SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM Meaning and
Definition
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Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that emphasizes the importance of symbols and social interactions in understanding how individuals create and interpret meaning in their social world. It posits that human behavior is shaped by subjective interpretations of symbols and meanings, which are derived from social interactions and communication between individuals. This theory focuses on the process of social construction, suggesting that meaning is not inherent in objects or actions but is actively created and shared in social interaction.
Symbolic interactionism suggests that individuals attach personal meanings to symbols, such as words, gestures, or objects, and these meanings guide their behavior. These meanings are not fixed or universal but are formed and constantly negotiated through social interactions. Individuals continuously interpret and reinterpret symbols based on their own experiences, cultural context, and the responses of others.
Key concepts in symbolic interactionism include the self, social roles, and the concept of the "looking-glass self," which implies that individuals shape their self-concept based on how they believe others perceive them. Symbolic interactionism also highlights the importance of language and communication in shaping social reality and mediating social relationships.
Overall, symbolic interactionism offers a useful framework for understanding how individuals create and interpret meaning in their interactions with others, and how these meanings shape social behavior and social structures. It emphasizes the dynamic and subjective nature of social reality and highlights the active role individuals play in constructing and negotiating meaning.
Etymology of SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
The word "symbolic" is derived from the Latin word "symbolus", which means "a token, sign, or emblem". It originates from the Greek word "symbolon", which refers to a mark or a sign that represents something. "Symbolon" is a combination of "sym-" meaning "together" and "-bolon" meaning "a thrown object". In ancient Greece, "symbolon" referred to a broken object that was split between two people, with each person having a matching piece of the object. When they came together and matched the pieces, it symbolized unity and trust.
The term "interactionism" is derived from the word "interaction" which comes from the Latin word "interactionem", meaning "action or participation" and "inter-" meaning "between" or "among". It emphasizes the process of reciprocal action and mutual influence between individuals or groups.
