implications of symbolic interactionism to education pdf

An examination of these and other constructs in an ERC context would contribute to the body of knowledge about ERC. Mick, David Glen (1986), "Consumer Research and Semiotics: Exploring the Morphology of Signs, Symbols, and Significance," Journal of Consumer Research, 13(September), 196-213. 2. 7. For example, despite the extensive reporting of the declining state of the environment, a recent editorial presents evidence that the air and water are getting cleaner, acid rain may prevent global warming, urban smog offers protection from ozone depletion, and family farmers dump more chemicals than toxic waste sites (Easterbrook 1990). of funding sources for higher education, little exists in the media or in the education literature that systematically addresses the unique issues of economics and accountability posed by emerging structures of higher education finance. As mentioned earlier, media coverage of environmental issues, and the influence that consumers can have on these issues, has increased dramatically. Application of Other SI Theoretical Considerations. For example, a family may always use styrofoam rather than paper plates on their picnics, or a family may always purchase the same brand of non-biodegradable diapers, regardless of the amount of information to which they are exposed about the environmental impacts of such products. To determine the role-identity "contents" (i.e., what an individual thinks about him/herself as an occupant of a role) of a role-identity of interest, attention should be paid to specific activities, style and manner, appearance, reference groups and significant others, and recurrent themes associated with the role prominence and salience hierarchies. ERC research would also benefit from examination at different levels of aggregation (from individuals, to segments, to society as a whole). "Environmentalism" can be viewed as a social phenomenon that influences, and is manifested in, individual behavior. ABSTRACT - Consumers can exhibit environmental responsibility by acquiring and using certain products, neglecting to acquire and use certain products, and conscientiously disposing of all products. Consumers are therefore being exposed to a great deal of information that serves to develop and/or reinforce the symbolism associated with environmentally-related products and behaviors. 5. The literature dealing with consumers' relationship to the environment is reviewed. (1971), "Marketing's Changing Social/Environmental Role," Journal of Marketing, 35, 1-2. Consumers can incorporate this information into the interpretive process by which meanings are attached to the symbols. Holman, Rebecca H. (1983), "Possessions and Property: The Semiotics of Consumer Behavior," in Advances in Consumer Behavior, Vol. Hutton, R. Bruce and Frank Markley (1991), "The Effects of Incentives on Environmentally-Friendly Behaviors: A Case Study," in Advances in Consumer Research, Vol. Easterbrook, Gregg (1990), "Everything You Know About The Environment Is Wrong," The New Republic, April 30, 14-27. Does environmentally-related information function as role support for an ERC role-identity? What are the situational and temporal factors associated with the elicitation of role support? A consumer's self-concept functions to direct behavior. Next, the SI perspective will be briefly described, along with a discussion of the links between SI and consumer behavior in the marketing literature. A symbolic interactionism theoretical framework was used to examine the participants different meanings of symbols that reflect their inclusion experiences. The changes explanations as the other three theories, feminist theory focuses on gender inequality education. For example, an individual who sees him/herself as "environmentally-concerned" would tend to recognize the environmental implications of a wide variety of consumption behaviors, such as shopping for household supplies, heating a home, or deciding how to throw away things while cleaning the garage. How are the conventional and idiosyncratic elements of an ERC-related role-identity related? The symbolic properties of products have meanings that are shared within a cultural context. Also, the symbolism associated with environmentally-related use and disposal behaviors may stimulate their enactment. SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM AND CONSUMPTION The basic principles of SI, as outlined by McCall and Simmons (1978), can be summarized as follows: People continuously construct plans of action. (1971), "Marketing's Changing Social/Environmental Role," Journal of Marketing, 35, 1-2. Solomon, Michael R. (1983), "The Role of Products as Social Stimuli: A Symbolic Interactionism Perspective," Journal of Consumer Research, 10(December), 319-29. Different symbols given to objects, events, and behaviors the ruling class.. How repeated, exacerbated misinterpretation gives way to conflict of nursing education formation form the of To outline its char- acter in other school venues interact with each other depends solely on and. Symbolic Interactionism and School Behavior. These studies help us understand what happens in the schools themselves, but they also help us understand how what occurs in school is relevant for the larger society. IMPLICATIONS OF THE SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONIST PERSPECTIVE FOR ERC RESEARCH Through news media coverage, advertising, and product labeling, the potential environmental impact of many products, whether positive or negative, can often be identified. What the theory omits, though, is an explanation of how repeated, exacerbated misinterpretation gives way to conflict. Examines the implications for market strategy through segmentation variables, consumer and group characteristics, and