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Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism explores how individuals interact with objects and other people and how these interactions influence behavior. It views reality as constituted by the meanings people assign to things rather than by objective facts alone. A key idea is that meanings emerge and evolve through social interaction. For example, the meaning of a window evolved for Filipinos from a place for socializing to a ventilation structure based on Spanish influence. Symbolic interactionism examines how culture, society and other constructs are real only to the extent people interpret and ascribe meaning to them.

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62 views19 pages

Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism explores how individuals interact with objects and other people and how these interactions influence behavior. It views reality as constituted by the meanings people assign to things rather than by objective facts alone. A key idea is that meanings emerge and evolve through social interaction. For example, the meaning of a window evolved for Filipinos from a place for socializing to a ventilation structure based on Spanish influence. Symbolic interactionism examines how culture, society and other constructs are real only to the extent people interpret and ascribe meaning to them.

Uploaded by

ok bloomer
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Dominant Approaches and Ideas

Prepared by:
Alice D. Pereira
DISS Teacher
1. Ano ang nasa
gitna ng logo ng
Globe?
KAMAY O HAND
2. Ilang isda ang
nasa logo ng 555
Sardines
2
3. Ilan ang
pilikmata ni
Sponge Bob?
6
What is the symbol of a wedding ring?
What is symbolic interactionism?
OVERVIEW
• Individual’s interactions with objects and other
people
• Behavior is influenced and can only be examined
through social interactions
• Explores the social dynamics between people and
how they assign meanings to things
• Meaning is not monopolized by a single person or a
perspective, something can have different meanings
as there are different perspectives.
Interactionists View
• Actions are determined by the
meaning people associate with
things
• Example: A tree can be
perceived as a source of shade
during a hot day or as means to
produce a thousand sheets of
paper
• Symbolic interaction sees reality
not just as meanings but sees
meanings as constitutive of
reality itself
Interactionists View

• Culture, science, society and mathematics to name a


few are only as real as the meanings assigned to
them
• Capacity of humans to project and plan their actions
based on certain goals formed for the betterment of
conditions
• The individual can be seen as an active player
interpretation and modification of the structure’s
rules and processes
Example:
• The Filipino word for window is “bintana” which came
from Spanish word “ventana”
• Spaniards: window is associated with ventilation
which allows cold air to circulate around the house
and the hot air to get out
• Filipino: formal word is
“dungawan” and something to
look outside on (a place where
Filipinos could socialize at)
• Changes over time – from
“dungawan” to “bintana”
Therefore, Symbolic
Interactionism
explores not just
association of
meanings but also
the changes that
occur within the
association
Historical Roots of
Symbolic Interactionism
Herbert Blumer
• Humans act toward things on the
basis of the meanings that things
have for them
• The meanings of things derive from
social interaction
• These meaning are handled in and
modified through an interpretative
process used by the person in
dealing with the things he or she
encounters
• ROLE PLAY ability to perceive the
object of conversation through the
eye of the other
George Herbert Mead

• Language allows communication


through which attitudes, opinions,
emotions and ideas are conveyed
between individuals
• Symbols, gestures and sounds

• Understand and internalize


opinions
Charles Cooley
• Looking-glass self theory- self is
understood as that which is formed from
interactions, such as those done with the
primary group (family)
• Self- consciousness emerges through the
lens of the other
• Through encounters interaction, the
individual formulates as self-identity by
how others perceive him or her
• Therefore, the individual recognizes
himself in the eyes of the other
Criticisms

• Lack of testability due to its focus on small group


interactions
• Unsystematic, unreliable in analyzing empirical data
in predicting outcomes of social activities
• Relies on qualitative data
• Cooley’s development of the self is based on the
person’s imagination and reflection
• Imagination is not always based on reality and the
person might create a self-identity that is completely
separate from reality

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