Symbolic interactionism

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological framework that focuses on the different meanings individuals attach to objects, people, and interactions.

Gestures

Posture, tone of voice, and facial movements that convey significance in communication, as identified by George Herbert Mead.

SELF (Mead's concept)

The part of an individual’s personality composed of self-awareness and self-image.

Threefold Gesture

The stages of self-discovery: Play stage, Game stage, and Generalized other.

Generalized other

Widespread cultural norms and values used as references for evaluating oneself.

Meaning (in Symbolic Interactionism)

An important element of human existence that is both subjective and individualistic; people act according to the meanings they interpret.

Socialization

The process through which people mold their symbolic references by establishing relationships.

Cultural dimension

The aspect of symbolic educational development that includes culturally significant behaviors, such as greetings.

Blumer's argument

Meaning isn't inherent in objects but is formed through social interactions.

Role of a Parent (in socialization)

Parents impact a child's understanding of behavior and values through their responses to the child's actions.

Emile Durkheim

A founding figure of sociology who studied social cohesion and the function of norms in society.

Social Norms

Expected standards of behavior that govern the conduct of individuals within a group.

Role Theory

A framework for understanding how individuals fulfill expectations of their societal roles.

Talcott Parsons

A sociologist known for his theory on social systems and the role of socialization in maintaining order.

Deviance

Behavior that violates societal norms and can lead to social sanctions.

Cultural Relativism

The principle of understanding cultural practices within their own context without judgment.

Social Constructionism

A theory that suggests knowledge and many aspects of the world are constructed through social processes.

Agency

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices within societal constraints.

Values

Deeply held beliefs about what is important or desirable in life, shaping individual behavior and societal norms.

Conflict Theory

A framework that emphasizes the role of power struggles and inequalities in shaping social relations and structures.

Socialization Agents

Individuals or groups that influence personal attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors; examples include family, peers, and media.

Taboos

Strong prohibitions against certain behaviors or practices that are culturally forbidden.

Norms

The unwritten rules and expectations for behavior in a given society.

Folkways

Casual norms that guide everyday behavior but do not carry severe repercussions if violated.

Mores

Stronger norms that are essential to a society's moral fabric, often associated with laws.

Social Roles

Patterns of behavior that are expected of individuals in particular social positions.

Role Conflict

A situation where an individual faces conflicting expectations from different roles they occupy.

Role Strain

Experiencing tension or difficulty in meeting the expectations of a single social role.

Primary Group

A small, close-knit group characterized by emotional ties and intimate relationships.

Secondary Group

A larger, more impersonal group established for a specific purpose or goal.