W11.2 May 17(Fri)—CHENG SHIYI

1.Summary

 Symbolic Interactionism is a sociological theory that focuses on how humans construct and understand social reality through symbols and social interaction. The theory was developed by American sociologist George Herbert Mead and his student Herbert Blumer. Later in 1937, Herbert Blumer proposed the term “symbolic interactionism” and also established three core principles of the theory.

1.Meaning：People respond to the world by the meanings they assign to things and events. These meanings are not inherent, but are constantly generated and changed through social interaction.

2.Language：Language is the primary tool we humans use to communicate and make sense of meaning. Language will enable individuals to share and negotiate the meaning of things, thus contributing to the complexity and depth of social interaction.

3.Thought：Thinking is the process by which individuals process symbols and meanings through internal dialog. Through thinking we humans can be able to reflect on and adjust our understanding of things, which later influences their behavior and interactions.

Symbolic Interaction Theory is focused on social processes at the micro level, focusing on how individuals' interactions in their daily lives shape social reality. This theory has been widely applied to social phenomena, including identity, role-playing, social behavior, and human responses to social change, among others. Research methods include participant observation, in-depth interviews, and symbolic analysis.

Symbolic Interaction Theory provides a unique approach to understanding society, and this theory reveals the dynamic process of constructing social reality through symbols and interactions in daily life.

2.Interesting Point

What I find most interesting is Charles Horton Cooley's “looking-glass self” theory, which is the theory that our view of ourselves is formed through the reactions of others. Just as we see ourselves through the eyes of others. If others always smile at us, we may feel friendly, and if they are cold to us, we may feel unwelcome.

3.Discussion

The“looking-glass self” theory suggests that our self-concept is shaped by how others react to us. So how much does virtual interaction in today's social media affect our self-concept and identity?

Comments

  1. HUANGQIHAOJune 16, 2024 at 12:46 AM

    Symbolic interactionism demonstrates the diversity and complexity of signs, and how even simple verbal and non-verbal signs can convey rich social meaning. This diversity allows each society and culture to have its own unique system of symbols and ways of constructing meaning.

    ReplyDelete
  2. HUANGQIHAOJune 16, 2024 at 12:46 AM

    Symbolic interactionism reveals the depth and complexity behind social practice by focusing on interaction and meaning-making in everyday life. This theoretical perspective emphasizes the individual's positive role in social interactions, rather than passively accepting socially given roles and identities.

    ReplyDelete

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