Symbolic-interactionism COVERAGE-1.ppttx

symbolic interactions

1. SYMBOLIC INTERACTION Presented by Amarga & Dullesco

2. KEY TAKEAWAYS It is a perspective that sees society as a product of shared symbols, such as language. The social world is, therefore, constructed by the meanings that individuals attach to events and social interactions, and these symbols are transmitted across the generation through language.

3. Rosa SYMBOLIC INTERACTION Is one of the several theories in the social sciences. According to this theory, people live both in the natural and the symbolic environment. Symbolic interaction is a process that enlivened the reciprocal meaning and values by aid of the symbols in the mind.

4. Symbolic Interaction Theory, a fundamental sociological theory, delves into how people create and interpret the world around them through symbolic interactions. At its core, this theory posits that individuals interact with each other using symbols—words, gestures, and objects that have agreed-upon meanings. WHAT IS SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY?

5. These symbols are crucial in the exchange of meaning and the formation of social identities. From a symbolic interactionism standpoint, social behavior is not just reacting to the environment but involves active interpretation and meaning-making. WHAT IS SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY?

6. One of the key tenets of this theory is that social life is composed of these interactions, which are not static but dynamic and constantly evolving.

7. THE ORIGIN OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY

8. The origin of Symbolic Interaction Theory can be traced back to the work of three key contributors: George Herbert Mead, Charles Horton Cooley, and Herbert Blumer. These scholars played a crucial role in developing this theory and shaping the field of sociology. George Herbert Mead was a philosopher and sociologist who laid the foundation for Symbolic Interaction Theory. He argued that individuals create their sense of self through interactions with others and society. Mead believed that language and symbols are essential tools in shaping human behavior and that individuals interpret symbols differently based on their social interactions.

9. Following Mead, Charles Horton Cooley expanded on the concept of the "looking-glass self," which posits that individuals develop their self-identity based on how they believe others perceive them. Cooley emphasized the role of socialization and communication in constructing one's self-concept and argued that individuals use social interactions as mirrors to understand how others view them. Herbert Blumer, a student of Mead, further developed Symbolic Interaction Theory by formalizing its principles. He coined the term "symbolic interactionism" and emphasized that meaning is created through social interactions and the interpretation of symbols. According to Blumer, humans act towards things based on the meanings they assign to them, and these meanings are derived from social interactions.

10. George Herbert Mead laid the groundwork for Symbolic Interaction Theory in the early 20th century. Charles Horton Cooley expanded on Mead's ideas in the 1920s with his concept of the looking-glass self. Finally, Herbert Blumer solidified and formalized Symbolic Interaction Theory in the mid-20th century. The development of symbolic interaction theory is a rich tapestry of intellectual progress, marked by significant contributions and milestones.

11. TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTING KEY DATES AND EVENTS THAT HAVE SHAPED THIS SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: Early 20th Century: The formulations of interactionism begin to take shape, primarily influenced by the work of George Herbert Mead and Charles Cooley. Their focus on how individuals develop self-awareness and societal understanding through interactions lays the groundwork for symbolic interaction theory.

12. TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTING KEY DATES AND EVENTS THAT HAVE SHAPED THIS SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: 1937: Herbert Blumer, a student of Mead, coins the term "symbolic interactionism" and begins to develop it as a theoretical framework. His work emphasizes the role of normal behaviors and types of behaviors in understanding social interactions.

13. TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTING KEY DATES AND EVENTS THAT HAVE SHAPED THIS SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: 1960s: The University of Chicago Press becomes a pivotal institution for the development and dissemination of symbolic interactionist ideas. Scholars associated with the University of Chicago, including Howard Becker, expand on the theory, emphasizing empirical research and the study of everyday life.

14. TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTING KEY DATES AND EVENTS THAT HAVE SHAPED THIS SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: 1970s-1980s: A group known as the processual interactionists emerges, focusing on the dynamic and evolving nature of social interactions. They stress the importance of understanding how social meanings and identity salience are created and changed over time.

15. TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTING KEY DATES AND EVENTS THAT HAVE SHAPED THIS SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: 1986: Howard Becker's influential work, "Doing Things Together: Selected Papers," is published by the University of Chicago Press. This collection of essays further elaborates on the nuances of symbolic interactionism, particularly in the context of art and aesthetics.

16. TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTING KEY DATES AND EVENTS THAT HAVE SHAPED THIS SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: 1990s: The focus on qualitative methods within symbolic interactionism grows, with significant publications and research emerging from places like Englewood Cliffs and Walnut Creek. These works contribute to a deeper understanding of the theory's application in various social contexts.

17. TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTING KEY DATES AND EVENTS THAT HAVE SHAPED THIS SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: Early 21st Century: The theory continues to evolve, with new interpretations and applications being explored. Palgrave MacMillan and other academic publishers release works that integrate symbolic interactionism with contemporary sociological issues, demonstrating its ongoing relevance and adaptability.

