Interpretivist perspectives on society, self, and individual-society relationships

¶ … Society

Does the author present a view of society?

The author does present a number of competing views of society - with the focus on the interpretivist view of social interaction. Interpretivism refers to the theoretical stance or view that culture and context are central determining factors that need to be understood if one is to truly understand a particular culture. This view is contrasted with more quantitative and objectivist theories about the nature of society - such as the functionalist and Marxist views.

However, the author stresses that the subjective view or the qualitative analysis of society and culture and institutions like schools are essentials if one is to understand the culture and the school. This argument is underlined by the view that objectivity and measurement in the social sciences is not adequate to comprehend and understand the intricate nature of culture and the importance of context in the analysis of society.

The author explains the difference between functionalist and Marxist perspectives but shows how interpretivism is useful in the close observation of actual interaction between people and between the people in a school. These actions are interpreted in an attempt to understand the way that society and institutions function.

Therefore, interpretivism differs markedly from functionalism and Marxism in that it deals with the context of each particular school and situation and does not just apply overarching theories and rules. Interpretivism is important in that it acknowledges that the same action or behavior can be interpreted differently in different cultures and social contexts.

5. 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!"