Chapter 4 Social Interaction

The process by which people act and react in relation to others Social construction of reality – the process by which people shape reality through social interaction Thomas theorem – Situations defined as real become real in their consequences

Status Status – a social position Status set – consists of all the statuses a person holds at a given time Ascribed status – a social position given to a person by society Achieved status – a social position that someone assumes voluntarily and that reflects ability and effort Master status – a status that has special importance for social identity, often shaping a person’s entire life

Roles Behavior expected of someone who holds a particular status Role conflict – conflict among roles corresponding to two or more different statuses Role strain – incompatibility among roles corresponding to a single status

Role Exit The process by which people disengage from important social roles Helen Ebaugh’s 4 stage model 1.Doubt 2.Search for alternatives 3.Action or departure 4.Creation of new identity

Erving Goffman Dramaturgical analysis – social interaction in terms of theatrical performance Presentation of self – the effort of an individual to create specific impressions in the minds of others

Communication in Everyday Interactions Language Nonverbal Behavior

Types of Interactions Exchange – the process in which people transfer goods, services, and other items with one another. –Norms of reciprocity – a strong norm that says that if you do something for a person, then that person must do something of approximately equal social value in return.

Types of Interaction Cooperation – the process in which people work together to achieve shared goals Competition – the process in which two or more parties attempt to obtain the same goal. Conflict – the process in which people attempt to physically or socially vanquish one another Coercion – the process by which people compel other people to do something against their will.