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Understanding Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that focuses on the meanings that people develop and rely upon in their social interactions. It emphasizes that people interact with one another based on the meanings and symbolic representations they attribute to various objects, events, and behaviors. George Herbert Mead established this perspective in the early 20th century, arguing that communication through symbols is essential to human social development. Herbert Blumer later connected this concept to sociology and coined the term "symbolic interactionism" to describe this theoretical framework.

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453 views11 pages

Understanding Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that focuses on the meanings that people develop and rely upon in their social interactions. It emphasizes that people interact with one another based on the meanings and symbolic representations they attribute to various objects, events, and behaviors. George Herbert Mead established this perspective in the early 20th century, arguing that communication through symbols is essential to human social development. Herbert Blumer later connected this concept to sociology and coined the term "symbolic interactionism" to describe this theoretical framework.

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DebeddaGreat
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SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM

THE SYMBOLIC INTERACTION


PERSPECTIVE

 It is a major framework of sociological theory. This


perspective relies on the symbolic meaning that people
develop and rely upon the in the process of social interaction.
 Symbol: anything that meaningfully represents
something else.

For example: signs, gestures, written languages and shared


values.
 The approach that focuses on the interactions among people
based on mutually understood symbols
 Symbols are used to in a way for people to attach meaning to
WHAT IS their life
SYMBOLIC
INTERACTIONIS
M?
 It is the ability to use symbols with common social meanings

MIND  Interaction with others is limited until people learn


language
 Language depends on symbols that evoke the same
meaning
 Self is the ability to reflect on one’s self from the perspective
of others
 Looking-glass self

* ability to see ourselves how people imagine that


others see us and the feelings that result

SELF  Pygmalion effect

* living up or down to another's expectations to others

 Two dimensions of self (“I ” and “Me”)

* I = Subject; acting self


*Me = Object; observing self
SOCIETY  Society is the web of social relationships that humans create
 Generalized Other

* The attitude or viewpoint of the larger group


 George Herbert Mead was the social psychologist who
founded this theory
 Early 20th Century
 Social psychologist and philosopher
HISTORY  He believed that communication was the most

BEHIND important factor in the “social development of


humans” (Alver )
THE
THEORY  Herbert Blumer
 1973
 Connected this concept to sociology and
social psychology
 Named it “symbolic interactionism”
THE THREE BASIC PREMISES

Herbert Blumber (1969) set out three basic premises of the perspective:
 “Humans act toward things on the basis of the meanings they ascribe to those things.”

 “The meaning of such things is derived from, or arises out of, the social interaction that one has with
others and the society.”
 “These meanings are handled in, and modified through an interpretative process used by the person in
dealing with the things he/she encounters.”
HOW IS SOCIETY AFFECTED BY
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM

 Symbolic Interactionism is key to human


communication
 Is used in all aspects in work, at school, and even in
personal situations and relationships
 Your boss at work
 Television: movies have symbols that ultimately
influence society’s meanings

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