Modern Social Theory Flashcards

Flashcards covering Symbolic Interactionism, Dramaturgy, and key figures like Herbert Bloomer, Arlie Hochschild, and Irving Goffman. Terms and definitions are extracted from lecture notes.

Symbolic Interactionism

A cardinal principle stating that any scheme of human society must respect that it consists of people engaging in action.

First Premise of Symbolic Interactionism

Humans act toward things based on the meanings they have for them.

Second Premise of Symbolic Interactionism

Meaning is derived from social interaction.

Third Premise of Symbolic Interactionism

Meanings are handled and modified through an interpretive process.

Interpretation (Bloomer's definition)

Constructing the meaning of another's actions as well as one's own.

Self-Consciousness (Bloomer's definition)

Individuals must construct a shared interpretation by becoming an object to oneself of each other's gestures.

Impression Management

The verbal and nonverbal practices used to present an acceptable image of oneself to others.

Social Anthropology

Practices by which the individual is able to proffer the deference owed to the recipient

Avoidance Rituals

Rituals that take the form of prescriptions, interdictions, and taboos to maintain distance.

Presentational Rituals

Rituals that take the form of prescriptions and relate to demeanor, conduct, and dress.

Dramaturgy (Goffman's)

Analyzing interaction through analogy with the theater, using terms like front, backstage, and performer.

Performer (Goffman's definition)

A fabricator of impressions who has a capacity to learn.

Emotion Work

Attempts to evoke particular feelings or suppress undesired feelings.

Emotional Labor

Inner feelings are managed to produce an outward display as part of one's job.

Commodification of Feelings

The commercial reshaping of emotions.