social action theories of culture and identity Flashcards
what are social action/interpretivist theories on identity
they adopt a micro approach which focuses more emphasis on the role of the individuals in creating and defining their identities and also it is concerned with meanings and interpretations individuals give to situations as they interact with others. These interactions can form and change identities.
symbolic interaction
our ability to understand symbols enables meaningful interaction to occur.
what did Mead argue about identity?
argued that as children grow up they learn to develop their self-concept. They may modify their self-concept and sense of identity and begin to see themselves as others see them, due to interacted with others.
What did Mead divide the self into?
(2 parts & example)
I= private inner self (opinion of yourself)
Me= shaped by the reaction of others (acting in ways that are socially desirable for certain social situations)
example: when taking on the social role of a student the ‘me’ is in action and the ‘I’ provides the confidence or lack of confidence to perform the role.
Cooley- ‘the looking glass self’
the idea that our image of ourselves is reflected back at us (like a mirror) in the view of others. Their reactions may make us modify or change our views of ourselves and our behaviours.
what did Cooley argue our individual identity or self-concept is due to the looking glass self theory
a social construction, rather than purely an individual identity
what is Goffman’s dramaturgical model?
the presentation of self and impression management
explain Goffman’s dramaturgical model in society
in society people try to project particular impressions of themselves which he called presentation of self, which is putting on ‘a show’ to try manipulate or influence how others see you.
what is Goffman’s impression management theory and examples of this through symbols
the way individuals try to convince others of the identity they wish to assert by giving particular impression of themselves.
Symbols are used to convey these impressions- clothing, tattoos, body language, language code. E.g. an ideal pupil will follow dress code, raise their hand, engage in conversation and have good punctuality.
