“Symbolic Interactionism” Sociology

3 Major Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology Symbolic Interactionism Functional Analysis Conflict Theory

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic Interactionism – a theoretical perspective in which society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their views of the world, and communicate with one another

Symbolic Interactionism Without symbols, our social life would be like that of an animal Without symbols = no aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters If you think of someone as your aunt or uncle, you will treat them differently than a total stranger (even if you aren’t close)

Symbolic Interactionism Example: whoops…that girl you’re attracted to is really your long lost sister… From the TV show “Arrested Development”

Symbolic Interactionism Without symbols, we could not coordinate our actions with other people – No labels for time, materials, sizes, etc. – We would have no hospitals, government, religion, schools, etc

Symbolic Interactionism Even the “self” is a symbol As we interact with others we constantly adjust our views of who we are based on how we interpret the reactions of others

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Marriage 1. Emotional Satisfaction 2. The Love Symbol 3. The meaning of Children 4. The meaning of Parenthood 5. Marital Roles 6. Perception of Alternatives 7. The Meaning of Divorce 8. Changes in the Law

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Marriage 1. Emotional Satisfaction – as marriage evolved, couples began to expect that their spouse would “satisfy every need”.

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Marriage 2. The Love Symbol – “true love” expectation ultimately will lead to crushed hopes. (being engulfed in the symbol of love at the time of marriage blinds them to the basic unreality of their expectations)

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Marriage 3. The Meaning of Children – in medieval Europe, children started work at 7 (mini adults)

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Marriage 4. The meaning of parenthood – today’s child rearing lasts longer and is more demanding.

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Marriage 5. Marital Roles – today’s more vague guidelines force couples to work out more aspects of their respective roles on their own

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Marriage 6. Perception of alternatives – post industrial revolution, more and more women began taking jobs outside the home. (essential first step to divorce)

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Marriage 7. The meaning of divorce – currently about 1.1 million divorces per 2.25 million marriages per year. * The meaning has come to symbolize freedom and new beginnings (instead of failure)

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Marriage 8. Changes in the law – previously divorce had been only granted for severe reasons, now “incompatibility” is one of the grounds