symbolic interactionism and family studies.pptVIP

Symbolic Interactionism and Family Studies LaRossa, R., Reitzes, D. C. (1993). Symbolic interactionism and family studies. In P. G. Boss, W. J. Doherty, R. LaRossa, W. R. Schumm, S. K. Steinmetz (Eds.), Sourcebook of family theories and methods: A contextual approach (pp. 135-163). New York: Plenum Press. Assumptions Assumptions About the Importance of Meaning for Human Behavior Human beings respond to things based on their subjective meanings; this is a non-reductionist view of human beings. Meaning occurs through interaction between people. Meaning is based on experience, an interpretative process. Assumptions About Self-Concept People develop a sense of self through social interaction; it is not innate. Once developed, self-concepts influence motivation. Assumptions About Society Individuals and small groups, including families, are influenced by larger social forces. People develop an understanding about social structure based on their everyday social interaction. Identity Refers to self-meanings in a role. Role salience: hierarchical organization of roles by importance; their is a positive correlation between identity salience and a person’s desire to excel in that role. Salience is also influence by commitment to a role. Self-esteem: how one evaluates one’s self. Motivates behavior. Behavior influences self-esteem. It affects conformity, interpersonal attraction, moral behavior, educational orientations, and mental health (Rosenberg, 1981; Wells Marwell, 1976) It also affects submissiveness, depression, anxiety, maladjustment, and vulnerability (Luck and Heiss). For example, someone may abuse another person to bolster self-esteem; the victim, in turn, is likely to experience a loss of self-esteem. Roles Refers to shared norms about social positions (e.g., mother, father, sibling, grandparent, teacher). Roles influence knowledge, ability and motivation (Brim, 1966). They also influence expectations about feelings. Roles and Socialization Role taki