The Symbolic Interaction Theory and My Family

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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 by going outside to smoke a cigarette. We know not to go to her to continue a conversation until she comes back inside and has calmed down. So for my mom, a cigarette is symbolic of stress. Not understanding my mom in this way could cause conflict. For example, if my dad had not learned to interpret her actions as needing time alone and insisted on carrying on a conversation then an argument could be escalated. My mom would expect that after many years of marriage that my day should recognize the symbolism and respect her need for space. The example of my mom’s way to deal with stress relates to the Symbolic Interaction theory. Family members attach meaning to the action of my mom smoking and learn to act accordingly. The action is a way of communicating a need for time alone. While some symbols are a constant to a society, others are related only to certain situations or family member. The perception of an object or action determines how we react in a given situation. Theory two: Struc... ... middle of paper ... ...an. Though this is not as often the case anymore, we still assume that women take on more care-taking roles and the man will be in the position of authority. According to the Feminist Theory women must maintain the household and take care of the children and husband. Women juggle taking care of the home sometimes along with a full-time job. It is normal for a husband to go play golf with his friends on a Saturday, while the wife must stay home and keep the children and do housework. My dad would often go fishing on the weekend because he needed time to relax from his workweek. The above examples represent the society’s view of women in the home and workplace. The male is assumed to take on more primary roles in the home and workplace. Despite the fact that the woman may work as much or more than the male, she does not receive equal rewards.

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