Symbolic Interactionism

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1. Symbolic Interactionism LM By Gina A. Ompad A presentation on Communication in Various Context

2. Objectives Review on the meanings of symbols and interactionism. Describe gender from the view of the interactionalist perspective. Define symbolic interactionism. Identify the different proponents and their individual perspective of symbolic interactionism. Enumerate some examples of symbolic interactionism in different context 2

3. symbol What is it and how it affects communication?

4. What is symbol? Symbols are representations of an event, action, object, person, or place that can be used to communicate about the event, action, object, person, or place. Symbols can be used for both receptive and expressive communication. Objects, parts of objects, pictures, print, actions, gestures, signs, and speech can all be symbols. Symbols may start as cues and signals. If a child recognizes a cue out of context, that cue may be acting as a symbol. If a child uses a signal or an object cue to communicate about an event, action, object, person or place out of context, the child may be using that signal or cue as a symbol. 4 Symbol Icon for male and female

5. What are the common symbols in communication? A symbol is anything one says or does to describe something, and that something can have an array of many meanings. Once the symbols are learned by a particular group, that symbol stays intact with the object. Symbolic communication includes gestures, body language and facial expressions, as well as vocal moans that can indicate what an individual wants without having to speak. Research argues that about 55% of all communication stems from nonverbal language . Symbolic communication ranges from sign language to braille to tactile communication skills. 5

6. Symbolic communication in humans can be defined as the rule-governed use of a system of arbitrary symbols whose definition and usage are agreed upon by the community of users . Symbols are considered the signifier that represents meaning (the signified). Not only auditory speech, words, and characters in printed visual forms, physical objects, fashion and clothing, human individuals, and events can be classified as symbols. Any entity, natural or social, physical or mental, tangible or intangible, can be a symbol as long as they can be employed to represent something else . 6 How does it affect human communication ?

7. Interactionism: how does it contribute to meaningful communication? 7

8. Scholars of interactionism study how individuals act within society and believe that meaning is produced through interactions. According to interactionists, gender stratification exists because people act toward each other on the basis of the meanings they have for each other, and that these meanings are derived from social interaction . 8 The interactionist perspective

9. According to Cooley’s concept of the “looking-glass self,” an individual’s understanding of their gender role is based on how society perceives them. Thus, if society views a man as masculine, he will also perceive himself to be masculine. “Doing gender” is the notion that masculinity and feminity are performed gender identities. Gender is something we do or perform, not something we are. 9 The interactionist perspective

10. In sociology, interactionism is a theoretical perspective that understands social processes (such as conflict, cooperation, identity formation) as emerging from human interaction. Scholars of this perspective study how individuals act within society and believe that meaning is produced through the interactions of individuals. According to interactionists, gender stratification exists because people act toward each other on the basis of the meanings they have for one another. Interactionists believe that these meanings are derived through social interaction and that these meanings are managed and transformed through an interpretive process that people use to make sense of, and handle, the objects that constitute their social worlds. 10 What is interactionism?

11. How does it contribute to human communication? Goffman and Control Social interaction is a face-to-face process that consists of actions, reactions, and mutual adaptation between two or more individuals. The goal of social interaction is to communicate with others. Social interaction includes all language, including body language and mannerisms. Erving Goffman, one of the forefathers of this theoretical perspective, emphasized the importance of control in social interactions. According to Goffman, during an interaction, individuals will attempt to control the behavior of the other participants, in order to attain needed information, and in order to control the perception of one’s own image. If the interaction is in danger of ending before an individual wants it to, it can be conserved through several steps. One conversational partner can conform to the expectations of the other, he or she can ignore certain incidents, or he or she can solve apparent problems. 11

12. Symbolic interactionism What is it?

13. Symbolic interactionism aims to understand human behavior by analyzing the critical role of symbols in human interaction. This is certainly relevant to the discussion of masculinity and femininity, because the characteristics and practices of both are socially constructed, reproduced, and reinforced through daily interactions. Imagine, for example, that you walk into a bank, hoping to get a small loan for school, a home, or a small business venture. If you meet with a male loan officer, you might state your case logically, listing all of the hard numbers that make you a qualified applicant for the loan. This type of approach would appeal to the analytical characteristics typically associated with masculinity. If you meet with a female loan officer, on the other hand, you might make an emotional appeal, by stating your positive social intentions. This type of approach would appeal to the sensitive and relational characteristics typically associated with femininity. 13 Symbolic interactionism

14. Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective on self and society based on the ideas of George H. Mead (1934), Charles H. Cooley (1902), W. I. Thomas (1931), and other pragmatists associated, primarily, with the University of Chicago in the early twentieth century. The central theme of symbolic interactionism is that human life is lived in the symbolic domain. 14 Symbolic interactionism

15. symbols Symbols are culturally derived social objects having shared meanings that are created and maintained in social interaction. Through language and communication, symbols provide the means by which reality is constructed. Reality is primarily a social product, and all that is humanly consequential—self, mind, society, culture—emerges from and is dependent on symbolic interactions for its existence. Even the physical environment is relevant to human conduct mainly as it is interpreted through symbolic systems. 15

16. Importance of meaning (1) The label symbolic interactionism was coined by Herbert Blumer (1969), one of Mead's students. Blumer , who did much to shape this perspective, specified its three basic premises: (1) Humans act toward things on the basis of the meanings that things have for them; (2) the meanings of things derive from social interaction; and (3) these meanings are dependent on, and modified by, an interpretive process of the people who interact with one another. The focus here is on meaning, which is defined in terms of action and its consequences (reflecting the influence of pragmatism). 16 The meaning of a thing resides in the action that it elicits. For example, the meaning of "grass" is food to a cow, shelter to a fox, and the like. In the case of symbols, meanings also depend on a degree of consensual responses between two or more people. The meaning of the word husband, for example, depends on the consensual responses of those who use it. If most of those who use it agree, the meaning of a symbol is clear; if consensus is low, the meaning is ambiguous, and communication is problematic. Within a culture, a general consensus prevails on the meanings associated with various words or symbols. However, in practice, the meanings of things are highly variable and depend on processes of interpretation and negotiation of the interactants . Three premises examples

17. Importance of meaning (2) The interpretive process entails what Blumer refers to as role-taking, the cognitive ability to take the perspective of another. It is a critical process in communication because it enables actors to interpret one another's responses, thereby bringing about greater consensus on the meanings of the symbols used. 17 The determination of meanings also depends on negotiation—that is, on mutual adjustments and accommodations of those who are interacting. In short, meaning is emergent, problematic, and dependent on processes of role-taking and negotiation. Most concepts of symbolic interactionism are related to the concept of meaning. Interpretive process Role-taking

18. Situational Definitions (1) The importance of meanings is reflected in Thomas's (1931) famous dictum: If situations are defined as real, they are real in their consequences. The definition of the situation emphasizes that people act in situations on the basis of how they are defined. Definitions, even when at variance with "objective" reality, have real consequences for people's actions and events. 18 Dictum The definitional process involves the determination of relevant identities and attributes of interactants . If, for example, a teacher defines a student as a slow learner (based on inaccurate information), her discriminatory behavior (e.g., less attention and lower expectations) may have a negative effect on the student's intellectual development, resulting in a self-fulfilling prophecy. This process, in combination with interactionist ideas about self-concept formation, is the basis of the labeling theory of deviance. Labeling theory proposes that a key factor in the development of deviants is the negative label of identity imposed on the person (e.g., "criminal," "pervert") who engages in deviant behavior (Becker 1963). interactants

19. Defining a situation is not a static process. An initial definition, based on past experiences or cultural expectations, may be revised in the course of interaction. Much of the negotiation in social situations entails an attempt to present the self in a favorable light or to defend a valued identity. Erving Goffman's (1959) insightful analyses of impression management and the use of deference and demeanor, as well as Marvin Scott and Stanford Lyman's (1968) examination of the use of excuses, justifications, and accounts, speak to the intricacies involved in situational definitions. Where power or status disparities exist, the dominant interactant's definition of the situation likely prevails. 19 interactants Impression management

20. Gender and performance The meanings attached to symbols are socially created and fluid, instead of natural and static. Because of this, we act and react to symbols based on their current assigned meanings. Both masculinity and feminity are performed gender identities, in the sense that gender is something we do or perform, not something we are. In response to this phenomena, the sociologist Charles H. Cooley’s developed the theory of the “looking-glass self” (1902). 20

