Symbolic Interactionism Essay

Social class, as defined by Germov (2014), refers to a hierarchal system which classifies individuals or groups in society based on their socioeconomic status (SES), power, and occupational prestige. From a symbolic interactionist perspective, class can be considered a social construction. It can be argued that class is simply a ‘filter’ through which we view each other. Symbolic Interactionism is concerned with how individuals interpret, construct, and give meaning to their behaviour through their interaction with others. The correspondence between major health disparities and SES will be outlined in this essay, in relation to the concept of class. Many social determinants of health, such as the availability of health services and resources, education, support, and socioeconomic conditions, can all be linked to ones perceived level in the social hierarchy. A higher class level correlates with a higher SES, which also means greater access to health care resources and education.

Sapolsky’s study of baboons, as mentioned by Marmot (2004), showed that higher social status was linked to better health. The health status of baboons is affected by the way they behave with and view each other through the lens of class. Their view of each other allows the dominant baboons to impose resource inequities (food, water, shelter), which affects the health of their subordinates (Marmot, 2004). This can be attributed to human behaviour where those considered to belong to a higher class have greater advantages than the lower class (Germov, 2014). This is due to the fact that we see each other through the lens of class, and treat each other accordingly. These views we have of each other can be caused by feeling inferior or superior to another, mainly through the perception of their wealth, power and occupation (Marmot,