Strengths And Weaknesses Of Symbolic Interaction Theory

Finally, W.I. Thomas contributed to the symbolic interaction theory by developing the term called “definition of the situation.” The “definition of the situation” also called the Thomas theorem, states that if men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences (Stebbins 1997). In other words, humans explain and respond to situations based on their own experiences, and in turn, they create the consequences that they expect from the situation. The behavior of a person is often times based on the subjective interruption of reality. For example, a teenager who is told he or she is deviant might begin to act deviant.
Symbolic interaction theory has many strengths, as well as some weaknesses. For example, symbolic interaction theory …show more content…
The term gender refers to our cultural programming that identify as either feminine or masculine, which are categories created by society rather than by nature. Gender is something we do or perform, not something we are (Openstax, 2016). Therefore, gender and gender roles are socially constructed. A social construct refers to something that does not have a basis in the natural world but is an artificial distinction created by humans (Opensax, 2016). Gender roles define the appropriate social and behavioral norms adopted by men and women in a social setting. Gender roles vary from culture to culture and traditions and roles can change over time, even in the same cultural settings. Gender roles reinforce the notion that housework is women’s work and mechanical/technical jobs are men’s work. According to symbolic interaction, people live in a world that is mostly socially constructed. In particular, the meaning of objects, events, and behaviors comes from the interpretation people give them, and interpretations vary from one group to another. Symbolic interaction theory states that gender is produced through interaction and