A sociologist is interested in investigating leukemia diagnoses in children. Which of the following research topics is most consistent with the sociological paradigm of symbolic interactionism? A study investigating how:

Question

A sociologist is interested in investigating leukemia diagnoses in children.  Which of the following research topics is most consistent with the sociological paradigm of symbolic interactionism?  A study investigating how:

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecba2d_0d74_b626_a3bf_a7c5d292c7ae_MD0008_00 Symbolic interactionism is a microsociological perspective concerned with the interpersonal interactions through which people develop subjective meanings shaping social reality. Subjective meanings differ by context and culture (eg, handshaking in the United States vs bowing in Japan) and can change over time. In symbolic interactionism, the definition of the situation describes how shared expectations for behavior help people understand the roles of everyone involved in an interaction. For example, patients expect doctors to behave professionally and maintain confidentiality. The research topic most consistent with symbolic interactionism is the study investigating how a child's leukemia diagnosis impacts families' interpersonal interactions (eg, parents spend more time with a child diagnosed with leukemia and less time with healthy siblings) and roles (eg, a parent quits work to become the child's caretaker). (Choice A) Conflict theory is a macro-level approach focusing on how inequalities between social classes cause conflict. An examination of socioeconomic status and leukemia treatment outcomes is a macro-level approach that better aligns with a conflict (not symbolic interactionist) perspective. (Choice B) Structural functionalism, a macro-level approach emphasizing how social structures maintain equilibrium in society, suggests that illness is a form of socially sanctioned deviance (ie, sick role theory). A study focusing on the sick role reflects a functionalist (not symbolic interactionist) approach. (Choice C) Feminist theory focuses on sex/gender inequality in society from a macro- and micro-perspective. Studying the impact of stereotypes about sex differences on social support for girls with leukemia is an approach that better aligns with a feminist (not symbolic interactionist) perspective. Educational objective: Symbolic interactionism is a microsociological perspective that suggests that people develop subjective meanings for things (eg, objects, behaviors) through social interaction. The definition of the situation allows people to understand the roles of everyone involved in a social encounter so that each person acts accordingly.

A Sociologist Is Interested in Investigating Leukemia Diagnoses in Children