Interactionism and Social Action

    OCR
    GCSE

    Interactionism (Social Action Theory) represents a paradigm shift from structural macro-sociology to micro-sociological analysis. It posits that social reality is constructed through everyday interactions and the meanings individuals attach to symbols. Unlike Functionalism or Marxism, which view behavior as determined by external structural forces, Interactionism emphasizes human agency, the fluidity of the 'self', and the negotiation of social roles. Candidates must analyze the mechanisms of 'labelling', 'symbolic interaction', and the 'looking-glass self'. Key intellectual roots lie in the Chicago School (Mead, Blumer) and the work of Goffman and Becker. Mastery requires evaluating the tension between agency and structure and understanding the methodological preference for qualitative data to achieve Verstehen.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for explicit definition of 'micro-approach' and 'social action theory' distinct from structural determinism
    • Credit accurate application of Becker's 'labeling theory' to specific contexts (e.g., the 'ideal pupil' in education or police typifications in crime)
    • Candidates must link the concept of the 'self-fulfilling prophecy' (Rosenthal and Jacobson) to differential achievement or recidivism
    • Reward analysis that evaluates the limitations of Interactionism, specifically its failure to explain the structural origins of power and inequality

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for explicit definition of 'micro-approach' and 'social action theory' distinct from structural determinism
    • Credit accurate application of Becker's 'labeling theory' to specific contexts (e.g., the 'ideal pupil' in education or police typifications in crime)
    • Candidates must link the concept of the 'self-fulfilling prophecy' (Rosenthal and Jacobson) to differential achievement or recidivism
    • Reward analysis that evaluates the limitations of Interactionism, specifically its failure to explain the structural origins of power and inequality

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 12-mark or 24-mark questions, always juxtapose Interactionist views with a structural theory (Marxism/Functionalism) to secure AO3 marks
    • 💡When using source material, explicitly link the data/text to Interactionist concepts like 'master status' or 'negotiation of reality'
    • 💡Ensure the distinction between 'primary deviance' and 'secondary deviance' is clear when discussing crime
    • 💡Allocate 1 minute per mark; do not over-write for 2-4 mark questions, save time for the 'Discuss' and 'Evaluate' commands

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing Interactionism with Functionalism (consensus) or Marxism (conflict), failing to identify it as a micro-theory
    • Describing the 'self-fulfilling prophecy' as an inevitable outcome rather than a probabilistic social process
    • Failing to provide specific sociological evidence or studies (e.g., Ball, Becker) to support theoretical assertions

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    Key Terminology

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