The 21st century is witnessing rapid advancement in almost all spheres of life. But still, in this fast moving world, we tend to share certain values, and norms with others to communicate and connect with ourselves. In sociology, “a set of distinctive values, norms, and practices within a larger culture is defined as subculture”(Brym and Lie 2012:47). They are particularly formed when a person’s value, and beliefs develop around a particular fashion, style, religion practices etc. or with other individuals of same interest. Broadly speaking, everyone is engaged in some kind of subculture like drinking, playing a particular sport, a religion, etc. The subculture I am writing about is perhaps not much talked about.
Smoking is a common practice …show more content…
Generally speaking, symbolic interactionism is defined as “A sociological school of thought that highlights how interpersonal communication in face-to-face settings creates subject meanings that people attach to their social circumstances” (Brym and Lie 2012:6). This theory observes the society by confronting the meanings that people force on behaviors, objects, and actions. Smoking is a symbol or idea that carries meaning for some. It helps the people part of this subculture to communicate with others by telling them who we are and by learning things about them. Everyone tends to have this habit of interpreting another’s behavior and actions, which sometimes even forms the social bonding. Majority of people who smoke are aware of the medical harm it causes to them. But still they prefer not to quit. A reason for this can be the interpretations and definition that people create about this situation. The teenagers acknowledge the risks of smoking, but they also find smoking cool and as a way that shapes a positive image to their peers. The youth might think smoking as a means of communicating, increasing their social confidence, and breaking away from the society. In these cases, the symbolic meaning of smoking is overriding the harm and risk related to
Smoking is a common practice …show more content…
Generally speaking, symbolic interactionism is defined as “A sociological school of thought that highlights how interpersonal communication in face-to-face settings creates subject meanings that people attach to their social circumstances” (Brym and Lie 2012:6). This theory observes the society by confronting the meanings that people force on behaviors, objects, and actions. Smoking is a symbol or idea that carries meaning for some. It helps the people part of this subculture to communicate with others by telling them who we are and by learning things about them. Everyone tends to have this habit of interpreting another’s behavior and actions, which sometimes even forms the social bonding. Majority of people who smoke are aware of the medical harm it causes to them. But still they prefer not to quit. A reason for this can be the interpretations and definition that people create about this situation. The teenagers acknowledge the risks of smoking, but they also find smoking cool and as a way that shapes a positive image to their peers. The youth might think smoking as a means of communicating, increasing their social confidence, and breaking away from the society. In these cases, the symbolic meaning of smoking is overriding the harm and risk related to