Discipline and Ideas in Social Sciences Q1 - Wk. 2.3.pptx

DISS Q1

1. Symbolic interactionism Diss q1 – wk. 2.3

2. Symbolic interactionism Emphasizes that human behavior is influenced by definitions and meanings that are created and maintained through symbolic interactions with others. believe that society is the totality of all interactions between individuals The social interactions between individuals are the foundations of society

3. Notable symbolic interactionists George Herbert Mead Charles Cooley Georg Simmel Erving Goffman

4. Herbert blumer Coined the term symbolic interactionism Symbolic Interactionism refers to the peculiar and distinctive character of interaction as it takes place between human beings The peculiarity consists in the fact that human beings interpret or define each other’s action instead of merely reacting to each other’s action

5. Their response is not made directly to the actions of one another but instead is based on the meaning which they attach to such actions Human actions is mediated by the used of symbols, by interpretations, or by ascertaining the meaning of one another’s action This mediation is equivalent to inserting a process of interpretation between stimulus and response in the case of human behavior

6. Characteristics of symbolic interactionism ( blumer ) Human interaction Interpretation or definition rather than mere reaction Response based on meaning Use of symbols Interpretation between stimulus and response

7. Three premises of symbolic interactionism Human beings act toward things on the basis of the meanings that things have for them. The meaning of things arises out of the social interaction one has with one’s fellows. The meanings of things are handled in and modified through an interpretative process used by the person in dealing with the things he encounters.

8. All these interactions are governed by shared social norms and value systems. A particular application of this approach is through the “looking glass self” concept which suggests that the development of our sense of self or self- identity is shaped by how we believe others perceive us, based on our interactions with them.

9. The Looking Glass Self