18. Symbolism is a key component of the symbolic interactionism theory, which emphasizes the subjective meanings that individuals assign to objects, events, and behaviors. It is based on the premise that social interactions are shaped by the meanings individuals give to symbols and the way they interpret these symbols in their social interactions. KEY PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF SYMBOLISM

19. One key principle of symbolism in relation to symbolic interactionism is the focus on subjective meanings. Symbolic interactionism emphasizes that individuals interpret and give meaning to symbols based on their own subjective beliefs, values, and experiences. This means that symbols can have different meanings to different individuals and that these meanings may change over time. KEY PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF SYMBOLISM

20. Another principle is social interaction. Symbolic interactionism recognizes that social interactions are fundamental to the construction of meaning. It posits that individuals engage in ongoing social interactions through which they create and negotiate the meanings of symbols. These social interactions often involve the use of symbols to communicate and convey meaning to others. KEY PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF SYMBOLISM

21. Symbolic communication is a concept closely related to symbolism in symbolic interactionism. It refers to the use of symbols and gestures to convey meaning in social interactions. These symbols may include verbal language, non-verbal cues, and gestures, which individuals use to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and intentions. KEY PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF SYMBOLISM

22. Subjective viewpoints are also central to symbolism in symbolic interactionism. This concept acknowledges that individuals have unique perspectives and interpretations of symbols based on their own subjective experiences. It recognizes that individuals bring their own biases, beliefs, and expectations into their social interactions, which can shape their understanding and interpretation of symbols and social situations. KEY PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF SYMBOLISM

23. GEORGE HERBERT MEAD: THE FATHER OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM George Herbert Mead is widely recognized as the Father of Symbolic Interactionism, a theory that examines how individuals develop social bonds and identities through interactions with others. Born on February 27, 1863, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, Mead was a renowned philosopher and sociologist who made significant contributions to the field of social psychology.

24. Mead's theories continue to be influential in fields such as sociology, psychology, and communication studies, shaping our understanding of how humans construct and interpret the social world around them.

25. BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE HERBERT MEAD George Herbert Mead was a renowned philosopher and sociologist who played a significant role in the development of symbolic interactionism. Born in 1863 in Massachusetts, Mead pursued an academic career and became a philosophy professor at the University of Chicago. Mead's most influential work, "Mind, Self, and Society," was published posthumously in 1934. In this book, he explored the link between individual consciousness and society, emphasizing that the self arises through social interactions and is sustained by the meanings assigned to symbols within a specific cultural context.

26. Mead's ideas greatly contributed to the development of symbolic interactionism, a perspective within sociology that emphasizes the importance of symbols and language in shaping social interactions and the construction of self. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of sociology and continues to be influential in contemporary social theory. BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE HERBERT MEAD

27. HERBERT BLUMER: EXPANDING ON MEAD'S WORK Herbert Blumer was an influential sociologist who played a significant role in expanding and developing the work of his mentor, George Herbert Mead. Blumer's contributions to the field of sociology centered around his interpretation and application of Mead's theories, particularly in the areas of symbolic interactionism and social constructionism.

28. By building upon Mead's work, Blumer furthered our understanding of how individuals create and interpret meaning through social interaction, emphasizing the role of language, symbols, and shared understandings in shaping social reality.

29. Herbert Blumer was an American sociologist who played a pivotal role in the development of symbolic interactionism. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1900, and completed his education in sociology at the University of Chicago. Blumer's most notable contribution was his interpretation and dissemination of the ideas of his mentor, George Herbert Mead. Blumer was a dedicated student of Mead, and he sought to articulate and expand upon Mead's conceptualizations of social interaction and the interpretation of meaning. BIOGRAPHY OF HERBERT BLUMER

30. Blumer played a significant role in coining the term "symbolic interactionism" to describe this approach to sociology. He emphasized that human beings create and assign meaning to symbols, and that these symbols guide their behavior and social interactions. Blumer argued that meaning is not inherent in objects or actions but is instead a product of the social processes through which individuals interpret and negotiate the meanings of symbols. BIOGRAPHY OF HERBERT BLUMER

31. CHARLES HORTON COOLEY: THE LOOKING-GLASS SELF Charles Horton Cooley, an influential sociologist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, developed the concept of the "looking-glass self." As humans, we are deeply influenced by the perceptions and judgments of others, and Cooley argued that our sense of self is not solely shaped by our internal feelings, but also by how we believe others perceive us.

32. Cooley's theory highlights the importance of social interactions in the development of our identity, as we constantly rely on the feedback and interactions with others to shape our understanding of ourselves. Understanding Cooley's looking-glass self-theory offers valuable insights into the intricate relationship between society and self-perception and sheds light on the human need for social connections and validation.

