Understanding Social Interaction Basics.pdf

Understanding Social Interaction Basics.pdf

1. Understanding Social
Interaction Basics

2. Understanding Social Interaction Basics
•Social Interaction and Social Process
•Introduction to Social Interaction
•Definition of Social Interaction (George Herbert Mead)
•Definition of Social Interaction (Erving Goffman)
•Characteristics of Social Interaction
•Characteristic 1: Reciprocal Nature
•Characteristic 2: Dynamic Nature
•Characteristic 3: Contextual Dependency
•Characteristic 4: Symbolic Communication
•Characteristic 5: Patterned Interactions

3. Introduction to Social Interaction
•Definition Overview: Social interaction refers to the dynamic exchanges between individuals, forming the
foundation of society's structures.
•Key Processes: These interactions can include communication, cooperation, confrontation, which
collectively influence relational and societal development.
•Societal Impact: Social interaction shapes identities, norms, and hierarchies, thereby structuring both
individual relationships and broader communities.

4. Definition of Social Interaction (George Herbert Mead)
•Reciprocal Actions: Mead emphasized social interaction as a series of reciprocal actions essential for
mutual understanding.
•Constructing Social Reality: Through interactions, individuals collaboratively create and negotiate shared
meanings, forming their social reality.
•The Self in Interaction: Mead's theory posits that identity is shaped through social experiences and
ongoing interactions with others.

5. Definition of Social Interaction (Erving Goffman)
•Mutual Adaptation: Goffman highlights how face-to-face interactions involve individuals adjusting their
behaviors in response to others.
•Performative Actions: Interactions are performative; individuals project identities that affirm roles while
navigating social expectations dynamically.
•Contextual Sensitivity: Goffman argues that the context of interactions significantly influences individual
behavior and reciprocal responses.

6. Characteristics of Social Interaction
•Reciprocal Nature: Interactions rely on mutual exchanges where individuals influence and respond to each
other's actions consistently.
•Dynamic Process: Social interactions are not static; they evolve over time, reflecting changes in
relationships and environments.
•Symbolic Communication: Symbolism is integral to social interaction, as meanings are conveyed through
language, gestures, and shared symbols.

7. Characteristic 1: Reciprocal Nature
•Reciprocal Actions Defined: Reciprocal actions are mutual exchanges crucial for effective communication
and meaning construction in interactions.
•Mead's Theoretical Contribution: Mead delineated reciprocal actions as key to developing social selves,
fostering collective understanding and identity.
•Implications on Relationships: The concept emphasizes how reciprocal behaviors establish trust,
cooperation, and harmonious dynamics in human relationships.

8. Characteristic 2: Dynamic Nature
•Fluid Interactions: Goffman posits that social interactions are fluid, adapting to ongoing contextual cues
and participant dynamics.
•Context Adaptability: Interactions shift based on context; individuals modify behaviors to align with
situational expectations and norms.
•Negotiated Meaning: The meanings in interactions are continuously negotiated, revealing the complexity
and variability of social exchanges.

9. Characteristic 3: Contextual Dependency
•Contextual Influence: The context significantly shapes interactions, guiding behaviors and determining
mutual understanding in social exchanges.
•Blumer's Insights: Herbert Blumer emphasized that meanings are derived from social contexts, illustrating
dynamic interactional processes effectively.
•Contextual Variability: Variability in social contexts leads to diverse interpretations, influencing how
identities are constructed during interactions.

10. Characteristic 4: Symbolic Communication
•Symbolic Interactionism Basics: Symbolic interactionism examines how individuals create meanings
through symbols, shaping social processes and relationships.
•Mead's Philosophical Framework: Mead emphasized the significance of the 'I' and 'me' in understanding
self-development through social interactions.
•Social Interaction and Meaning: Meaning-making is a core aspect; individuals interpret symbols to build
collective social realities during interactions.

11. Characteristic 5: Patterned Interactions
•Norms in Social Interaction: Established norms guide behaviors, ensuring predictability and stability within
the framework of social interactions.
•Talcott Parsons' Social System: Parsons focused on the importance of social systems where norms
function as essential rules governing interactions.
•Patterns of Interaction: Understanding interaction patterns reveals underlying societal structures that
dictate individual relationships and community dynamics.