21. Gender and performance In this theory, Cooley argued that an individual’s perception of himself or herself is based primarily how society views him or her. In the context of gender, if society perceives a man as masculine, that man will consider himself as masculine. Thus, when people perform tasks or possess characteristics based on the gender role assigned to them, they are said to be doing gender (rather than “being” gender), a notion first coined by West and Zimmerman (1987). West & Zimmerman emphasized that gender is maintained through accountability. Men and women are expected to perform their gender to the point that it is naturalized, and thus, their status depends on their performance. 21

22. 22 Confounding Expectation The woman in this picture blurs the boundaries between the symbols that are traditionally considered masculine or feminine. While she has long hair and is wearing makeup, typically feminine markers, her clothes are much more masculine in nature . Source: Boundless. “The Interactionist Perspective.” Sociology – Cochise College Boundless, 26 May. 2016. Retrieved 27 Feb. 2017 from https://www.boundless.com/users/493555/textbooks/sociology-cochise-college/gender-stratification-and-inequality-11/sociological-perspectives-on-gender-stratification-87/the-interactionist-perspective-505-6184/ Source: “All sizes | lacie 15s | Flickr – Photo Sharing!.” http://www.flickr.com/ Flickr CC BY 2.0.

23. Symbolic interactionism is a micro-level theory that focuses on the relationships among individuals within a society. 23 Theorists Herman and Reynolds (1994) note that this perspective sees people as being active in shaping the social world rather than simply being acted upon. Communication—the exchange of meaning through language and symbols—is believed to be the way in which people make sense of their social worlds.

24. There are two great generations of symbolic interactionism. The first one considers that actions always have a meaning . On the other hand, the second one considers that social life is an act . 25 Generations of symbolic interactionism

25. First generation This generation believed that relationships with other people build personal identities. These relationships always have a meaning and are symbolic. Therefore, each person’s identity forms through specific situations and places where one creates relationships. The meaning people give to these interactions would define their personal or individual identity. 26 This generation declared that actions were more than just habits or automatic behaviors. All actions could be interpreted. Thus, language is the representation of the speaker’s attitudes, intentions, positions, and goals. This means that language is a form of interaction and we create reality with it. Actions have meaning For this generation, the individual is a representation formed through language. In other words, the individual is created through interactions with others. However, what’s created isn’t the person, rather that person’s ‘self’ or their identity.

26. Second generation For the second generation, identity also resulted from the roles that people adopt. When we interact with other people, we usually adopt social roles. These are behavior patterns that society defines. One way to understand roles is to watch reality TV shows. The participants tend to adopt similar roles in each show. For example, there’s always an enemy, a loner who can’t stop crying, two people who end up in a relationship, etc. 27 This second generation stated that people are actors. Individuals act and play a part that social roles determine. We do what others expect us to do depending on our role. But we don’t only play a part when we interact with other people. Similarly, we also play our part in places and at times when other people aren’t looking at us. This means that we end up internalizing and linking that role to our identity. Social life is an act

27. Symbolic interactionism in social psychology The relationship between social interactionism and psychology is evident above all in the context of social psychology. According to this branch, people form social identities with specific rules and values. At times when social identities become more important, it’s more likely that people will act according to those rules and values. 28 Therefore, interacting with people from different cultures with an open mind will help us understand each other better. Additionally, it will redefine our personal identity and change the way we understand the world. Although social psychology goes beyond roles and accepts that social norms guide behavior, it was founded on symbolic interactionism. Something we can’t deny is that people develop their identities, both individual and social, when they interact with other people.

28. The proponents of symbolic interactionism

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39. Another pioneer in the symbolic interactionist approach to family research was Willard Waller (1937, 1938). Waller used qualitative methods (e.g., case studies and novels) to study family dynamics, particularly processes of interpersonal conflict, bargaining, and exploitation. His principle of least interest suggests that the person least interested in or committed to the marital or dating relationship has the most power in that relationship and frequently exploits the other. The theme of conflict and exploitation was prominent in his analysis of college dating patterns in the 1930s. 40 Willard waller

40. Reuben Hill, who shaped much of the contemporary research on the family, reworked Waller's treatise by shifting the focus from a conflict and process orientation to a relatively structured developmental perspective emphasizing family roles and a more harmonious view of family life (Waller and Hill 1951). 41 Reuben Hill Symbolic Interactionism And Family Studies

