Interactionism Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is Interactionism?

Interactionism is a view that studies how people build society through everyday interactions and shared meanings.

Is Interactionism a micro or macro theory?

It is a micro theory. It looks at small groups and face-to-face behaviour.

What do interactionists mean by symbols?

Words, gestures, or objects that carry shared meanings.

What is labelling in sociology?

When people attach a label to someone, which can change how others treat them.

What is a self-fulfilling prophecy?

A belief or label that becomes true because people act in ways that make it happen.

What is a master status?

A label that becomes the main way others see a person, above other parts of identity.

What is stigma?

A strong negative label that brings shame and lowers how others see a person.

How do interactionists explain deviance?

It sees deviance as made by society. Acts become deviant when others label them that way.

Which research methods do interactionists often use?

Qualitative methods such as participant observation and unstructured interviews.

What is the looking-glass self?

The idea that we shape our self-image by how we think others see us.

What does Goffman mean by front stage and back stage?

We manage impressions in public (front stage) and act more freely in private (back stage).

What is one criticism of Interactionism?

It can ignore big social forces, like class and gender.