Question

Using the MODERN sociological perspectives (structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism) describe what is happening in various hypothetical scenarios.

SCENARIO 2

            “Human beings are born fully formed social beings without the need for social interaction.”

*Provide at least TWO examples a symbolic interactionist might give in response to this statement.

SCENARIO 3

Many Native American groups have complained that major sport team mascot names such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Braves, and the Cleveland Indians are insensitive to their heritage. Using the basic assumptions of symbolic interactionism, defend OR condemn the use of Native American reference in team mascot names.

Answer 1

1. The social interactionalism theory was developed by George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley, it explains social behavior such as conflict, cooperation, identity formation as a result of interaction with each other in a society. It defines how an individual shapes society and how he is shaped by society. According to Mead, an individual's self is a social product, these are creative, and created with a purpose, their ability is best tested during a social conflict, or complex problem arising within a society.

“Human beings are born fully formed social beings without the need for social interaction.”

This statement says that an individual is born with the innate ability to stay on his own as he is born perfect, he does not require any interaction. Communication is the best form of interaction. Without communication one cannot stay if one is born a fully formed social being he would not communicate and will have no communication but human beings are social animals. Social interactions are a must.

The response:

1. Human is a social animal communication is the best form of interaction; one cannot be social unless he interacts with different people. According to Mead, an individual's self is a social product. When a person interacts in a society he gets recognizes the society and society recognize him they together develop the morals values relationships and friendship. If an individual is born fully formed social beings then everyone would have the same trait. There will be no individuality among the people. Thus as per symbolic interactionist, interaction is required to recognize one's ability and identity. A person's ability gets recognition by others.

2. The shared activities within a family are the example of symbolic interactionalism. Within family emotional bonds, sharing responsibilities, and care for each other is the sign of interaction within a family. Family is a part of society. Family bonds act as a reinforcer it rejuvenates and creates a bonding between the family members and in turn if forms bonding with the society. If all the members of a family are fully formed social beings there will be no emotional bondings and no sharing of happy and sad moments together it does not happen thus human is a part of a family and society and grow interacting with each other.

Ans 3

The Native Americans were kept slaves by the white Americans for centuries they are very sensitive if any symbol that represents their identity is used by other groups, they treat it as a symbol of insult, or they feel others are insensitive towards them. The word Indian used by the other teams as a team Mascot is not welcome by the Indian American, the indigenous group. They believe that by using these symbols they are making a mockery of American Indian culture. If the term Indian is used by the other groups as a gesture of recognizing and giving respect to American Indian culture then as per symbolic interactionist it is a good gesture, if it is used to insult Native Americans then as per symbolic interactionist, how best the conflict is solved would appreciate the outcome of the interaction.