Action theories

What are the characteristics of action theories?

• micro

• bottom up

• free will and agency

• reasons and meanings

Weber and action theory: levels and types of action?

Level of cause = objective structural factors that shape our behaviour i.e. if picking smt out to wear think dress codes, weather etc

Level of meaning = understanding the subjective meanings that individuals attach to their actions i.e. personal style, comfort, subculture.

Calvinism shows this as Calvinism was the domain religion at the time (LC) and the beliefs is passed on meant hard work was religious duty snfd idleness viewed as sin (LM)

Types of action:

• Instrumentally rational action - most efficient means i.e. have to brush my teeth as they will rot if not

• Value rational action - for a goal that seems desirable i.e. wanting whiter teeth

• Traditional action - habitual and always been done i.e. parents teach us how to brush teeth and when in the day to

• Affectual action - expresses emotion i.e. making a cake because you’re happy or want to celebrate

Symbolic Interactionism - symbol, self and the interaction?

suggests we actively create society rather than being shaped by it. EG a dog will snarl at another dog and the other may bark back as it is instinct - as humans we process things differently.

Symbol = word, object, gesture, expression that represents something

The self = how to respond and act - figuring out what is most appropriate to do

The interaction = only possible when you have an understanding and interpretation of what sort of person you are dealing with, how they see you and what they expect from you or vice versa.

Labelling theory: stages of the SFP and examples from other topics?

Behaviour of individuals is influenced by how other members of society label them. They are internalised leading to a self fulfilling prophecy. Interactions with others and the meaning that has for us, shapes our behaviour.

stage 1 - the label

stage 2 - master status - internalise

stage 3 - deviant career - forced through blocked opportunities

stage 4 - self fulfilling prophecy - become it

Examples = Spurter study, deviancy amplification spiral, primary and secondary deviance

Dramaturgical model meaning, Examples and key sociologist?

This model is how we put on a performance in everyday interactions. Goffman calls this impression management which means to present a picture of ourselves and the control we have in impressions we give. This could be through gestures tone and facial expressions.

Some people put on genuine performance as like their job but others put on a cynical performance i.e. waiter may be polite to customers and put on fake smile.

The actor is a manipulator and trickster.

Ethnomethodology: what is it? Key sociologist?

Based on work of Garfinkel who rejects idea that society is a real objective structure and social order is an illusion. It is maintained simply by common sense rules and shared meanings. Argues that social order is actively created by individuals in interactions.

Indexicality - no fixed meanings in society and we use reflexity (common sense) to make sense of the world around us.

eg. someone asking how are you has many meanings and it is up to context. Suicide as AO2 doesn’t always have clear cut meaning