SA 150 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Rationality, Cuneiform Script, Red Tape

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Sociology and Anthropology
• Course: SA 150
• Professor: Lindsey Freeman

Document Summary

If a status is more complex b/d set of expectations attached is not well established, exchange in conversation may be difficult. Georg simmel - studied small group interaction in sociology. Narrowed focus to daily, one on one social interactions of individuals. How individual selves defined reinforced through interpersonal interactions w/ others. Frederic m. thrasher - studied gangs classically in chicago. Represents study of group interaction rooted in fieldwork. Ethnographic research on gangs & small group interaction carried on to good effect in william whyte"s street corner society. Thomas theorem - situations we define as real become real in their consequences. Influenced other developments in symbolic interactionism including concept known as definition of the situation. States that given particular situation, diff individuals will define situation differently & in contradictory ways based on own subjective experiences. To understand individual"s actions & responses to particular situations, must understand how he/she defines situation.