Symbolic Interaction Theory refers to the way a family or society makes sense of verbal communication, nonverbal communication, people and objects. From a young age, we are taught to communicate using verbal language and accepted means of expressing our needs. The theory represents the perception of objects or actions (Macionis, 2007, p.17). Family members learn what is acceptable within the family. We can also tell through body language when a family member is stressed, angry, happy or sad. We learn appropriate ways to interact based on nonverbal communication (Cherlin, 2008, p.24, 29). In my family, it's easy to tell when my mom is stressed and just needs a few minutes alone. She will express this need nonverbally by going out to smoke a cigarette. We know not to go up to her to continue a conversation until she comes back inside and has calmed down. So for my mother, a cigarette is a symbol of stress. Not understanding my mother in this way could cause conflict. For example, if my father hadn't learned to interpret his actions as a need for alone time and insisted on continuing a conversation, an argument could escalate. My mother would expect that after many years of marriage, my day would recognize the symbolism and respect her need for space. The example of how my mother deals with stress relates to symbolic interaction theory. Family members attach meaning to the fact that my mother smokes and learn to act accordingly. Action is a way of communicating the need for alone time. While some symbols are a constant in a society, others are only linked to certain situations or family members. The perception of an object or action determines how we react in a given situation. Theory two: Struc...... middle of paper ......an. Although this is no longer the case as often, we still assume that women will take on more caring roles and that the man will be in a position of authority. According to feminist theory, women should maintain the household and take care of children and children. husband. Women sometimes juggle household chores with a full-time job. It is normal for a husband to go golfing with his friends on a Saturday, while the wife should stay home to look after the children and do the housework. My father often went fishing on weekends because he needed time to relax after his work week. The examples above represent society's view of women at home and in the workplace. Men are expected to take on greater roles at home and in the workplace. Even if women work as much, or even more, than men, they do not receive the same reward...