...Symbolic Interactionism as Implicated in Rehabilitation Johanna Jefferies Psy 350 Deliverable #1, prompt #3 15 October 2014 Symbolic Interactionism as Implicated in Rehabilitation Symbolic Interactionism, derived from the work of George Herbert Mead, is a sociological perspective that is important to social psychology. The framework of symbolic interactionism has its strengths and weaknesses in terms of its ability to explain behavior. I will attempt to utilize this theory to explain the social problem of recidivism and then explore the ways in which it can be used to alleviate this social problem. Symbolic interactionism is a distinctive approach to the study of human life and human conduct in which reality is formed as a result of the interactions between individuals. According to this theory, people do not respond directly to reality, they respond to the social understanding of reality. This means that humans exist not in the physical space composed of realities but in the "world" composed only of "objects." The concept of object is a fundamental piece of Mead’s analysis. Human beings live in a world or environment of objects, and their activities are formed around objects. According to Mead, objects are human constructs and not selfexisting entities with intrinsic nature (Blumer, 1966). According to the symbolic interactionism ...
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...SCommunication Science Assignment 1: Symbolic Interactionism Introduction The purpose of this essay is to describe the theory of symbolic interactionism and to apply it to my chosen case study: Xena and Gabrielle in the TV series “Xena Warrior Princess”. Starting with an introduction to the nature of Xena and Gabrielle’s relationship and an explanation of what functions their relationship fulfils. I then describe the theory as has been researched and demonstrate it by applying the main principles of symbolic interactionism to the main characters, Xena and Gabrielle and finally concluding with brief conclusion of the main features of the theory. Background to the nature of the relationship Xena and Gabriel are best friends. Xena, a warrior trying to abandon her evil past, stumbles upon a warlord attacking a small village and decides to save the village. Gabrielle a young naive girl desperate to see the world and leave her village, starts to follow Xena around and eventually, as Xena allows Gabrielle to travel with her, they becomes best friends and inseparable companions. Xena is in constant reminiscence of her evil past and is persistently trying to “right her wrongs”. Gabrielle is her beacon of hope and light. Xena is Gabrielle’s teacher and route of strength. Together they embark on wonderful journeys of self discovery, bravery and adventure along with some failures, betrayals and misunderstandings. During the first episode Xena goes into a cave talking aloud to...
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...Sociologists aim to analyze how people live. To do this, they use sociological perspectives which help them “understand human behavior by placing it within its broader social context.” The three sociological perspectives sociologists utilize that I will be focusing on are symbolic interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory. Symbolic interactionism is “a theoretical perspective in which society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their views of the world, and communicate with one another.” Functionalism is “a theoretical framework in which society is viewed as composed of various parts, each with a function that, when fulfilled, contributes to society’s equilibrium.” And lastly, conflict theory...
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...Culture consists of the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a particular group or society. Through culture, people and groups define themselves, conform to society's shared values, and contribute to society. Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that is most concerned with the face-to-face interactions between members of society. Interactionist see culture as being created and maintained by the ways people interact and how individuals interpret each other’s actions. For example, fashion is a language that we use to interpret who others are and communicate who we are. Clothing fashions in particular represent an extremely intricate language of interpersonal communication, as anyone...
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...around the cafe area I would always find cups laying around with almost all of the drink still in it. Why wouldn’t anyone even bother to take their drink with them that they bought for money? That was always a mystery to me. At the beginning of this module (Organisation and Identity) some very unexpected ideas came by which I could not really grasp during the initial couple of weeks which led me to think of quitting the module. However, I did not do so with a hope that I will probably understand whats going on and quitting did not seem like a very noble idea. As we entered the third week and studied ‘behaviourism’ I could slowly start relating the core ideas to practical life and it was the fourth week when we studied ‘symbolic interactionism’ and I could never be more thankful to myself for continuing as this very idea opened new sectors of the world to me and I felt...
