Describe the concept of symbolic interaction, including some examples. Explain your view of this concept
What will be an ideal response?
• Symbolic interaction theory holds that people communicate via symbols—gestures signs, words, or images—that stand for or represent something else.
o For example, when you see a person with a gold ring on the fourth finger of his left hand you know he is married. The ring is not merely a piece of jewelry but a representation or symbol of the wearer's status. It tells you that he lives a conventional lifestyle, is most likely emotionally stable, ready for commitment, and so on.
o Wearing an expensive watch such as a Rolex symbolizes that the owner is successful, wealthy, and confident; this is referred to as a status symbol. A Rolex may keep no better time than a Timex, yet one conveys an image of wealth and success and the other of thrift and frugality.
o Sometimes symbols take the form of a gesture. If a guy asks a girl out on a date and she rolls her eyes, shakes her head, and turns her back, he quickly gets the message: This is not going to work. Body language is open to interpretation and can be easily misread.
• People often interpret symbolic gestures from others and incorporate them in their self-image. When a teacher puts an A on your paper, it tells you that you are an excellent student, and the symbol pumps up your self-image.
• Symbols are also used by people to let others know how well they are doing and whether they are liked or appreciated.
• How people view reality depends on the content of the messages and situations they encounter, their subjective interpretation of these interactions, and how this shapes future behavior.
• There is no objective reality; people interpret the reactions of others, and this interpretation assigns meaning. Because interpretation changes over time, so do the meanings of concepts and symbols.
• Student views will vary.
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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
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A. arson B. embezzlement C. public drunkenness D. traffic violations
Under which of the following circumstances is a peace officer not required to notify the juvenile probation officer that a child has been taken into custody? Without unnecessary delay, the officer takes the child to
a. a juvenile processing office. b. a nonsecured custody office. c. the county jail. d. the police station for further interview.
Which type of evidence would not be presented by the prosecutor?
A) Real evidence B) Testimony C) Direct evidence D) Circumstantial evidence E) Contrary evidence