interactionism

• Charles Codey introduced the concept of the looking glass self, which suggests that our self-image and behaviour are affected by how we think others see us.
• George Herbert Mead's theory involves 'me', which is what is learned in interaction with others and the environment, contributing to the 'me'.
• The 'I' in Mead's theory is the active self which can make choices and creatively react to the 'me'.
• The 'I' may have a criminal impulse but the 'me' knows how they are supposed to act and stops the 'I' from acting on impulse.
• Precatory stage in Mead's theory is referred to as pretend play.
• Play stage in Mead's theory is when children start to play with others.
• Game stage in Mead's theory is when children generalise others into multiple roles and only really care about significant people.
• In Goffman's theory, a stage is defined as all actions taking place in a social setting.
• Script in Goffman's theory refers to what we can and cannot say in an interaction.
• Front stage in Goffman's theory is when you know you are being watched.
• Back stage in Goffman's theory is when you are no longer under public scrutiny, such as being at home.
• Props in Goffman's theory refer to physical objects.
• In Labelling theory by Howard Becker, if the student can internalise the label, it becomes the master label.
• Master label in Labelling theory is the chief characteristic of an individual which overrides other characteristics.
• Labels in Labelling theory can also be rejected.
• The sense of self in Labelling theory is still being influenced by the individual's interaction with others.
• Interactionist theory can be used to critique the structural theories, as it recognises that the individual is not a passive recipient of identity, but constructs their identities through their interactions with others and has control over themselves.
• Critics of social action theories argue that they have too much control over identity, not enough emphasis is given to the importance of power inequalities and role of social institutions, which limit and control the identities they adopt.
• In Labelling theory, money problems are not considered as a factor in purchasing consumer goods necessary for alternative identity.