33. Charles Horton Cooley was an influential American sociologist and one of the leading figures in symbolic interactionism. He was born on August 17, 1864, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Cooley grew up in a highly intellectual family, with his father being a prominent Michigan Supreme Court justice. He studied at the University of Michigan, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1887 and later completed his doctoral degree in economics and sociology in 1894. BIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES HORTON COOLEY

34. Cooley's most significant contribution to sociology is his theory of the looking-glass self. This theory suggests that our sense of self develops through our interactions with others and how we believe they perceive us. According to Cooley, we imagine how we appear to others, how they judge us, and then develop our sense of self based on these impressions. In other words, our self-image is shaped by the reflections we receive from others. BIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES HORTON COOLEY

35. Social Constructs in Symbolic Interaction Theory

36. Social constructs are a key concept in symbolic interaction theory, which is a sociological perspective that focuses on the role of symbols and language in shaping our social interactions. According to this perspective, social constructs are created through our use of symbols and language in our everyday interactions with others. These social constructs then shape how we interpret and give meaning to society. For example, the concept of money is a social construct, as it holds value and meaning because we as a society agree that it does. Without our collective agreement and use of symbols to represent value, money would hold no meaning.

37. Social constructs also play a significant role in shaping our individual interpretations and meanings of society. Our understanding of social constructs influences how we see ourselves and others, how we behave in social situations, and how we navigate through the world. For instance, our understanding of gender as a social construct influences how we perceive ourselves and others as either male or female, and affects our expectations and behaviors in relation to gender. In conclusion, social constructs are created through our use of symbols and language in everyday interactions, and they shape our interpretations and meanings of society. Understanding the influence of social constructs is essential in analyzing social interactions and societal structures.

38. APPLYING SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM TO SOCIAL STRUCTURES Symbolic interactionism offers a unique lens through which to view social structures. This perspective emphasizes the central role of human action and interaction in the creation of social meanings. Here are five applications of symbolic interaction theory, illustrating its relevance in various social situations:

39. CLASSROOM DYNAMICS: In educational settings, symbolic interactionists observe how interactions between individuals shape learning experiences. For instance, a teacher's praise or criticism can significantly influence a student's self-perception and academic identity. This perspective helps educators understand how individual behaviors in the classroom contribute to the broader educational environment.

40. In professional settings, the symbolic interactionist framework can be used to analyze how employees construct their work identities. Through daily interactions, employees negotiate their roles and responsibilities, shaping their personal identity within the organization. This understanding can lead to more effective management and team dynamics. WORKPLACE INTERACTIONS:

41. Symbolic interactionism is pivotal in understanding how social identities are formed and maintained on social media platforms. Users create and interpret posts, comments, and likes, which contribute to their online personas and influence their real-life social interactions. SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE:

42. This approach can be applied to explore how cultural norms and normal behaviors are established and perpetuated. Symbolic interactions in various forms, such as rituals, traditions, and language, play a key role in maintaining and transforming cultural practices. CULTURAL NORMS AND PRACTICES:

43. In healthcare, the symbolic interactionist perspective aids in understanding the patient-practitioner relationship. Communication styles, body language, and the use of medical jargon can significantly affect patient outcomes and the effectiveness of care. HEALTHCARE COMMUNICATION:

44. CRITIQUES AND LIMITATIONS OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY

45. One of the main critiques is that symbolic interaction theory tends to neglect macro-level issues, such as politics and history. This theory primarily focuses on micro-level issues, such as emotions and individual interactions. By not considering macro-level factors, it fails to explain how societal and historical forces shape these interactions. For instance, political ideologies and historical events can greatly influence how individuals perceive and interpret symbols within their interactions. Furthermore, symbolic interaction theory often fails to account for the influence of social forces and institutions on individual interactions. For example, the act of smoking can be seen as a micro-level interaction between individuals, but it is also shaped by macro-level forces such as tobacco industry advertising and government regulations. Similarly, race and gender are not solely individual interactions, but are heavily influenced by societal structures and institutions that perpetuate inequalities.

46. In conclusion, symbolic interaction theory has some limitations and critiques. It neglects macro-level issues, while focusing too closely on micro-level issues, and fails to acknowledge the influence of social forces and institutions on individual interactions.

47. 1. Symbols, Meaning, and Action: The Past, Present, and Future of Symbolic Interactionism (2016) by Carter, M. J. & Fuller, C. E. .2. Commentary of Symbolic Interaction Theory (2010) by Qu Gai-ping. 3. Inequality and the Self: Exploring Connections from an Interactionist Perspective (2001) by Anderson, L. & Snow, D. 4. Exploratory Study of Collaborative Behaviour in Gaming and Interactions of Students in Second Life (2016) by Olasina, G. 5. Symbolic Interaction as a Pragmatic Perspective: The Bias of Emergent Theory (1973) by Huber, J. FURTHER READING ON SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY

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