Sociological Analysis Of Mean Girls

This paper provides a film analysis using the three theoretical perspectives; Symbolic Interactionist, Functionalist and Conflict Theorist. Additionally, this exploration is organized by each theoretical view. Furthermore, this review includes the opinion of this writer’s strongest theoretical perspective, as well as considering additional questions relating to the correlation of micro and macro sociology within the film. Thus, the film chosen for this analysis is “Mean Girls”, the 2004 comedy with a moral plot which is written by Tina Fey and directed by Mark Waters. Indeed, this film relates to the sociological area of gender and by watching this film through different lenses, this writer ascertains the intricacies of each role and function

That is to say, this theory analyzes the ongoing process of social interaction in specific settings based on symbolic communication whereby individual perceptions of reality are varied and changing. Similarly, the focus of symbolic interaction analysis is face-to-face interaction as well as how characters adopt symbols to create a social life. The characters of Regina, Karen and Gretchen engage in conduct to influence their social world, hence shaping the reality by which others perceive them through implementing social “rules”. This serves as a means to advance a perception of their perfection. For example, Cady accepts invitation to sit with the girls (The Plastics) during lunch and gains an “education” about what it means to be “plastic”. Specifically, Gretchen and Karen communicate the requirements for what Regina considers “proper dress” in representing their image of superiority as the uttermost exquisite girls of the “society” (high school). Their leader, Regina George (played by Rachel McAdams), establishes a plethora of rules, which each girl must follow, in order to achieve excellence in “girl world”. Accordingly, Karen (played by Amanda Seyfried) informs Cady, “Wednesdays we wear pink”. Also, throughout the film, there are several references to how each girl is, and is not, allowed to behave so as not to compete with, or overshadow, Regina. Specifically, at one point

Hence, this perspective views society holistically as a system of interrelated parts which are relatively stable due to widespread agreement on social norms and values; each part has a particular function (consequence) in society as a whole. Likewise, the focus of this analysis is the relationships among the parts of society; how these parts are functional (have positive consequences) or dysfunctional (have negative consequences). Indeed, throughout the film are examples of preemptive strikes by Regina which spark psychological warfare among the inner-circle of the plastics, as a dysfunctional means to keep the girls vying for her attention. For example, the film exceptionally illustrates the relationships within the plastics through the practice of the blind “Three-way call”, whereby girls conduct a two-way phone conversation while a third girl secretly listens. This tactic is a means to “catch” one another talking behind the others’ backs and gain what they feel is the truth about one another, as it’s apparent from the beginning of the film that deception is a key factor in their dynamic as the institution of the popular clique. In contrast, the alternative, yet equally significant part, of the society is the group of deviants in the film. From the perspective of the plastics, anyone who does not fit in as a “plastic” is considered to be an outsider (deviant). The plastics view