A Brief Introduction to Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic interactionism is an analytical concept developed by George Herbert Mead and Charles Homer Morris in the early 20th century. It is an approach to understanding human behavior in all its complexity, and is based on the belief that the behavior of any individual is largely influenced by the meanings they attach to their own and other peoples behavior. In symbolic interactionism, the primary focus is on the interpretation of the meanings that humans give to their behavior and interactions. The theory also provides insight into the development of social norms, language, social roles and other aspects of human behavior.
Symbolic interactionism proposes that human behavior is the result of the interaction between an individual and the social world around them. This approach considers the individuals thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and experiences as the basis for their behavior. It highlights the importance of communication and its role in the process of constructing and interpreting the meanings associated with the actions of people in social interactions.
According to symbolic interactionism, the meanings attached to human behavior are not fixed, but rather are constantly changing. This implies that people continually experience new meanings that are shaped by the situation in which they are embedded. These meanings can be shaped by different contexts such as culture, family dynamics, and social structures. Additionally, symbols are also used in the process of assigning meaning to elements of the individuals life, such as language, gestures, and material goods.
Symbolic interactionism can be applied to a wide variety of studies on human behavior, such as the concepts of power, identity, language and social control. It can be used to analyze the way meaning is constructed and interpreted in interpersonal relationships, and how this affects the behavior of people. By looking at a person’s behavior in the context of their wider environment, symbolic interactionism provides a more thorough approach to understanding human behavior.
In conclusion, symbolic interactionism is a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of the human condition. It provides a better understanding of the meanings and symbols that are involved in social interactions, and offers insight into how people create and interpret the meanings of their behavior. By looking at the individual’s experiences and beliefs, symbolic interactionism allows us to gain a greater understanding of the ways people interact with one another and the world around them.
