What Do Symbolic Interactionists Study? Why Do Extreme Situations, Like

question 72

Essay

What do symbolic interactionists study? Why do extreme situations, like the plane crash in the Andes described in this chapter, provide such good examples of the social processes of interest to symbolic interactionists?

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Definitions:

Age-graded Influences

Social and cultural factors that impact individuals differently depending on their age, often structuring experiences and expectations throughout the life course.

Non-normative Life Event Influences

Pertains to unique life events that occur unpredictably and aren't common to all individuals, significantly impacting one's life trajectory differently from societal norms.

Psychosocial Development

A concept in psychology that outlines how individuals' social interactions and experiences affect their psychological growth.

Behavioral Perspective

An approach in psychology focusing on observable behaviors and the ways in which learning occurs through interactions with the environment.