The Symbolic Interaction Theory and My Family - 1402 Words

The Symbolic Interaction theory refers to ways in which a family or society attaches meaning to verbal communication, non-verbal communication, people, and objects. We are taught from a young age communication using verbal language and accepted ways to express our needs. The theory represents perception of objects or actions (Macionis, 2007, p.17). Members of a family learn what is acceptable within the family. We also can know through body language when a family member is stressed, angry, happy, or sad. We learn appropriate ways to interact based on non-verbal communication (Cherlin, 2008, p.24, 29). In my family it is easy to tell when my mom is stressed out and just needs a few minutes alone. She will express this need non-verbally†¦show more content†¦Through what my sister and I we were taught growing up, we function and have learned our roles in society based on the values instilled in us as children. Our family learned to function as a unit through its structure. Theory three: Social Exchange The Social Exchange theory proposes that we make decisions with the goal to maximize benefits and minimize costs (Newman, 2009, p.64). The choices we make require social approval and self-sufficiency. A family will make sacrifices if they perceive the action will equal rewards. Basically the theory refers to a give and take relationship where there needs to be balance for the relationship to be satisfying. The Social Exchange theory applies to everyone at one time or another. We make exchanges with friends, family, and in the workplace. We cooperate with others and make reasonable decisions to achieve a reward. Sometimes we make sacrifices with the hope of receiving something of value in return in the future. My family made sacrifices for me when I was in college to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). My parents allowed me to stay at home and only work part-time so that I could concentrate on my schoolwork. They provided for me so that I could have a better future and go od career. The relationship may not have seemed as profitable for them as myself, but the reward for them was knowing thatShow MoreRelatedSymbolic Interactionsim1477 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONSIM Abstract Since the beginning of Symbolic Interactionsim, when George Herbert Mead coined the theory, despite its lack of official information, anyone who studies the theory can see how it relates and is true to most, if not all human beings and the culture that they derive from. In this paper, it will discuss the theory; provide examples from people who have studied this specific theory more in depth, asRead MoreInteractionism, Conflict Theory, And Theoretic Perspectives1174 Words   |  5 PagesTheoretic perspectives have been used for years now to try and explain why people behave and interact with others, the way they do. 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When asked about my perspective on the world, I view it using the conflict theory due to the examples that society gives us based on events that happen frequently. Even though all three of these theories are socially correct, the conflict theory defines my view of the world more than structural functionalism and symbolic interaction. According to sociologistsRead MoreRole Of Identity, And Well Being Among Volunteers, By Peggy A. Thoits1356 Words   |  6 Pagesa case in point on the role-identity of â€Å"volunteer,† specifically, Mended Hearts Visitor. The theory being tested in the article is called symbolic interactionist, where role identities are definitions of the self in terms of the social roles that one holds. The roles being discussed are positions in social structure such as behavioral expectations, including reciprocal rights. â€Å"According to theory, individuals obtain classifications of themselves as social objects and evaluations of themselvesRead MoreSociology : A Sociological Perspective896 Words   |  4 Pagesperspective. There are three specific views: Structural Functionalist, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. Each has valid points of view, and not completely exclusive to the other, but in this case one is more correct and valid than the others. Conflict theory is the most credible theory in psychology because it factors in the problems of power and broken systems. Sociology is a social science that studies social interactions and changes that happen in them. With this knowledge it is important that