W11-1 Symbolic interactionism

1.     Summary
Symbolic interactionism notes that individuals use symbols to interact with others to form a society. What affects people's interaction is the meaning and understanding of the situation they share. Symbolic interactionism was first studied by George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley. Herbert Blumer, Mead's student, also used the term for the first time and added a meaningful summary. Not only these but also many sociological theorists have explained the concept of Symbolic interactionism and provided various perspectives. Many symbolic interactionists react to reality based on social understanding because they are social realists. Their research has three themes in common. First, man acts according to the meaning of things. Second, the meaning of such things stems from or arises from the social interaction one person has with others. Third, meaning is processed and modified through the analytical process used to deal with what the other party encounters. The study of Symbolic interactionism mostly uses qualitative research methods because it pays attention to the content and social interaction that individuals give meaning to. According to Symbolic interactionism, humans are understood to be social people and thinkers. This is because the interaction they study is not only what happens between people but also individual interactions. Also, humans define the environment without directly sensing it. The reason why human behavior is induced is the result of the ongoing social interaction. Finally, humans are described as active beings.


2.     Interesting item
It was interesting to have Symbolic interactionism applied to situations where people use social networking sites. It is said that individuals who use social networking sites show off their identity through feeds they form. It was impressive that people tagging on SNS was also the identity they gave.


3.     Question to discuss
  What are some examples around us that have been meaningful through continuous interaction?

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