Symbolic Interactionism

Overview

• Symbolic Interactionism focuses on small-scale interactions between individuals.
• Developed from George Herbert Mead's teachings in the early 20th century.
• Explains social order and change through individual interactions.

Key Concepts

• Individual and Social Processes: Development of self and meanings are social processes.
• Meaning Assignment: Individuals assign meanings to objects, events, ideas, and people which influences their actions.
  • Example: A tree may symbolize shade or a potential ant infestation, depending on experience.

Herbert Bloomer's Contributions

• Coined the term "symbolic interactionism".
• Proposed three tenets:
  1. Action Based on Meaning: Actions are based on the meanings assigned to things.
     • E.g., sitting under a tree for shade.
  2. Meaning from Social Interactions: Different people assign different meanings based on social interactions.
     • E.g., one sees a tree as pleasant, another sees it as an ant problem.
  3. Meaning is Not Permanent: Meanings can change with new experiences.
     • E.g., After being bitten by ants, a tree might now mean potential harm.

Central Ideas

• Action depends on meaning.
• People assign different meanings to the same thing.
• Meanings can evolve.

Criticisms

• Does not address large-scale social structures like other sociology theories.
• Considered supplemental, as it focuses on small interactions.

Importance

• Provides a necessary perspective for understanding society.
• Explains societal changes as a result of social interactions.
• Balances the importance of individual and societal factors in sociological studies.