGHT 2003 The Gale Group Inc. Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective on self and society based on the ideas of George H. Mead (1934), Charles H. Cooley (1902), W. I. Thomas (1931), and other pragmatists associated, primarily, with the University of Chicago in the early twentieth century. The central theme of symbolic interactionism is that human life is lived in the symbolic domain. Symbols are culturally derived social objects having shared meanings that are created and maintained in social interaction. Through language and communication, symbols provide the means by which reality is constructed. Reality is primarily a social product, and all that is humanly consequential—self, mind, society, culture—emerges from and is dependent on symbolic interactions for its existence. Even the physical environment is relevant to human conduct mainly as it is interpreted through symbolic systems. Importance of Meanings The label symbolic interactionism was coined by Herbert Blumer (1969), one of Mead's students. Blumer, who did much to shape this perspective, specified its three basic premises:...
Words: 2732 - Pages: 11
...This paper provides a film analysis using the three theoretical perspectives; Symbolic Interactionist, Functionalist and Conflict Theorist. Additionally, this exploration is organized by each theoretical view. Furthermore, this review includes the opinion of this writer’s strongest theoretical perspective, as well as considering additional questions relating to the correlation of micro and macro sociology within the film. Thus, the film chosen for this analysis is “Mean Girls”, the 2004 comedy with a moral plot which is written by Tina Fey and directed by Mark Waters. Indeed, this film relates to the sociological area of gender and by watching this film through different lenses, this writer ascertains the intricacies of each role and function...
Words: 643 - Pages: 3
...how the three levels of analysis might apply to the same social phenomenon. In sociology social life is examined at three different levels, micro-level, macro-level, and global-level. The micro-level examines social dynamics of face-to-face interactions between people. The macro-level studies the larger scale dynamics of social interactions that occur within a society. At the global level, social life is examined through the structures and processes that occur beyond state borders or specific societies. It is common that more than one level may be effective when studying...
Words: 1830 - Pages: 8
...The three major theoretical perspectives in sociology are the functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective and the interactionist perspective. The functionalist perspective focuses on society as a whole, and that each member of society contributes equally. Theorists involved with the functionalist perspective are Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton. Durkheim was a major theorist involved in the observation of “anomie”, a state where norms are unclear, confused or not present. In the conflict perspective, society is viewed as a struggle. The theorists involved are Karl Marx, W.E.B Dubois and Ida Wells-Barnett. Karl Marx concluded that the power struggle between social classes was inevitable, in the Marxist View. Lastly, the interactionist perspective focuses on everyday social interactions and explains society as a whole. The theorists involved in the interactionist perspective are George Herbert Mead, Charles Horton Cooley and Erving Goffman. With all three of these sociological perspectives, there are both similarities and differences. The functionalist perspective and the conflict perspective are similar in that they both focus on the relationships and behaviors amongst themselves. They both explain how the effects that society has on people and how people affect the society. Both the functionalist perspective and conflict perspective have a macro level analysis, meaning that they focus on large-scale phenomenon or entire civilizations. The differences...
Words: 815 - Pages: 4
...Applying Sociological Perspectives Stephanie Ann Tombline SOC/100 May 30, 2016 Jennifer Hudgins Applying Sociological Perspectives Social networking sites - such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and, Pinterest, just to name a few - provide individuals with an online web of global networking that allows maintaining social ties with one another. Sociologists often ponder, "How do these social websites impact society?" Above all, this is the question that is the central focus shared by all three of the primary sociological perspectives (Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and, Symbolic Interactionism) when studying and performing research on the topic. Otherwise, the three paradigms of sociological theories are differentiating interpretations of how they perceive social networking sites. Namely, I find this subject intriguing because humans are perpetually seeking innovations intended to ameliorate the quality of life, and diverse opinions pertinent to the effect on the gamut of society and individuals within a community, is inevitable. Albeit, each perspective's view generated as a result of these social milestones, equally hold valid points. Therefore, while social networking sites provide a multitude of beneficial improvements to the world, there are just as many issues that arise, and all three sociological perspectives serve to complement one another in the comprehension of social media networks and the sway they bring to societies. As Viewed Through...
