Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that focuses on the ways individuals interact with each other and the meanings they attach to these interactions. Symbolic interactionists have come to several important conclusions regarding human behavior and society:
Symbols and Meanings : They emphasize that individuals use symbols, such as words, gestures, and objects, to create and communicate meaning. These meanings are not inherent but are agreed upon through interactions.
Social Construction of Reality : They believe that reality is socially constructed through these interactions. People’s perceptions of their environment are shaped by the meanings that they attach to it.
The Role of the Self : According to symbolic interactionists, humans develop a sense of self through social interactions. This self-concept influences their behaviors and is constantly evolving based on social encounters.
Micro-level Focus : Unlike other sociological perspectives, symbolic interactionism focuses on the micro-level of social interaction rather than the macro structures of society. It's concerned with the day-to-day interactions of individuals.
Dynamic Social Practices : They view social practices and norms as dynamic and constantly changing because they are continually being created and redefined through interactions.
Symbolic interactionists study how people use everyday interactions to construct social worlds, making it a key part of understanding human behavior in social contexts.