Symbolic InteractionismIf humans were to follow the behavior and decision-making patterns of other creatures roaming the earth, or if the choices would be different from what they are today, at least according to the theories of symbolic interactionism. This theoretical approach suggests that decisions made by humans are often distorted by the individual's perception of other individuals' possible response to those decisions. When purchasing a new car, for example, most people's needs require an affordable vehicle that will get the highest fuel efficiency available. However, vehicles such as the Ford Raptor (starting MSRP of $44,415 and average fuel economy of 13 miles per gallon) are still popular with consumers. Although this does not make sense from a practical point of view, it may make sense if one examines the decision through the lens of symbolic interactionism. According to a survey conducted by Insure.com, 32% of women responded that attractive men drive pickup trucks (2013). Considering that the Ford Raptor has a lower towing capacity than the standard F-150 equipped with the same engine (8,000 lbs versus 9,600 lbs in the case of a standard F-150 4x4), the Raptor is no more capable of towing a standard vehicle. , but costs over $10,000 more than the standard option. Obviously, other factors come into play here. The argument behind symbolic interactionism is that cognition can, and usually does, interfere with human decision-making based solely on practicalities. And the results of the previously mentioned survey validate the understanding of the “generalized other” that is at play in the minds of these men who decide to buy a big black Ford Raptor. Role Theory Role theory posits that everyone makes decisions...... middle of article...these theories present a point of view based on a different classification of sociological concepts, they all focus on the role of individual decisions resulting in the functioning and evolution of society. Works Cited Ford Motor Company, F -150 SVT Raptor, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/trim/raptor/Ford Motor Company, F-150 Engine Specifications, 2014. Retrieved from: http ://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/engine/Steele, Jeffrey, Cars that attract women (and guys), Insure.com, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.insure. com/car-insurance/cars-that-attract-ladies.htmlFord Motor Company, F-150 Towing Specifications, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/towing/Sigmund Freud, Civilization and its Discontents, 1931. Retrieved from: http://www.freud.org.uk/education/topic/10573/subtopic/40005/