Final answer:
A socially defined occasion triggering structured, symbolically meaningful behaviors is akin to a ritual or social construct, combining cognitive scripts, self-fulfilling prophecies.
Step-by-step explanation:
A socially defined occasion that triggers a set of interrelated behaviors that occur in a structured format and have symbolic meaning is often referred to as a ritual or a social construct. This concept encompasses various aspects of society, including cognitive scripts, social roles, and the power of self-fulfilling prophecies.
Goffman's dramaturgical analysis presents society as a stage where individuals are actors playing different roles, using cultural scripts to navigate interactions with others. Thomas suggested that our moral codes and social norms are shaped by 'successive definitions of the situation,' which can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies, as explained by Merton with the example of a 'bank run.'
Frames, as developed by sociologists, provide behavior templates in various settings. Event schemata or cognitive scripts guide expected behaviors within specific cultural contexts, highlighting how interactions are ingrained with shared understandings.