64.9k views
3 votes
The __________ focuses on the immediately reciprocated communication between two or more people and the part that facial gestures, posture, tone of voice, and other gestures play in that communication.

A. functionalist perspective
B. conflict perspective
C. postmodern perspective
D. symbolic interactionist perspective

User Amin Adel
by
8.2k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The symbolic interactionist perspective is concerned with immediate social interaction and the interpretation of symbolic gestures like facial expressions and tone of voice. It contrasts with other perspectives by focusing on micro-level, face-to-face interactions and the dynamic nature of cultural meaning. The correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory that focuses on the immediately reciprocated communication between two or more people and the part that facial gestures, posture, tone of voice, and other gestures play in that communication is known as the symbolic interactionist perspective. This sociological perspective places emphasis on the face-to-face interactions and cultural meanings between members of society.

Proponents of this theory view human interactions as a continuous process of deriving meaning from objects and actions, each possessing a symbolic meaning, and using language to represent and communicate these interpretations to others.

Symbolic interactionists consider culture as highly dynamic and fluid, depending on how meaning is interpreted and individuals interact when expressing these meanings. This is in contrast to the functionalist perspective, which regards culture as a system working to fulfill society's needs, and the conflict perspective, which sees culture as inherently unequal based on factors like gender, class, race, and age.

User Nick Bartlett
by
8.2k points