Abortion and the Symbolic Interaction Paradigm
In this paper, we needed to discuss whether or not abortion contributes to the corruption of today’s society, using the symbolic interaction paradigm. We have come to the consensus, as a group, that abortion does contribute to the corruption of today’s society simply because it is such a heated issue and therefore people choose sides. When people choose sides, and are unable to look at a situation from another person’s point of view, there tends to be corruption.
Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical perspective that people use definitions, meanings, symbols, interpretations, and human interactions to compare themselves to others (Henslin, 2010, p. 15). Herbert Blumer, whom attended University of Chicago with one of the founders of the symbolic interactionism perspective, George Herbert Mead, developed one of the most prominent versions of the perspective (McClelland, 2000). Mooney, Knox, and Schacht explained Blumer’s theory of the symbolic interactionism perspective. According to Blumer, social problems develop in stages. The first stage is “social recognition”, when the social problem first happened. The second stage is “social legitimization”, when the problem is recognized by the community. When the community gets concerned and starts to develop a way to react is called the “mobilization for action”. “Development and implementation of an official plan” is when legal regulations occur (Mooney, Knox, & Schacht, 2000, p.10-16).
There are many ways that people interpret the idea of abortion, and they often use words to help get their opinions across. Language is just a system of symbols that we recognize as a way of communication, and in terms of abortion, there are several ways to use language to make points to solidify one's position on the issue. The pro-choice movement is a group that believes that women should have to choice to have an abortion if they feel that it is necessary given their personal circumstances. The phrase “pro-choice” is a very strong
Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical perspective that people use definitions, meanings, symbols, interpretations, and human interactions to compare themselves to others (Henslin, 2010, p. 15). Herbert Blumer, whom attended University of Chicago with one of the founders of the symbolic interactionism perspective, George Herbert Mead, developed one of the most prominent versions of the perspective (McClelland, 2000). Mooney, Knox, and Schacht explained Blumer’s theory of the symbolic interactionism perspective. According to Blumer, social problems develop in stages. The first stage is “social recognition”, when the social problem first happened. The second stage is “social legitimization”, when the problem is recognized by the community. When the community gets concerned and starts to develop a way to react is called the “mobilization for action”. “Development and implementation of an official plan” is when legal regulations occur (Mooney, Knox, & Schacht, 2000, p.10-16).
There are many ways that people interpret the idea of abortion, and they often use words to help get their opinions across. Language is just a system of symbols that we recognize as a way of communication, and in terms of abortion, there are several ways to use language to make points to solidify one's position on the issue. The pro-choice movement is a group that believes that women should have to choice to have an abortion if they feel that it is necessary given their personal circumstances. The phrase “pro-choice” is a very strong
Cited: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (November 27, 2009). Abortion Surveillance. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. www.cdc.gov. Keown, D., Science and Theology News. (April 2004) Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddistethics/abortion.shtml McClelland, K., (February 2000). Symbolic Interactionism. Retrieved from http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/soc/s00/soc111-01/Symbolic.html Mooney, L Planned Parenthood. Health information and services. (2011). Reardon, D Robinson, B. A., (2009). Diversity of the definitions of the word abortion. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org Sigerist, H. E., (1996). The Hippocratic Oath: Text, Translation and Interpretation. Wade, M., (1990, November)