Symbolic Interactionism: Giving Communication Meaning

Symbolic interactionism is a theory that has its origins in sociology and that has spread to other areas such as anthropology and social psychology. This theory analyzes interactions and their meaning.

It thus seeks to understand the processes by which people become members of associations and the like. In other words, it takes a closer look at social activities and self-expression.

Symbolic interactionism is based on interpretations. People have different interpretations of reality. But these interpretations will become more similar among the people around us.

One of the cultural differences that create the biggest problems when people travel is symbols. This could be, for example, when one person reaches out his palm towards another. I will understand this as a signal to stop or stop or be quiet. But a Greek will perceive it as an insult, and a Lebanese will see it as the evil eye.

The beginning of symbolic interactionism

Symbolic interactionism has an attitude towards absolute truths. In particular, it says that there is no single truth, but different subjective truths for each situation. In other words, the “truth” is different depending on the culture you are in.

To understand these different “truths,” symbolic interactionism examines the relationship between symbols and people. The ultimate goal is to understand individual identity and social organization.

We can find classic examples of symbolic interactionism in tea. We can drink this drink along with a variety of rituals, each of them a symbol in its own way. Tea, for example, does not represent the same for a European as it does for a Japanese.

The European will surely drink tea to be stimulated and will prepare it without giving the preparation much thought. But a Japanese will make a ritual out of it and drink tea with others. Tea has different meanings for these people.

In short, symbolic interactionism suggests that we define ourselves by taking into account the different meanings that being an individual produces in a particular context. Since we are social beings, being “individual” will depend to a large extent on who we surround ourselves with.

Generations of symbolic interactionism

There are two major generations of symbolic interactionism. The first assumes that actions always have a meaning. The other, on the other hand, assumes that social life is a spectacle.

First generation

This generation believes that relationships with other people build our identities. These relationships always have a meaning and are symbolic. Therefore, each person’s identity is shaped through specific situations and places where one creates friendships. The meaning people give to these interactions will define their personal or individual identity.

This generation declares that actions are more than just habits or automated behaviors. All actions can be interpreted. Language is thus a representative of the person’s attitudes, intentions, views and goals. This means that language is a form of interaction and we create reality with it.

For this generation, the individual is represented through language. In other words, the individual is created through interactions with others. But what has been created is not the person, but rather this person’s “I” or their identity.

Second generation

For the second generation, identity is also a result of the roles that people assume. When we interact with others, we usually adapt to some social roles. These are patterns of behavior that society defines.

One way to understand roles might be to watch reality shows on TV. Participants tend to adapt to specific roles in each show. For example, there is always an enemy, a loner who can not stop crying, two people who find each other, and so on.

This second generation states that everyone plays a role. Individuals play plays and play a role that the social roles will determine. We do what others expect us to do, depending on our role.

But we do not just play a role when we are with other people. We also play our part in places and at times where no one else is watching us. This means that we end up internalizing and linking this role to our identity.

Symbolic interactionism in social psychology

The relationship between social interactionism and psychology is evident above all in the context of social psychology. According to that branch, people form social identities with specific roles and values. At times when social identities become more important, people are more likely to act on these rules and values.

Although social psychology goes beyond roles and acceptance that guide social norms, it was based on symbolic interactionism. Something we cannot deny is that people develop their identities, both individually and socially, when interacting with other people.

Therefore, interacting with people from other cultures with an open mind will help us understand each other better. Furthermore, it will redefine our personal identity and change the way we understand the world.