MACRO SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES
Macro Symbolic Interaction
Abstract
Macro Symbolic Interaction now has it’s time to make an appearance. Before, this time symbolic interaction did not have the reach to cover the intellectual territory and provide the terms for its coverage of reality. The author presents both concepts and examples. It can be mixed or shared with the two other theories at the macro level. That is Conflict theory and Structure Functionalism. It needs the verbiage to be mixed with the other two. As an example “false consciousness” could compliment “role strain.” In other words, it is hard to be somebody that you are not. Or, you vote against yourself and not realize it. Another, you misread your status and perception without being aware of it
Introduction
Macro symbolic interaction can now be born because of social interlocking social media.1./ One can see another through “Zoom” “Skype” “Face Book” “Google Meet” and others. Further, they can go inside the home or office of the other, be able to drive around the city of the other and see numerous sites.2./ The technical interaction will provide a perceived physical presence, verbal intonation, nonverbal and perhaps neurotransmitters in the future.
Google certified Macro Symbolic Interaction which previously could not be compared with Structure-Functionalism and Conflict Theory which have both Macro and Micro definitions has been created. It has also been published. 3/
Description
Symbolic interaction had its start with qualitative issues. Although some ordinal indexes have been published, it is the observation and illustrations that make it persuasive.
Macro symbolic interaction drifts down ward through the use of technology. This includes cell phones, land lines, and any computer that can send e-mails to others and related. On the other hand, micro symbolic can drift upwards through a communication model. This would include “The Shannon Weaver Model” it begins with the other, transmitter channel, receiver, and destination. At each level the span or reach of the communication is very flexible.4/
Other definitions include social constructionism, artificial intelligence, mass communication, and social media mentioned above. Macro labeling through various steps and other small group interaction are also important. Role modeling and formal procedures that are passed on to the other are also mentioned.
Discussion
The Micro level is filled with such terms as the taking the other into account, internalizing what one thinks of the other and what they think of them through both physical and non-physical interaction. Incorporation of language to make the looking glass level which is the mind and self along with genetics must be included.
The author has chosen a term to illustrate the inter-connection between micro and macro. Other terms include significant other, primary group, otherness, self, and other terms. Further, there are ordinal measures that can be helpful. All of the above can be of service at the macro symbolic interaction level. It is also applicable to so many fields including medicine.
Conclusion
It is almost as if, macro symbolic interaction is overlooked because it does not always generate numbers at the interval level. It is not complete in some way. Some of the fundamentals sound too juvenile. This is an area that needs the work of talented scholars who are not afraid to create new paradigms that make sense and can mix terms, numbers, and examples.
References cited
- Snell, Joel C. (4/22/2024) Macro Symbolic Interaction, A Medical Sociological Example (Smoking) Open Access Journal of Complementary
Medicine.
- Jackson, Peter (2003) Social Geography, Wikipedia _________This source generally ties geography, technology, social psychology, and sociology together.
- Benzies, K.M.and M.N Allen (2/3/2001) Symbolic Interactionism as a Theoretical Perspective for a Multiple Method of Research, National Library of Medicine, 5.4 17.
- Shannon, Claude (1948) A Mathematical Theory of Communication, Wikipedia