Symbolic Interactionism: Pragmatism's Dynamic Social Construct - Essay Sample

Introduction

According to Mead, symbolic interactionism stems from the philosophy of pragmatism. Pragmatists do not believe in the existence of reality; according to them, the reality is a construct that emanates from our actions towards the world. The philosophy of pragmatism can, therefore, be viewed under three standpoints: Interaction between the player and the world, a view of both the player and society as a dynamic process and not static assemblies and the actor's ability to construe the social world. Dewey added to the concept of pragmatism by arguing that the human mind cannot be viewed as a structure but rather a thought process that includes the characterization of objects in the social world. The definition of objects in the social world is then tailed by outlining possible modes of conduct, imagining possible repercussions of choices, filtering out unlikely possibilities, and eventually selecting a decisive course of action. This focus on the thinking process was the epitome of the creation of symbolic interactionism. The two premises, one that perceived the mind as a structure and that which described the mind as a thought process, were categorized as philosophical realism and nominalist pragmatism, respectively. The latter is more individualistic in the sense that it recognizes the existence of macro-level phenomena but argues such a phenomenon does not influence personal consciousness nor behavior. Individuals are, therefore, viewed as free agents who consistently reject or alter community norms.

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A second approach developed and aimed towards the demystification of symbolic interactionism is the radical behaviorism theory. Radical behaviorism is concerned with the visible behaviors of human beings. Radical behaviorism focuses on provocations that elicit responses or reactions exhibited by an individual. Watson, the person who introduced radical behaviorism, was, however, criticized for dwelling on a small excerpt of a broader subject. Thus, his work was rendered incomplete by a lack of inclusion of the intellectual faculty, a vital segment of behaviorism. In his effort to support his argument, Mead argued that actions performed by human beings are inseparable of the mind; for instance, simplistic acts such as eating require the actor to ponder on the time factor, "eat now or later." He also added that individuals could not be defined explicitly of the society; it begins with the community followed an individual.

According to Cooley, symbolic interactionism cannot be explained with the exclusion of society. In that case, there exist primary groups, secondary groups, and then the looking-glass self. Secondary groups are larger social categories where more impersonal interactions are elicited, roles at this level are also higher compared to those in existence in primary groups. Primary groups are smaller in size and are closer to an individual. Members share closer and intertwined roles that foster more enduring relationships. From the society, then there is an individual (looking-glass self). The ideal of looking-glass self is all about the perception of an individual's appearance to people close to them, his verdict of that appearance, and some self-feeling, such as egotism or mortification. Goffman's argument was more subtle, pertinent to the demystification of self. He claimed that every person undergoes impression management, methods that allow persons to project an idealistic image of identity. Goffman believed it was for the idea that people constitute front and backstage characters that delineates their private and public presentations of self. In other words, people behave differently when in public and private environments.

Contemporary feminist perspectives can be used to improve the lives of both men and women in society. The lesbian feminism theory, for instance, has proven integral in perpetuating not only the rights of lesbians but also gay rights. Such advocacies are crucial in making both groups acceptable in society. Contemporary feminist theories are also vital in creating an equal environment in workplaces. These modern perspectives are imperative because there exist some women who act as single parents, raising kids alone, yet, they are underpaid compared to their male counterparts. The modern perspectives will, therefore, close the wage gap that is existential in the contemporary employment environments. Donna Haraway argues that both male and females are post-modern humans that have been modified by technology from their previous bodies. Such a theory is important at highlighting the importance of both genders to embrace technology as part and parcel of their lives. Writing, a post-structural concept that was recommended by Helene Cixous, is a critical departure point where both genders can interact with each other. Writings from both genders grow the global faculty of sociology through an understanding of the two genders. Post-modern feminist theories have been credited to disrupt western grandiosity. The new perspectives are capable of ultimately diminishing patriarchal oppression that has existed since time immemorial. They encourage the creation of spaces of reason where all genders can engage in cultural matters in a more logical approach. Susan Bordo, for instance, argues that postmodern feminism dissection has informed the modern European Enlightenment. She adds that postmodern feminism theories have resulted in the escape from the application of feeling to objectivity, an aspect that has defined western discourse. Modern feminist theories are, therefore, critical in forming a different society that is not tied to cultures and other traditional constructs that obscure free thinking. They are beneficial to all genders in society.

Contemporary feminist standpoints are, however, faced by a plethora of challenges stemming from the process of implementations. The major problem faced by the modern feminist theories is that they have to convince existential structures to turn away from traditional viewpoints, albeit being possible, they may take a long time to be fully integrated into the society. By championing for their inclusivity, women are likely to limit their potential by expecting sympathy from society. Both genders should be at a position of struggling their way out of situations in the society without expecting reciprocity. Neoliberalism and the new feminism have also contributed to the disruption of justice. Judicial systems are more focused on groups other than aiming for justice, by including workers in high paying jobs. Redistribution of justice remains to be a significant challenge; Fraser, however, believes that some political changes are essential in achieving justice. Advocacy of contemporary feminist theories is also faced by a conflict of interest, some theorists such as Cixous believes that females' writings and their developed character of objectivity emanates from a position of countering males' voices. The advocacy of females is, therefore, not objective. Ultimately narrowing to an integrated society is made complicated by the existence of unique roles. Mothers are natural nurturers; they are obliged to breastfeed children; such tasks are only doable by women. Another challenge faced by modern feminist perspectives is that it hardly penetrates society in the early stages as children grow to believe and to see their differences.