Interactionism – Quiz Answers

  1. What is one way personal relationships extend beyond traditional family structures? Friendships and chosen families are crucial sources of emotional support.
  2. What can deep, supportive connections outside traditional family bonds offer? They offer companionship and support through life’s ups and downs.
  3. What role do non-traditional romantic relationships play? They provide critical emotional, physical, and psychological support.
  4. What is Cooley’s concept of the “looking-glass self”? It suggests that an individual’s self-perception is shaped through their interactions and the perceptions they believe others have of them.
  5. How does the “looking-glass self” operate within families? Family members act as primary mirrors, reflecting back perceptions and evaluations, which shape the individual’s self-concept.
  6. Give an example of the “looking-glass self” in a family context. A child receiving positive feedback from family may develop a positive self-image.
  7. What impact does a parent’s encouragement have on a child’s self-concept? It can lead the child to see themselves as competent and capable.
  8. What is Howard Becker’s labelling theory? It posits that the labels society assigns to individuals can significantly impact their self-identity and behavior.
  9. How can labels in a family context impact a child? A child labeled as a “troublemaker” may internalize this label, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy of continued disruptive behavior.
  10. What effect can positive labeling, like “smart one,” have? It can encourage the child to achieve but may also create anxiety and fear of failure.
  11. Why is it important to recognize the power of labels in families? Because labels can have lasting effects on an individual’s self-perception and behavior.
  12. How can families foster a supportive environment concerning labeling? By being mindful of the language they use and its potential impact.
  13. What is a chosen family? Close friends who are as integral to one’s emotional well-being as biological relatives.
  14. What is an example of a friendship’s role in personal life? Friendships can fill emotional gaps left by family and provide companionship and support.
  15. How do modern relationships challenge traditional family structures? They highlight the varied forms of meaningful connections beyond biological ties.
  16. What is the significance of recognizing different forms of personal relationships? It enriches our lives by fulfilling the human need for connection in numerous ways.
  17. How do families act as mirrors in the “looking-glass self” concept? They reflect back perceptions and evaluations that shape an individual’s self-concept.
  18. What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of labelling theory? When an individual internalizes a label and behaves in ways that reinforce that label.
  19. What is the impact of negative labels on a child’s behaviour? Negative labels can lead to a cycle of continued negative behavior and a reinforced negative self-image.
  20. Why should families be cautious about labelling? Because labels, whether positive or negative, can significantly impact an individual’s self-perception and behaviour.