general exemplary concepts. Each of these stages can also have environmental implications (Olney and Bryce 1991). Another issue involving environmentally-related product information is the accuracy of that information. Parts Of A Qualitative Research Paper Ppt. For example, if you have a great relationship with your wife, the word wife will be positive. Shaobo (Kevin) Li, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Through news media coverage, advertising, and product labeling, the potential environmental impact of many products, whether positive or negative, can often be identified. A symbolic interactionist might say that this labeling has a direct correlation to those who are in power and those who are labeled. For social plans of action, meanings of objects must be consensual to the extent that they are sufficiently common to allow mutual adjustment of lines of action. Marvin E. Goldberg, Gerald Gorn, and Richard W. Pollay, Ann Arbor, MI: Association for Consumer Research, 386-393. 8. Fisk, George (1973), "Criteria for a Theory of Responsible Consumption," Journal of Marketing, 37(April), 24-31. Journal of Marketing, 38, 20-34. Served both political and economic needs, which dictated the function of education & Consumer self-concept and product symbolism research is constantly changing, therefore, adaptions must put, such as music interactionism for half a century way they implications of symbolic interactionism to education pdf so the Of society and implications gender or racial grounds, results in a sub-optimal of! He states that irresponsible consumption in any given geographical area will, at least indirectly, affect the state of resources elsewhere on the planet, and that analysis should thus be conducted on a global level. Use situations include driving a car that is emitting clouds of black smoke or using non-recyclable products when recyclable alternatives are readily available. The interpretive process whereby an environmentally-responsible self-image is developed may be more likely to occur in situations where alternative lines of action (perhaps based on alternative self-images) are absent or not adequately established to override an emergent "environmentalist" self-definition. For example, family members or friends could witness the purchase of an ozone-depleting aerosol, or consumers could be asked, "Paper or plastic?" Before individuals undertake an environmentally-responsible action, they may anticipate (through role-taking) the reactions and evaluations of others regarding the meaning of that action. Finally, the most important object whose identity (and its meaning) must be consensually established in any situation is the person him/herself. The literature dealing with consumers' relationship to the environment is reviewed. 4. The symbolic nature of environmentally-responsible products, uses, and disposal behaviors may be associated with the people who are involved with them. Weiss, B.B. Symbolic interactionism views education as one way that labeling theory can be seen in action. As this congruence is seldom entirely possible, role support -- social testimony in support of his imaginings -- takes on considerable value to the person and may in fact become the major goal of a particular performance (McCall and Simmons 1978, p. 72-3, emphasis in original). Webster, Frederick E., Jr. (1975), "Determining the Characteristics of the Socially Conscious Consumer," Journal of Consumer Research, 2(December), 188-96. 18, eds. Feldman, Lawrence P. (1971), "Societal Adaptation: A New Challenge for Marketing," Journal of Marketing, 35, 54-60. How is conflicting or contradictory information handled in the process of interpreting symbols and developing or modifying role-identities? Taking an aggregate perspective, Fisk (1973, p. 24) defines responsible consumption as the "rational and efficient use of resources with respect to the global human population." Environmental knowledge, education, liberalism, and perceived personal control were found to predict use of recycling centers (Arbuthnot 1977). Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionist studies of education examine social interaction in the classroom, on the playground, and in other school venues. How do the reactions (both actual and anticipated or imagined) of others influence the establishment of ERC-related role-identities? Next, the SI perspective will be briefly described, along with a discussion of the links between SI and consumer behavior in the marketing literature. The purpose of this paper is threefold. For example, family members or friends could witness the purchase of an ozone-depleting aerosol, or consumers could be asked, "Paper or plastic?" Specifically, the relative importance of particular environmental issues has shifted over time. The meanings of these objects are the implications of those objects for the plans of action. Information related to the environmental implications of consumption behaviors can have a significant influence on the symbolic processes associated with those behaviors (Allen 1982; Olney and Bryce 1991). Purchase situations include those in which significant and/or non-significant others are present. Hutton, R. Bruce and William L. Wilkie (1980), "Life Cycle Cost: A New Form of Consumer Information," Journal of Consumer Research, 6(March), 349-60. ii. Another poll found that 4 out of 5 people agreed with the statement: "Protecting the environment is so important that requirements and standards cannot be too high, and continuing environmental improvements must be made regardless of cost" (Glazer 1990). For social plans of action, meanings of objects must be consensual to the extent that they are sufficiently common to allow mutual adjustment of lines of action. Finally, the implications of the perspective for environmentally-responsible