Week 11-1. Symbolic interactionism

1. Summary

Symbolic interaction is the theory about interaction in which people in society use certain symbols to convey meanings and images. In other words, people use symbols to interact. Designed by Mead and Cooley, this theory holds an important point in sociology. The theory also helped solve complex social problems and interpret society. 

The symbolic interaction presupposes three assumptions: First, individuals in society form meanings through the process of communication. Second, Self-concept provides an incentive to act. Third, there is a special relationship between individuals and society.

Human behavior is motivated by meaning. In other words, according to the individual's personal meaning, the individual performs certain actions. This can be applied to any individual's behavior, including speaking. Also, the interaction between individuals in society is caused by meaning. That is, when an interaction between individuals occurs, they understand the meaning of each other's behavior and proceed with the next action according to the new meaning. What humans do in society is social behavior. The concept of what it means to behave in a society and what it means to interpret other people's actions is all a kind of symbolic interaction. This means that they are a human who think.

2. Interesting

Symbolic interaction is one of the essential concepts in sociology. Symbolic interaction theory has helped solve many social problems and questions. In modern times when new forms of large-capacity interaction occur, this theory may be of more help. For example, a social network society can be an example. There's a lot of interaction occuring on in social networks at this moment. The social network symbols and interactions is increasing exponentially. Therefore, we will need to analyze the interaction of social networks using the theory of symbolic interaction.

3. Discussion

What is example where symbolic interaction theory can be applied in SNS?


Written by Jaehoon Kim (김재훈)

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