We put ourselves in the shoes of others
which is first experienced via role play as a
child. Mead argues that to function as
members of society, we need the ability to
see ourselves as others see us. Also how
the reactions
Interaction
Putting the
symbol and self
together.
Each person must learn the viewpoint and
reactons of others.
Goffmann (1969) - Dramaturgy and
the Presentation of the self
sociial action is arguably a
dramaturgical performance and
as social actors, we are
constantly altering our
behaviour inorder to manipulate
how others see us.
This is called impression management.
To illustrate, our preferred self are
perceived to others whilst our less
favourable self can be concealed. Roles
are losely scripted. As social actors, one
may use language, tone, facial
expressions etc to essentially 'fake it'.
Therefore, like a theatre, social life is a
front and back stage.
This can be exemplified in
the family with the notion of
'tension' management.
Labelling Theory
Theoretically based on
symbolic interactionism
Attaches certain meanings to different social
groups. These may be positive or negative. A key
theorist = Becker
Example = crime and the development of a master status, therefore a self
fulfilling prophecy. Can also be illustrated in education e.g. Ray Rist (1977)
- Clowns and the Cardinals used Participant Observation
Evaluation
Strengths
Studies the
social action
of
individuals,
explain
interaction
and points
neglected by
structural
theories
Weaknesses
Vague at explainign human behaviour, too
subjective, ignores power (marxism), too micro
therefore lacks representativeness, not
generalisable, does not explian the origin of
meanings/labels, feminists argue it neglects the
experience of women, it ignores wider structural
causes of social issues.