CTP Blog #2
The symbolic interactionism theory focuses on the role of symbols and social interactions in shaping individual behavior and society as a whole. This theory observes society’s interactions based on how society assigns meaning to objects, behaviors, and events. The symbolic interaction theory is comprised of three principles:
Meaning: people behave in accordance with the meaning/value they have assigned to people or things.
Language: language plays an important role in assigning names to things, and these names give meaning to everything because each thing has its own unique name. To name something, one must possess knowledge about it, and the chosen name often reflects specific features or information related to said thing.
Thought: language is the foundation of thought and allows us to internally dissect meanings, names, and symbols. Our imagination enables us to form ideas about things we aren’t even aware of based on our preexisting knowledge.
Overall, the symbolic interaction theory analyzes how people communicate and interact with each other in society. We use symbols, such as words or gestures, to give meaning to things, and in turn, these symbols shape our perceptions and behaviors.
For example, the “come here” hand gesture, which typically involves your palm facing up and your pointer finger or all four fingers moving swiftly back and forth, is a common and accepted gesture in the U.S. that signifies beckoning. Most people will see that gesture and automatically know or move towards the person doing it because we have assigned that meaning to the gesture. However, in my culture and in many other parts of Asia, that symbol is offensive to humans, as that movement is reserved for animals.
Overall, we can see that the gesture has become a symbol through social interactions and mutual understanding. But of course, these symbols will vary from culture to culture based on that culture’s society.
"Immortalize Your Concert Experience" - a socially acceptable behavior
Admin, & Admin. (2023). SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM THEORY. Communication Theory. https://www.communicationtheory.org/symbolic-interactionism-theory/
H, L. (2022). What is Symbolic Interaction Theory? — Delve. Delve. https://delvetool.com/blog/symbolic
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ReplyDeleteHello Evy! It is interesting to see how symbols and social interactions affect the way people communicate and interact with others. I like how you brought up the idea that things can have various meanings depending on your culture. Although we may find something socially acceptable, it may be hurtful in a different culture. The example that you shared reminded me of “Disney’s Point.” At Disney parks, cast members must always point with two fingers or their entire hand because it is considered rude in some cultures to point with one finger. The symbolic interactionism theory reminds us to be mindful of the symbols we use and that we may not always have shared meanings to objects, behaviors, and events.
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