【Week 11.2 May 17(Fri)】——Cheng Yating

1) Summary

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological framework that emphasizes the importance of symbols and language in human interactions and social processes. Developed from the work of George Herbert Mead and furthered by scholars like Herbert Blumer, this theory focuses on the subjective meanings that individuals impose on objects, events, and behaviors. These meanings are created and modified through social interaction. Symbolic interactionism views society as constructed through ongoing social interactions where individuals continuously interpret and redefine their social reality. Key concepts in symbolic interactionism include: symbols, language, meaning, interaction, self and identity.

 

2) Interesting

One interesting aspect of symbolic interactionism is its focus on the micro-level of social interaction and how it shapes individual identity and society at large. Unlike macro-level theories that look at large-scale social structures and processes, symbolic interactionism offers a nuanced understanding of the everyday interactions that constitute the fabric of social life. An unusual but insightful idea is the concept of the "looking-glass self," proposed by Charles Cooley, which suggests that an individual's self-concept is shaped by their perception of how others view them.  This highlights the profound impact of social interactions on personal identity.

 

3) Question

While the theory is powerful in explaining micro-level interactions and individual behavior, its application to larger social phenomena and structural inequalities might be seen as limited. So how symbolic interactionism can be applied to understand and address social issues at a macro level.

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