Jill is the school's baseball coach. Jill sees Michael, one of her baseball players, having fun at the mall with his friends after missing practice due to illness. Because Michael's behavior did not conform to his sick role, Jill concludes that he was faking and makes him run laps at the next practice. Jill just utilized the __________ approach.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symbolic interactionist approach emphasizes the importance of symbols and language in shaping our interactions with others and constructing our sense of self. In this scenario, Jill is interpreting Michael's behavior (hanging out with friends at the mall instead of staying home to rest) as a sign that he was faking his illness. She is using this interpretation to make a judgment and impose a consequence (making him run laps). This decision is based on her understanding of the meanings and symbols associated with being sick and being a committed athlete.

Jill Is the School's Baseball Coach