Explain the interaction of symbolic interactionism and conflict theory in social constructionism.
What will be an ideal response?
Varies. Some sociologists, frustrated with symbolic interactionism's inability to study social problems, have combined it with conflict theory and created social constructionism. This theory begins with the social construction of reality, just as symbolic interactionism does: every society creates norms, values, objects, and symbols that it finds meaningful and useful. Along the way, though, different categories or groups of people in the society get different rewards, as conflict theory states. Some have more, some have less. Social constructionists argue that this stratification-while felt in the world by individuals-is ultimately created and sustained through social systems, which must be made more just.
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Today, Arab Americans are less likely than the general population to
a. hold blue-collar jobs. b. be self employed. c. hold managerial positions. d. be professionals.
_____ is an interdisciplinary field that builds on symbolic interactionism and is often critical of classical sociological approaches
a. Cultural studies b. Conflict analysis c. Communication studies d. Critical sociology
Durkheim asserted that moral values are the foundation of a cohesive social order and that __________ are responsible for teaching a commitment to the common morality
a. religious institutions b. families c. schools d. social facts
In the United States, ________ people tend to vote Democratic, while ________ people mostly vote Republican
a. rural; urban b. urban; rural c. high-income; low-income d. conservative; liberal