Words: 1050 - Pages: 5
...Major Theoretical Sociological Perspectives: Similarities and Differences Sociology: the scientific study of the development, structure and functioning of human society (Oxford). When the topic of discussion is sociology, Auguste Comte, the “father of positivism” would come to mind, as it was he who first coined the term “sociology” (Kreis, 2009). Comte also emphasized that the study of society must be scientific and he pushed sociologists to employ the use of qualitative methods such as observation, historical comparative analysis and experimentation. Sociological Perspective is the way in which we view sociological phenomena (Long, 2011). Among the many perspectives that exist there are three theoretical perspectives that are widely acknowledged by sociologists, these are the symbolic-interactionist perspective, conflict perspective and functionalist perspective. The analysis of social phenomenon occurs at varying levels by one of the three main theoretical perspectives or paradigms which provide sociologists with an orienting position or rather a philosophical position used to guide their questions about a society and its inhabitants. These phenomena range from evident interpretations to sweeping generalizations of society and its social behavior. Everything is studied from specific events straight up to the “big picture”, this would include the micro levels and macro levels of a society’s social patterns. The origin of the symbolic-interactionist theory traces back to Max...
Words: 2448 - Pages: 10
...sociological perspectives: functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and post-modernism. All of these theories in sociology equip us with different perspectives with which to view the social world. Each of the four major theoretical perspectives offer a range of explanations about the human behavior and social...
Words: 692 - Pages: 3
...bruises to the individual. Furthermore, the black male was arrested and detained for 3 hours, then fined $65 by the Ottawa Police, and banned from the mall for 5 years. One witness stated that this was a case of racial profiling as she saw that the mall securities had no reason to assault the individual. Although many deny the existence of racism in the Canadian society, this type of inequality still largely exists. To further analyze this topic, articles written by various scholars on racial profiling in the criminal justice system and racism in the workplace in Canada will be compared and contrasted. Moreover, various sociological concepts learned from the class will be applied to explain racism. In addition, the Symbolic interactionist and Conflict perspectives will be compared and contrasted to have a better understanding of racism. Racism has been a long-standing problem that various individuals face in the Canadian society throughout the history. Particularly, racism has been an issue observed in the workplace. In...
Words: 2425 - Pages: 10
...SOCIETY AS A PRODUCT OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS The term "symbolic interactionism" has come into use as a label for a relatively distinctive approach to the study of human life and human conduct (Blumer, 1969). With symbolic interactionism, reality is seen as social, developed interaction with others. Most symbolic interactionists believe a physical reality does indeed exist by an individual's social definitions, and that social definitions do develop in part or relation to something "real". People thus do not respond to this reality directly, but rather to the social understanding of reality; i.e., they respond to this reality indirectly through a kind of filter which consists of individuals' different perspectives. This means that humans exist not in the physical space composed of realities, but in the "world" composed only of "objects". According to Blumer, the "objects" can be divided into three types: physical objects, social objects, and abstract objects. Both individuals and society cannot be separated far from each other for two reasons. One, being that they are both created through social interaction, and two, one cannot be understood in terms without the other. Behavior is not defined by forces from the environment or inner forces such as drives, or instincts, but rather by a reflective, socially understood meaning of both the internal and external incentives that are currently presented (Meltzer et al., 1975). Herbert Blumer (1969) set out three...
Words: 2045 - Pages: 9
...Weber, preferred a quieter, subtle lifestyle. The disagreements this created in their marriage highly influenced Max. Nevertheless, their house was full of prominent intellectuals and lively discourse, an environment in which Weber flourished. Growing up, he was bored in school and despised his teachers, and learned information on his own. Graduating from high school, Weber studied philosophy, history, economics, and law for three semesters at Heidelberg University before finishing with a year in the military. When he returned in 1884, he went to the University of Berlin. Sociological Perspectives Sociologists today use three main academic perspectives: the functionalist interactionist perspective, the conflict perspective and symbolic the perspective. These views offer sociologists explanations as to how society influences people. Each perspective...
