symbolic interactionism

definition of the symbol

interplay between our own thoughts and feelings about a situation and established norms and values of the groups.

meaning

as a 3fold relationship: an individual's gesture; adjustive response by another to that gesture, completion of the social act initiated by the gesture of the first individual.

theoretical perspective

based on images of humans rather than image of society

George Herbert Mead

believed individuals are products of society, but have the capacity to act on their own

meaning not an idea

is a response to a gesture developed within a social act.

sociological imagination

one's own position and experiences that are reflective of broader social and historical farces

symbolic interactionism

a theoretical perspective in which society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their views of the world, and communicate with another

the mind

allows humans the ability to use symbol or designate or name objects in their environment, conversation tells us what meaning the object has for us.

pragmatic actors

continually adjust their behavior to the actions of other actors, can only adjust because can interpret them

what is symbolic interactionism?

focuses on subjective, micro aspects of social life, society consists of organized organisations

Criticism of symbolic interactionism

ignores psychological factors, centers too much on everyday life, ignores large scale social structures, vague and imprecise

symbols

objects or people that we assign meaning to

W. I. Thomas's: definition of the situation

people act on the basis of how they define a situation

functionalists

socialization creates stability in the social system

symbolic interactionists

the way individuals negotiate social life creates temporary relations that are constantly in flux