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Which Is More Important in Shaping Individuality - Social Structure or Social Interaction?

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SOC10004 Sociological Foundations

Which is more important in shaping individuality – social structure or social interaction?

Symoniah Quaggan

Referencing style: Harvard referencing style

The shaping of individual identity is developed through interaction with one another and the social structure we move in. Social structure is defined as social organisation based on established patterns of interactions and norms/shared values. Social interaction is the process by which we act, react and communicate to those around us. Whilst both are undeniably factors which affect individuality, this essay explores which is the most influential factor. Our individuality is built from a set of values and rules that we taught and adapt to. When considering aspects of our circumstances that we cannot control and how much impact our social structure has had in directing our behaviour and relationships before independent social interaction has occurred, this research concludes that social structure is the most important dynamic in shaping individuality.

At the time of our birth we have already been placed into a social class and a predetermined social structure based on our parents place in society. Therefore, before social interaction has occurred, we have already secured a place on the hierarchy of society. We may not necessarily remain in that class or within the same structure as we develop our own identities. Society categorizes people into ranks, according to Giddens (1991) depending on things like wealth, income, race, power and education; also known as Social Stratification (Giddens, 1991). We begin to develop as individuals almost immediately, whether it be the way we movie our bodies, make a gesture or laugh. As suggested by Mead (1934), the individual mind and self, arises out of the social process. The interactions that occur between yourself and others

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