Social Structure and Social Interaction

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Social Structure and Social Interaction This essay will examine and discuss the importance of social structure and social interaction, in the shaping of individual identity and determine if there is one that has more influence than the other. To answer this question effectively it is necessary to understand both elements and the role they play in defining our identity. When sociologists undertake sociological analysis, there are two levels social structure is the macro sociological viewpoint and social interaction is micro sociological aspect. Social structure as described by Henslin, Possamai, and Possamai-Inesdy (2011) is the influence of traditional behavior which configures a group, such as the interactions between males and females, or doctors and patients. Steven E. Barkan wrote in Sociology: Comprehensive Edition (v.1.0), the foremost areas of social structure is positions, roles we have in our community, community systems, groups and associations. Barkan also states that how others perceive us is critical in identifying self .Cooley (1964) quoted in Social Identity (Dalile),coined the phrase ‘looking glass self ‘”where the self grows out of one, s image through other peoples eyes”. Durkheim (1858-1917) as quoted in Plummer (2010) believed society was above any individual and was a combined entity. As society takes on its own existence people are compelled into certain behaviours as a result, much like the behaviour of a group. According to Plummer, ‘social’ is the collaboration between humans and the analysis of this interaction is the core of sociology. Henslin et al, also states that social structure supersedes individual emotional feelings and the things we aspire to have or attain. An example of this would be my own personal experience of facing a terminal illness and caring for an extremely ill husband, my behaviour does not change
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