Sociological Theories
By Holly, Ania, and Makenzie
The James Marcia Theory
Title: James Marcia Theory
Founder of Theory: James Marcia
Elements of Theory: Identity, ideology, occupation, commitment, beliefs
How do we form and shape our identities?
- We shape our identities by choosing how we behave, our preferences, what we allow to influences us, and what we believe.
In a culture where we are bombarded with ideas and images of “what we should be,” how does one form an identity that remains true and authentic for her/himself?
- One can remain true to him or herself by not allowing others to influence them and making decisions that will help them.
Goodfriend, Wind. "James Marcia's Identity Theory: Understanding Adolescents'
Search for Identity." Education Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
<http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/
james-marcias-identity-theory-understanding-adolescents-search-for-identity.html#
lesson>.The Theory of Symbolic Interactionism
A theory that human interaction and communication is facilitated by words, gestures, and other symbols that have acquired conventionalized meanings.
Founder: George Herbert Mead
Elements: People attribute to their situations and behaviour, Meaning of symbol systems and how they are represented.
How do we form our identities?
By the situations we are in and the by the behaviors of others
In a culture where we are bombarded with ideas and images of “what we should be,” how does one form an identity that remains true and authentic for her/himself?
- Choose good acquaintances.
Ritzer, George. "Chapter 10." Sociological Theory. Vol. 6. N.p.: McGraw-Hill,
2003. N. pag. Print.Social Identity Theory
A theory that says self-concept is composed of two key parts: personal identity and social identity. Self-Concept is the perception or image of our abilities and our uniqueness.
Founder: Henri TajfelElements: personality traits,characteristics,groups we belong to,community,college,and religion
Connection to Identity:This connects to identity because it helps you think about who you really are and if you truly know who you are.
Www.psychology.about.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
<http://psychology.about.com/od/sindex/f/self-concept.htm>.