Which of the three theoretical perspectives do you think is most helpful in understanding the social relationships Eccles describes? Apply this perspective to explain her findings.
What other recent events are now part of popular culture in the United States? Tell what aspects of these events have made their way into our thinking, feeling, and behaving.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To address your question fully, let’s break it into two parts:
1. Theoretical Perspective and Eccles’ Findings
Among the three main theoretical perspectives in sociology — structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism — symbolic interactionism is the most helpful in understanding the social relationships Eccles describes.
Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals interact with each other through shared meanings, symbols, and interpretations in daily life. Eccles explores how social expectations, roles, and cultural symbols shape individual identity, particularly around gender roles in education and occupation. Her findings reveal that from a young age, boys and girls are socialized differently through subtle cues in family, school, and media environments. These cues influence how they view their own abilities and future roles in society.
Eccles found that parents and teachers often unknowingly send gendered messages, such as encouraging boys more in math and science while supporting girls in nurturing or artistic roles. Through repeated social interactions, children internalize these expectations, which influences their career choices and self-perception. Symbolic interactionism explains how these social meanings become embedded in identity and behavior over time, showing how cultural norms are reproduced through everyday interactions.
2. Recent U.S. Events in Popular Culture
Recent events like the Black Lives Matter movement, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of AI (like ChatGPT) have become integral to U.S. popular culture.
- Black Lives Matter reshaped public discourse around race, justice, and policing. Terms like “systemic racism” and “allyship” entered everyday language, affecting how people express support or take stances on social issues.
- COVID-19 influenced behaviors such as remote work, mask-wearing, and heightened awareness of mental health. It changed how people think about personal space, health, and community.
- AI and technology use, particularly ChatGPT and other tools, have altered how people work, learn, and interact. There’s increasing reflection on the role of technology in shaping human thought and creativity.
These events have influenced not only our behavior, but also our values, communication patterns, and emotional responses, embedding themselves into modern American identity.