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...popular and living in the age of social media, my parents try to preserve certain rituals, in order to bond with their family. Another cultural factor is that, Indo-Trinidad people strongly believe in superstition. More so the older heads keep us with this tradition, rather than the younger generation. Some popular superstitions include, no sweeping after 6:00pm, if you do you would sweep away your good luck and bad luck would follow you. Another is, wash your hands after a funeral and walk backwards into your house. This is done to keep away any evil spirit that may have followed you home. Lastly, put a black dot (ticker), in the centre of your forehead to keep away someone casting a bad eye or jealousy upon you. (maljoe). Symbolic interactionism is a theory developed from the work of Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead in the early twentieth century. According to this theory, people inhabit a world that is largely socially constructed. In particular, the meaning of objects, events and behaviours come from the interpretation people give them and the interpretations may vary from one group to another. Therefore, in relation to this theory, individuals may agree with the notion that giving a child a spanking or licks is a good form of discipline. However, there are those who may perceive this as a form of abuse, hurting the individual rather than educating them, if not familiar with the culture. On the other hand, due to the culture I was raised, if I see a disobedient...
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...One of the tenets of symbolic interactionism expresses that conduct is self-referential, that humans are able to take themselves, their feelings, interests, and their self-image into account as they act. An example of that an individual like myself who is interested in a career in law enforcement is to conduct himself in a manner that is appropriate, he is to attempt to stay away from criminal-like behavior in order to be considered for a position within that department. An individual who does not behave accordingly, commits crimes, is imprisoned, and does not conduct himself will most likely not get hired. That individual must maintain a good self-image, meaning one in which he is viewed as an outstanding citizen, a community oriented individual...
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...encyclopedia of facts, information, and biographies 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...
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...The public event I will talk about is THE SALON at ULTA Beauty's Cut-A-Thon! Throughout the month of October, ULTA Beauty is proud to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) with fundraising initiatives. As part of its efforts, customers can once again participate in the largest event of its kind -- THE SALON at ULTA Beauty's Cut-A-Thon! There is a salon in each of ULTA Beauty's 609 stores across the country and more than 2000 ULTA Salon stylists will participate. This took place on Sunday, October 13 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., the Cut-A-Thon offers a cut, shampoo and style or Dermalogica MicroZone Targeted Skin Treatment mini facial by ULTA Beauty's professionally trained stylists for a minimum suggested donation of $10. One hundred percent of the donations benefit BCRF. In 2012, ULTA Beauty stylists performed more than 23,000 haircuts during the Cut-A-Thon and they are aiming to beat that record this year. Men and women were allowed but I saw a majority of women.The patrons were mostly upper and middle vales, the stylists were working class. The stylists were mostly black, the clients were from a variety of races and ethnicities. The socialization and social interaction was taking place between clients and stylists they were making eye contact and approval from their friends of how the new style would look or looks. How these women should think of themselves played a very important role as these women were primarily concerned about style. Their discussion...
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...Analysis of a Personal Family Social Gathering Learners’ Name SOC1000 Introduction to Human Society Address Telephone: Email: Instructor: Dr. Cheryl Avant Social Setting I observed the social gathering of a birthday party for members of my husband’s family. It was a joint celebration for the birthdays of my sister-in-law, an aunt, and her son who is my husband and sister-in-laws cousin. This party is held at the home of the aunt and the cousin. The home is nice, but not huge so it makes these gatherings very cozy. It is a family ritual of doing the parties jointly since they fall so close together. These family gatherings are always interesting, because there are several family members that do not get along with other specific family members. But everyone tries to appear as though they have no problems, regardless of the fact that everyone in the room is well aware of the pending discomfort. In attendance there were a total of 28 people. Consisting of 5 women in their 20s, 4 women in their 40s, and 2 elderly women; there are 4 men in their 20s, 3 men in their 40s-50s, and 2 elderly men; there is also one girl under 5 years old, 2 girls ages 6-12, 3 boys under the age of 5, and 2 boys ages 6-12. Sociological Theories Once everyone arrives pleasantries are made all around, but you can always anticipate and sense the falsehood in many greetings. Between the main two women where this conflict has originated there is stiffness in...
