W11.2 May 17 (Fri) - 계해운(JIHAIYUN)

Summary:

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that emphasizes the interaction and co-construction of meaning among individuals. Originating from the ideas of scholars like George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley, this theory posits that the self is a product of society, and the meaning of society is constructed through people's interactions and interpretations. Within the framework of symbolic interactionism, the process of defining and interpreting the surrounding world by individuals is seen as the foundation of socialization and behavior. The theory emphasizes the importance of symbolic meaning in human behavior and social interaction, introducing a series of core concepts and principles such as meaning construction, language communication, and thought processes, all of which are crucial for understanding social behavior and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, symbolic interactionism can also be applied to explaining identity construction and the formation of social roles on social networking sites. Despite its influence, the theory has faced criticism, including methodological vagueness and neglect of emotions and social structures.


Interesting Points:

Symbolic interactionism is not just a theoretical framework but also a methodology for deeply understanding and explaining social phenomena and human behavior. Critical reflection reveals the limitations of symbolic interactionism, particularly in considering individuals' internal processing and biases towards social reality, necessitating further research and scrutiny.


Question:

In symbolic interactionism, how do individuals construct the self through social interaction? What is the role of society in this process?


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