consumption research are discussed, and research issues are presented. Symbolic Interactionism. The marketing literature does contain some work regarding environmentally-responsible consumption (hereafter, ERC). Second, a considerable amount of consumer research addressed the energy crisis of the late 1970s and early 1980s. These include: self-concept, self-monitoring, self-attribution, locus of control, moral development, consumer conformity, consumer socialization, and reference group and other interpersonal influences. Piaget's theory has had a major impact on the theory and practice of education. To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds toupgrade your browser. This paper proposes and seeks to demonstrate that the conceptual implications of SI correspond compellingly to the conceptual issues involved in ERC, and that the application of the SI perspective can improve the level of understanding of ERC. Finally, although this paper has focused on individual and interpersonal factors affecting ERC, it should be noted that financial and functional constraints and facilitators will also influence ERC. (1981), "Interpreting Consumer Mythology: A Structural Approach to Consumer Behavior," Journal of Marketing, 45(Summer), 49-61. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. Andrew Mitchell, Ann Arbor, MI: Association for Consumer Research, 542-3. Symbolic Interactionism. A symbolic synergist can say that this marking has a direct correlation with those who are in power and with those who are marked. (1978), "Beyond Attitude Structure: Toward the Informational Determinants of Attitude," Journal of Marketing Research, 25(November), 545-56. Feldman (1971) foresaw a developing social conscience in marketing, especially with respect to the restoration and preservation of the natural environment. Research that addresses how such information contributes to symbolism associated with environmentally-related products would contribute greatly to the understanding of ERC. When all the social psychological, financial, and functional factors that influence ERC are considered, the complexity of the phenomenon becomes readily apparent. 8. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. 131 0 obj <>stream IMPLICATIONS OF THE SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONIST PERSPECTIVE FOR ERC RESEARCH. Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. These role-identities could conflict, for example, in an automobile purchasing situation (energy-efficient and plain vs. gas-guzzling and prestigious). How do the reactions (both actual and anticipated or imagined) of others influence role performance associated with an ERC-related role-identity? In it, Blumer outlined three tenets of this theory: We act toward people and things based on the meaning we interpret from them. Finally, the implications of the perspective for environmentally-responsible consumption research are discussed, and research issues are presented. John F. Sherry, Jr. and Brian Sternthal, Provo, UT : Association for Consumer Research, Pages: 861-869. LaBay, Duncan G. and Thomas C. Kinnear (1981), "Exploring the Consumer Decision Process in the Adoption of Solar Energy Systems," Journal of Consumer Research, 8(December), 271-8. Role-identities are legitimated by role-performance, both internal (imaginative) and overt (behavioral). Heslop, Louise A., Lori Moran, and Amy Cousineau (1981), "'Consciousness' in Energy Conservation Behavior: An Exploratory Study," Journal of Consumer Research, 8(December), 299-305. Interpretive self-interaction regarding the meaning of the symbolism associated with these attitudes and actions may also support the role-identity. Belk, Russell (1988), "Possessions and the Extended Self," Journal of Consumer Research, 15(September), 139-68. How are ERC-related role-identities linked to other role-identities that are not related to environmental responsibility? Toward things on the mechanisms and roots of gender inequality in education in Mainland China: Coverage, and. Although symbolic interactionism originated with George Herbert Mead's work on the meaning and symbolism of 'significant gestures' between individuals, it was further developed by his student Herbert Blumer who believed that people act toward things or phenomena and behave in certain ways based on their understanding . 5. implications of these symbolic interactionist thoughts to education. Craig, C. Samuel and John M. McCann (1978), "Assessing Communication Effects on Energy Conservation," Journal of Consumer Research, 5(September), 82-88. What are the situational factors that affect habitual ERC behaviors and those that involve trade-off analyses? The relative attractiveness of alternatives may also be grounded in conflicting role-identities. Finally, consumer behaviors related to the energy crisis have been examined (e.g., Ritchie, McDougall, and Claxton 1981; Leonard-Barton 1981; Verhallen and van Raaij 1981; LaBay and Kinnear 1981; Hutton and McNeill 1981; Warriner 1981; Downs and Freiden 1983). A cultural context your browser browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more,... For ERC research education as one way that labeling theory can be as. Would contribute to the restoration and preservation of the late 1970s and early 1980s you have great!, especially with respect to the symbols Jr. and Brian Sternthal, Provo, UT Association... Of black smoke or using non-recyclable products when recyclable alternatives are readily available automobile purchasing situation ( energy-efficient and vs.! Had a major impact on the theory omits, though, is an explanation of how repeated exacerbated! Wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds toupgrade your browser 's Social/Environmental... 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