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...The symbolic interaction perspective, also called symbolic interactionism, is one of the sociological theories. This perspective relies on the symbolic meaning that people develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction. It deals with how an individual interacts according to their belief also the subjective meanings that people impose on objects, events, and behaviors. Children who are getting abused for example have a tendency to not trust anyone on first interaction. It takes longer for them to develop trust for someone new after being abused by someone they love. Some kids get so abused they believe it’s their fault and will justify what is being done. It isn’t easy to talk to some young children that are being abused. Some will develop the courage to talk and speak out on what's being done, and some will be to scared to talk. It’s all based on that individual. Child abuse is not a pretty sight at all. I could never see myself going through such horror, and im glad I never had to. There is a big difference between discipline and violence. From the adults point of view it may not even be any of those reasons. Some adults don’t even seem to realize why they are doing such things to their child. It may be because of alcohol, or past problems, or maybe even just a bad day. It isn’t right though and it doesn’t justify what these adults are doing to these kids. From a symbolic perspective the adult may not even recognize what they are doing because it may have happened...
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...“Observation at Local Fast Food Restaurant During Lunch” Author: XXXXX XXXXX XXX University Introduction to Sociology “Observation at Local Fast Food Restaurant at Lunch” Have you ever tried listening to everything going on at the same time at a fast food restaurant during the lunch time rush hour? Well, I did and I am going to share the results of my whirlwind encounter last week. Within my observation, I will go over the layout of the establishment in which my observation was conducted, as well as who came to the establishment, the conversations and the interactions that took place. I hope you enjoy my observation and respect my findings from this visit. The place I chose for my observation is approximately 4000 square foot, with a counter for ordering with cash registers, a kitchen or cooking area directly behind the ordering counter and a drink and condiment area. For dining in there are two separate sections within the restaurant and I chose to sit in the more populated section directly on the other side of the drink and condiment counter, with four tables on one side and three on the other. I chose to go at 12:30 pm, where I assumed that there would still be a large lunch crowd as my choice in locations tends to be quite busy at this time. When I arrived in the parking lot and walked through the entrance, the kitchen area was busy with everyone doing their own particular jobs, and the sound of a fryer’s alarm sounding off, to alert the workers...
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...Terra Runyan Walmart pulls 'Naughty Leopard' Halloween costume made for TODDLERS after complaints from outraged parents (September 26, 2013) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2432913/Walmart-pulls-Naughty-Leopard-Halloween-costume-TODDLERS-complaints-outraged-parents.html#ixzz2iht9tRma Naughty: behaving badly, guilty of disobedience or misbehavior. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naughty) A word that used to mean “misbehaving” has now been sexualized. How has a word that once meant to behave badly, turned sexual? What does this mean for people now? In this paper I will use symbolic interactionism to explain the article. In the “…Naughty Leopard…” article it describes how the toddler costume is stirring up controversy within the parenting community. The word “naughty” has been put on a package next to a toddler girl, wearing a black dress with leopard trim, and leopard ears. Parents believe that by using the term “naughty” Walmart is trying to “sexualize” our children. The costume has been pulled from the shelves, and a spokesman for Walmart has apologized and said “It was never our intention to offend anyone and we apologize to any customers who may have been offended by the name of our costume”. Let’s look back at the history of the term. The word “naughty” during the 16th century meant "unhealthy, unpleasant, bad (with respect to weather), vicious (of an animal), inferior, or bad in quality". In the early days in Middle England, the word “naughti”...
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...Sports and Substance Abuse By Amanpreet Sekhon Under the Direction of Natasha Sessoms, MA At Unitek College Introduction Sports are becoming more relevant as a major influence in the life of a human. The relationship between drug abuse in sports and society adds a different perspective on how sports effects individuals, and perhaps even society as a whole. Unfortunately, society seems to view ‘winning’ as something which is more important than the game itself. Success in sports brings fame, popularity, and may even impact scholarships and university entrance for many individuals. The societies’ demands and expectations from sports are rising over time. Society seems to view ‘winning’ as something which is more important than the game itself; consequently, the influence of drugs in competitive sports is becoming more relevant. Overview The urge to win or watch your favorite team win is becoming a societal expectation and norm. Athletes feel that they need to take drugs to help them to perform and win in the respective sport they are competing in. Whether you are watching, playing it, or talking about it, sports are becoming a major entertainment and a major part of the life of a human. Data from Lloyd D. Johnston (May 2007), reveals that 2.7% of twelfth graders utilized steroids, while 1.8% and 1.6% for the tenth and eighth graders respectively. Youths can easily be influenced into using steroids from peer pressure or the need...
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...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...
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