Symbolic interactionism was founded by George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley. Mead emphasized the importance of language and gestures in social interactions. Herbert Blumer coined the term and developed the core concepts
Reflexivity refers to circular relationships between cause and effect in human belief structures. Reflexivity involves self-reference where existence engenders examination. Low reflexivity means individuals shaped by environment, high reflexivity by self-expression
Alienation describes separation of people from work, world, nature and self. Capitalist society divides labor into mechanistic parts of social classes. Workers lose control over their lives and destiny in capitalist society
Born Meyer Robert Schkolnick in Philadelphia in 1910 to Russian Jewish immigrant family. Adopted stage name "Merton" for magic performances, later changed to Robert. Graduated from Harvard University in 1936 with MA and PhD in sociology
Discourse refers to any form of communication that constructs world experience. Michel Foucault developed discourse as a system of thought and knowledge. Discourse defines what statements can be said about a topic. Language choices significantly impact individual perspectives
Progress means movement towards refined or desired state. Concept introduced in early-19th century social theories by Comte and Spencer. Progressivism sees technological, scientific and social organization advancements as goals