Symbolic Interactionism and Marriage

The topic of same sex marriage in the U.S. has sparked up political and social controversy during the past few years. Related information from the General Social Survey database shows people’s attitudes towards same sex marriage. The question from the survey asked “Should homosexuals have the right to marry?” Respondents answers were categorized from: strongly agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree, strongly disagree (GSS). Out of 2,493 respondents, 144 strongly agreed and 1, 021 strongly disagreed (GSS). The one question that this survey did not answer is why respondants answered the way they did. The theory of symbolic interactionism can be used when looking at a subject like marriage. Symbolic interactionism can be defined as, “The belief that interactions are constructed based on the use of mutually understood symbols, objects, and language” (Goffman 1959: 215). This theory includes how people define and shape reality during social interaction. In this research proposal symbolic interactionism will be used to support my research question. My research question for this proposal is: What is the significance of marriage to homosexuals compared to heterosexuals?

“Nonetheless, state laws govern marriage, and states may place certain limitations on the abilities to marry” (Harvard Law Review: 2). A journal article from the Harvard Law Review discusses how a state like Hawaii defines marriage, and who can actually get married. “Marriage can be better described as a legal institution that defines and creates social relationsâÂ?¦ This definition of marriage is functional: it defines the relationship according to what promotes familial and societal stability” (Harvard Law Review: pg 8). This article mentions how a society collectively through laws can create a meaning of marriage. However, this article does not mention how the meaning(s) of marriage may or may not be different depending on sexual orientation. This proposal aims to take a look at and compare personal meanings that are associated with marriage depending if a person is homosexual or heterosexual.

Sociologist Herbert Blumer’s perspective on symbolic interactionism can continue to help explain how people shape meaning when looking at the subject of marriage. “Blumer has three premises when looking at symbolic interactionism and they are: 1) human beings act toward things on the basis of meanings that the things have for them, 2) the meaning of such things are derived from the social interactions that one has with one’s fellows, and 3) these meanings are handled in an interpretative process used by the person” (Blumer 1969:84). With my research question we can use Blumer’s perspective on symbolic interactionism to analyze marriage and how people interpret it. “Symbolic interactionism sees meanings as social products, as creations that are formed in and through the defining activities of people as they interact” (Blumer 1969:87). An individual’s experience with marriage and others shape the meanings and values of how they interpret it.

Another symbolic interactionism perspective that can be used to analyze the meaning of marriage is that of Erving Goffman. Goffman’s perspective concentrates on impression management with individuals. “When we allow that the individual projects a definition of the situation when he appears before others, we must also see that the others, however passive their role may seem to be, will themselves effectively project a definition of the situation by virtue of their response to the individual and by virtue of any lines of action they initiate to him” (Goffman 1959:222). Relating back to my research question we can use Goffman’s perspective to analyze the meanings of marriage. For example, a heterosexual person is getting married and while this is happening he/she is forming opinions about the situation. On the same hand, a homosexual person may be at the wedding watching the heterosexual person. By doing this he/she is also forming there own opinions on the situation. Therefore Goffman’s perspective can play a significant role in analyzing my research question.

Looking again at the General Social Survey data highlights some perspectives on Same-sex marriage. However, this data doesn’t associate or can fit with Goffman’s or Blumer’s perspectives on symbolic interactionism because it is missing detailed information on why they disagree or agree with same sex marriage. What are there values of marriage and how do they interpret them. There are many questions that can be asked however that can relate to Blumer’s and Goffman’s perspectives. These questions will be part of my methods for this research proposal.