Summarize the interactionist approach of the relationship between the individual and society.

Interactionism Interactionism – microsociological approach – sociology focused on individuals and small groups. 3 types of interactionism 1. Phenomenology – the social world consists of phenomena whose meaning is both negotiated and interpreted through interaction. Behavior becomes an action when it is directed towards other people in ways that take account of how those people act and react. Social action involves a knowledge of how our behavior might affect the people at whom it is directed.

Interactionism 2. Ethnomethodology – all social interaction is underpinned by a search for meaning. If we can understand the meanings people give to a situation we can understand their behavior in such situations. (possible to discover the nature of social order by disrupting it) ( If the concept of structure focuses on how behavior is governed by constraints that control, or at times, determine how we behave, social action focuses on our ability to make choices about how to act. 3. Symbolic Interactionism –analyzes society and situations in terms of the meanings that people impose on objects, events and behaviors. To explain human behavior we need to study people’s interactions at the micro level – their daily lives The meaning of something is never self-evident and its meaning can be changed by the social context in which it appears.

Over-Socialized Conception of Man Two men fighting on the street – call police Two men fighting in a ring – buy tickets Social interaction doesn’t simply involve obeying rules without question, because the meaning of behavior can change depending on its social context The Over-Socialized Conception of Man - a criticism of the claim that human beings are simply the product of their socialization. Behavior can be understood merely as a response to external stimulation. Society has subjective reality that we experience through social interaction Society is simply a label we give to the rules and responsibilities arising from our relationships.

Labeling Interactionists view labeling as the product of social interaction. Labeling theory argues that when we name something we associate the name with a set of characteristics that are they used to guide our behavior. Male / Female – We associate certain characteristics and roles. These may change over time because they are based on interactions. Women – 50 years ago versus today

Summarize the structuralist approach of the relationship between the individual and society

Structuralist + Functionalist Structuralist (macro)- Originated from Durkheim and Marx - Social Action is beyond individual control, structure of systems dictates our actions. i.e. - capitalism Functionalist (opposite of Marxist Structuralist) – Arrangements between institutions make for a smooth running of society - ex – family, education, and government make for smoothly running society

Social Order + Structuralists Established social order represents a powerful force that the individual has little or no freedom to oppose People typically accept the established institutional patterns of behavior – conforming to social rules in this way reflects the dominant influence of the social structure Therefore, structuralists believe that the study of sociology should be the study of the effects of the structure of society on social life. Every time we play a role, we experience the effect of social structures which suggests that social structures exert a significant influence on how we behave. What roles do you play on a daily basis? How does that affect your behavior?

Summarize the structuration approach of the relationship between the individual and society

Structuration Structuration – both structure and action are equally significant in our ability to understand the relationship between the individual and society. - people develop relationships, practices towards one another become normalized, then we conform to the structure we have developed The key to structuration is the idea that as people develop relationships, the rules they use to govern their behaviors are formalized into routine ways of behaving towards each other. Through the range of practices in our lives, a sense of structure develops in our social world – involving rules. This indicates how our actions create behavioral rules and demonstrates how such rules become externalized (separate from our individual behaviors) Eventually leads to conformity

Explain the nature-nurture debate

Nature v. Nurture Debate How human behavior can be explained. - nature – biological/genetic - nurture – cultural terms Roles – expected patterns of behavior associated with our status - i.e. – teacher, student, friend, parent Values – beliefs or ideas that are important to the people who hold them - expresses how something should be Norms – socially acceptable ways of behaving when playing a particular role

What is primary socialization?

Agencies of Socialization Learning the rules for interaction with one another happens through socialization Two forms: Primary Agencies of Socialization – critical to the development of behaviors we recognize as fundamentally human - family - peers - colleagues This type of socialization is necessary for development Secondary Agencies of Socialization – a sense of detachment from those teaching socialization These are situations in which we do not necessarily have close, personal contacts with those doing the socializing. - Education - Mass Media - Religion

How does family act as an agency for socialization?

Secondary Socialization Agencies include: Education, religious organizations and the media. Some instances we can be in daily contact with other members of a group and never develop a primary attachment to them. However, sometimes we might never meet someone (Famous person) but we can be influenced by their behavior Education Two kinds of curricula: Formal – knowledge and skills taught Hidden – things we learn from the experience of attending school, such as how to deal with strangers, obedience to adults, respect for the system School plays a significant role in secondary socialization for two reasons: Emancipates the child from primary attachment to their family Internalize a level of society’s values and norms

Education continued Schools involve many roles which can lead to the cultural relationships Other students Other age groups Teachers Staff Administration Parents/guardians Security/nurses/janitors Correspondence between school norms and workplace norms: Daily attendance Timing Authoritative power All are backed by positive and negative sanctions

Mass Media Unlikely to meet those we are socializing with Our relationship with media is impersonal Unlikely to meet those we are socializing with Short term affects of the use of mass media Imitation behaviors Desensitization – lowers our emotional reaction through repeated exposure to certain behaviors Learning – new ideas and places Indirect long-term effects TV – consumerism – repeated exposure to affluent lifestyles and desirable consumers goods that suggests that happiness is something that can bought Can define lifestyles and identities in contemporary capitalist societies Fear – overestimate things such as the extent of crime or their likelihood of being a victim. Agenda setting

Religion Don’t have to be religious to have religion play a significant role in socialization Ceremonial functions – weddings, funerals Important moral values Can be regarded as a ‘design for living’ – force that provides help and guidance to live a life in accordance with God but can also be a source of conflict: Between or within religions Places positive and negative sanctions on their followers in different ways