Self & Society Symbolic Interaction What is symbolic interactionism? ‘A theoretical perspective that emphasizes how people interpret, act toward, and thereby give meaning to objects, events, and situations around them. ‘This perspective highlights how human meanings and actions arise out of the social processes of interpretation, communication, and role taking. Symbolic Interactionism ‘Herbert Blumer ‘Key founder of the symbolic interactionist perspective ‘Outlined core tenets of symbolic interactionism: The 3 Premises Symbolic Interaction Premise 1 ‘The first premise is that human beings act toward things on the basis of the meanings those things have for them Symbolic Interaction Premise 2 ‘The second premise is that the meaning of such things is derived from, or arises out of, interaction that one has with one’s fellows. Symbolic Interaction Premise 3 ‘The third premise is that these meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretive process used by the person in dealing with the things he or she encounters. Symbolic Interaction Human beings are unique creatures because of their ability to use symbols. Language: a system of symbols shared by members of a social world and used for the purposes of communication and representation. Symbolic Interaction ‘People become distinctively human through interaction. Symbolic Interaction ‘People are conscious, self-reflexive beings who shape their own behavior. Symbolic Interaction ‘People are purposive creatures who act in and toward situations. Symbolic Interaction Society consists of people engaging in symbolic interaction. Role-taking: The process through which we see ourselves (as objects) from the standpoint of others and thereby coordinate our actions with theirs. Symbolic Interaction ‘Emotions are central to meaning, behavior, and the self. Symbolic Interaction ‘The ‘social act’ should be a fundamental unit of social psychological analysis. ‘Social Act: Behavior that in some way takes account of others and is guided by what they do; it is formulated so that it fits together with the behavior of another person, group, or social organization. It depends on and emerges through processes of communication and interpretation. Symbolic Interaction ‘Sociological methods should enable researchers to grasp people’s meanings. Symbolic Interaction and You ‘Understanding Yourself and Your Choices ‘Agency: The ability to make choices and exercise a measure of control over one’s actions Summary ”””Key Concepts Symbolic Interactionism Language Social Act Role Taking Agency Self & Society Socialization Socialization An ongoing process of interaction through which we develop identities and acquire culture. *Socialization is dynamic, reciprocal, and somewhat unpredictable. Primary Socialization The process by which we learn to become mature, responsible members of society. This learning takes place through the core social institutions, most particularly the family. Secondary Socialization ‘The more specific, formal training that we experience throughout the course of our lives, such as learning an occupation. ‘Through this training we become inducted into specific social groups or worlds and acquire selves within them. Childhood Socialization ‘Primary socialization shapes the development of children ‘(1) They learn the culture -ways of thinking, feeling, and acting -of their society ‘(2) Children learn who they are -they develop a sense of self Agents of Socialization ‘Groups that are most influential in the process of teaching children the norms and values of a particular culture Agents of Socialization ‘Family -Changes in family structure -Class differences among families Agents of Socialization ‘Schools -The Pygmalion Effect Peer Culture ‘Peer Culture -A culture created by children that both reflects and resists the values and practices of mainstream adult culture. Reference Groups ‘A group whose perspective serves as our frame of reference in organizing our thoughts, actions, and self-images in a given context. Socialization as an ongoing process ‘Status passages: The movement of individuals in and out of particular statuses ‘Rites of passage: Rituals and ceremonies that accompany and help us to handle the changes in status we experience over the course of our lives Self & Society Theories of the Self Overview ‘1. What is the self? ‘2. How do we get a self? What is a self? ‘The self is a process of reflexive activity that includes our subjective stream of consciousness (perceptions, thoughts, feelings, plans, and choices) as well as our conception of self as a physical, social, and moral being. ‘In essence, the self is a reflexive process that enables us to formulate, monitor, control, and react to our own behavior. George Herbert Mead The ‘I’ ‘The aspect of the self that is the source of our spontaneous, impulsive, and initiating tendencies. ‘The self as subject is the initiator and formulator of action ‘It engages in ongoing dialogue with the me The ‘Me’ ‘The internalized attitudes of others through which we view ourselves and our actions. ‘This aspect of the self develops through the processes of socialization and role taking. ‘It responds to the impulsive and initiating tendencies of the ‘I’ Charles Horton Cooley ‘Early 20th century sociologist ‘Observed his own daughter ‘Looking Glass Self Looking Glass Self ‘The notion that the self reflects the responses of others ‘The self develops through a 3-step process The Looking Glass Self -Step 1 Step One We imagine our appearance in the eyes of others Looking Glass Self -Step 2 Step Two We imagine their judgment of that appearance Looking Glass Self -Step 3 Step 3 We internalize their perspectives and developing a corresponding self-image and self-feeling. The Looking Glass Self ‘Does not depend on accurate evaluations ‘It is an ongoing lifelong process ‘We selectively interpret and respond to feedback from others. The Looking Glass Self ‘Limitation ‘The looking glass self theory did not explain how we develop the ability to know others or take their perspectives. George Herbert Mead ‘Mead’s theory accounts for how individuals learn to take the perspective of others ‘Children acquire capacity for role taking through primary socialization ‘3 stages The Preparatory Stage The phase of socialization in which we lack a developed sense of self and have difficulty distinguishing our roles from the roles of others. The Play Stage ‘The phase of socialization in which we learn to take the role of specific others, such as parents, teachers, or superheroes, by playing at these roles The Game Stage ‘The phase of socialization in which we learn to take the role of a network of others, or the ‘generalized other.’ In so doing, we learn to look at ourselves and our behavior from the standpoint of a number of other perspectives or roles. We thereby acquire a sense of society and its moral standards. The Generalized Other ‘The perspective and expectations of a network of others or of the community as a while. The generalized other is reflected in the social standards we internalize and subsequently use to evaluate our own behavior.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.