Symbolic Interactionism People interact by using commonly understood and interpreted symbols – Symbols can be words, gestures, facial expressions sounds and actions – Symbols can be interpreted differently in different situations – We often practice role taking (putting ourselves in the place of others to anticipate their response to our behavior

Symbolic Interactionism We know who we are largely by seeing how others view us.

Ethnomethodology People interact by expecting others to use the folkways that apply to everyday routine behavior. Background assumptions helps make sense out of life. Looks at the combination methods people use to interpret social interaction from small behaviors

Ethnomethodology These are behaviors that we really aren't aware they exist. We notice these interactions is someone violates the rules Uncomfortability occurs within both parties if rules are broken that we expect to be followed.

Dramaturgical Approach People interact as if they were actors on a stage using “sign vehicles” to create appropriate impressions for the various roles they play. Our “script” is our roles We use “props” to market ourselves for the roles we play We try to create appropriate impressions for each situation we find ourselves in.

Dramaturgical Approach Each party desires to have a successful, non embarrassing encounters. We all have a backstage & front stage regions.

Social Exchange People interact in a way to gain something for themselves or in order to balance their own “social checkbook”. Its part of rational- choice theory (we do things because they benefit us) Social bonds are strengthened/maintained if we return a favor and balance the ledger

Social Exchange Irrational behaviors such as love, it cannot be explained by this, so behaviors is used to explain the reason and purpose for human emotions. We generally balance the ledger right away in the social checkbook as we exchange favors for one another.