3. How does the author discuss the relationship between the individual and society?
Once again, interpretivism sees this relationship as a complex and intricate set of actions and interactions that are largely dependent on cultural and social context. In other words, there is no "correct "view of self but rather self and the individual's relationship with society is a result of interaction in different contexts. This view is contrasted with the more objective views of functionalism and Marxism, where the self is seen either in terms of its functional relation to the society or as an object of social repression.
4. How does the author distinguish human actions from other forms of human behavior?
As has been mentioned, the stress in this article is on the importance of context in the interpretivist view of the individual and society. It is this understanding of context that acts as the determining factor in human action and behavior. Human actions are distinguished from other forms of human behavior in terms of the context in which they occur. In other words, an action, such as the wink of an eye, is perceived differently in different contexts.
What societal functions do you think the author accords to schools?
A number of different views on this aspect are presented. From the functionalist point-of-view schools are important in that they provide the socializing function that is necessary for the individual to adapt to the needs of the society and culture. In other words, the school structures and guides the habits and skills of the student to conform to society.
However, the interpretivist view is somewhat different in that it tends to see schools as a context in which the student can express his or her feelings and relate to the society and culture in an interactive and dynamic way. As stated in the article, the classroom is a "...place where status and meaning are constantly negotiated in the process of everyday interaction. " in term of this view interpretivism is much more flexible and less predetermined than the functionalist stance. It gives the school the primary role of providing a context for the individual to encounter and interact with cultural and social roles. In this sense, "...the interpretive approach stresses the importance of understanding and validating interpretations and their own context!"
