Symbolic Interactionism Flashcards
What are the main principles of symbolic interactionism?
We act towards others on the basis of how we interpret their actions.
What is Mead’s contribution to symbolic interactionism?
We respond to the world by giving meaning to the things that are significant to us; our behaviour is not shaped by fixed, pre-programmed instincts. We do this by attaching symbols to the world to help us understand how to respond to certain situations.
What is Mead’s interpretive phase?
Comes between a stimulus and our response to it - we must interpret a symbols meaning before responding to it, which then allows us to choose an appropriate response (e.g., if someone shakes their fist, the meaning must be interpreted - is the person angry or excited?)
How do we interpret a symbols meaning in Mead’s view?
We take on the role of the other, putting ourselves in their place and seeing ourselves as they see us. This ability is developed through social interaction and is first done during childhood (e.g., through imitative plat when children take on the role of significant others such as parents, to learn and to see ourselves as they see us. In Mead’s view, this is necessary for a person to be a functioning member of society).
Describe the labelling theory application to social interaction.
Underpinned by three key interactionist concepts; the definition of situations, the looking glass self, and career.