Words: 653 - Pages: 3
...ASSIGNMENT: THEORIES AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATION SOCIOLOGY PREPARED BY: MOHAMAD AZHAARI SHAH BIN SULAIMAN 4123003611 IZZAT WAZZIR IMAN BIN 4123000401 PREPARED FOR: TUAN HAJI BAGHAWI SARBINI 2.1 Definition of Educational Sociology Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) who is regarded as the ‘father’ of sociology of education clearly defines sociology of education as “a systematic study sociological perspective”. This definition of sociology of education is suitable because it speaks much of what goes on in education system. It clearly states that it is important to know sociology before knowing what sociology of education is. This is because sociology is related sociology of education. The statement “sociological perspective” stresses the social context in which people live such as society. Society is a group of people who share a certain culture and a territory. Perspective is a view of the world and it is referred to as a sociological preservative or sociological imagination. Durkheim’s statement helps us to understand that sociological perspective opens a window to another world or unfamiliar world. As we look at other world or our own, sociological imagination casts another form of light on us. This in return enables us to gain a new vision of social life. In other words it helps us to find out why people do what they do like eating, talking and many more. Sociological imagination also looks at social locations. A social location is where people are located...
Words: 3580 - Pages: 15
...Advertising Photoshopped Women Lorrie Myren Western Governors University Issues in Behavioral Science GLT1-111.6.2-12 Evelyn Giddens, PhD Abstract In the United States, an estimated 50 percent of young women and girls are dissatisfied with their body image. This percentage can be as high as 80 percent according to some psychologists. In the last 20 years, this estimate has grown due to the increased use of digital enhancement used in media advertising, namely Photoshop. (Purtle, 2012) ("Mirror, mirror", n.d.) Studies have shown that American children receive an estimated 5,260 messages of attractiveness through the media, by adolescence. The United States also has the world’s highest rates of obesity and eating disorders. This statistic crosses a melting pot of backgrounds and cultures which eliminates any genetic reason; instead societal messages from the media should be addressed. (Ross, n.d.) Advertising Photoshopped Women Social problem Eating disorders in the United States has been a social problem for many years, with up to 24 million people of all ages and genders affected. 50 percent of these people also fit the criteria for depression and only 35 percent of these receive treatment. Considered a norm violation type of social problem, many eating disorders are directly and indirectly caused by the media advertising digitally altered body images in their campaigns. ("Eating disorders statistics", n.d.) Thus, the problem can now be considered a...
Words: 1019 - Pages: 5
...Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Media Analysis SOC/100 September 1, 2014 Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Media Analysis In this assignment, the writer of this essay was to view a film of his or her own choice in silent mode. The objective was to describe social themes that were seen throughout the movie, identify types of behavior, explain the behavior, summarize why it is important in sociological understanding, suggest why it might be generalized to society, and conclude the key points. The content in this paper is pulled from scenes from the movie, “The Blind Side”. Introduction “The Blind Side” is a film John Lee Hancock produced that shows social inequality. The movie is about a poor African American male who is trying to fit into an all-white community when he is taken in by the Tuohy family, who are very wealthy. He later becomes a sought-after football player, but not without having first felt discriminated against because of his race and indifferences. Throughout the film, social themes of racism, lifestyle, and upcoming recognition can be depicted in nonverbal and symbolic behaviors. Social Theme Scenes Highlighting on a few social themes from the film—starting with racism, Michael is stereo-typed while he walks through the school, or is playing football because of his race. Another example of social theme is Leigh Anne’s lifestyle. Her well-dressed appearance, her beautiful home, her involvement with Michael’s well-being inside and outside of school...
Words: 818 - Pages: 4