41. Symbolic Interactionism: Giving Meaning to Communication 42

42. Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionism is a theory that emerged in sociology that has extended to other fields such as anthropology and social psychology. This theory analyzes interactions and their meanings. Thus, it seeks to understand the processes by which people become members of societies. In other words, it studies social activities and self-creation . Symbolic interactionism takes a stance against absolute truths. In particular, it argues that there is no single truth, but different subjective truths for each situation. In other words, the ‘truth’ is different in each community. Symbolic interactionism is based on interpretations. People have different interpretations of reality. However, these interpretations will be more similar among the people around us. To understand these different ‘truths’, symbolic interactionism studies the relationships between people and symbols. The ultimate goal is to understand individual identity and social organization. 43

43. Examples of symbolic interactionism in context One of the cultural differences that generates the most problems when people travel are symbols. For example, if someone extends the palm of their hand towards another person , it would understand that they’re telling us to stop or be still. However , a Greek would take it as in insult and a Lebanese would be neutralizing the evil eye. 44

44. Example of symbolic interactionism in context We can find a classic example of symbolic interactionism in tea . We can consume this drink accompanied by different rituals, each of them symbolic in their own way. For example, tea doesn’t represent the same thing for a European as it does for a Japanese. The European may possibly drink tea for stimulation and will prepare it simply without giving its preparation too much importance. However , the Japanese will do a preparation ritual and drink the tea with others. Tea means different things for these people. 45 in summary, symbolic interactionism suggests that we define ourselves taking into account the different meanings that being an individual implies in specific contexts. Since we’re social beings, this meaning of ‘being an individual’ will depend to a great extent on our interactions with other people.

45. Understanding miscopmmunication Symbolic interactionism is very useful for understanding how miscommunication occurs between people. A word or phrase in one context can have an entirely different meaning in another context. Take the executive in the opening scenario, for example. To him, preparing for a meeting meant arranging a space for many people to gather and collaborate effectively. However, past experience had taught the first employee that meetings are where supervisors ask about ongoing projects; therefore, being prepared for a meeting meant having assignment reports on hand. 46 Miscommunication frequently occurs when symbolic messages are analyzed outside of their original context. A famous example is when President Richard Nixon made a certain hand gesture before some Australians to communicate his goodwill. Unfortunately, the same gesture that meant “peace” in the U.S. had an extremely vulgar meaning in Australia.

46. Critics of symbolic interactionism accuse the theory of being too narrow in its research, too scattered it its approach and too broad and general in its conclusions—failing to meet the criteria of a good theory. They say its focus on interpersonal and small-group interactions fails to address the influence of social institutions on human behavior . Furthermore, though interactionists strive to conduct their research objectively, their choice of what to study is often subjective, and their close proximity to their research subjects leads to value commitments that affect the results of their research. Interactionists have responded to these criticisms by stating that symbolic interactionism should be viewed more as a theoretical framework than a formal, scientific theory. 47 Criticism of the Theory

47. reporter An English Major Gina Alota Ompad is a graduate of Secondary Education major in English. She also aligns her masters degree in the same major, and recently taking up Ed. D in ELT. CTE Faculty @ UCLM She has been teaching in UCLM for eight years already, handling general and professional subjects. Center for English enhancement She is the in-charge of CEE or the Center forEnglish Enhancement which is one of thgesupplemetal programs of the university in communication skills, particularly the SRA reading program. Adviser of the guild of English majors She is the adviser of the sub-organization which is GEM or the Guild of English Majors of the education department. 48

48. Thank you ! [email protected]

49. YOUR TASK What is your TRADEMARK action that you usually use in communicating people? EXPLAIN IN ONE SENTENCE HOW THIS TRADEMARK OF YOURS AFFECT YOUR SOCIAL LIFE. You may send at [email protected]

50. Sources: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/alamo-sociology/chapter/reading-symbolic-interactionist-theory / https:// www.tsbvi.edu/preschool/1725-non-verbal-communication-cues-signals-and-symbols https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbolic_communication https://courses.lumenlearning.com/cochise-sociology-os/chapter/the-interactionist-perspective / https://www2.hawaii.edu/~fm/goffman.html https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/sociology-and-social-reform/sociology-general-terms-and-concepts/symbolic-interactionism https://exploringyourmind.com/symbolic-interactionism-communication / http://www.communicationstudies.com/communication-theories/symbolic-interactionism-theory 51