Symbolic Interactionism Theory
Symbolic interactionism is defined as a theory that human interaction and communication is facilitated by words, gestures, and other symbols that have acquired conventionalized meanings (Encyclopedia). It is a sociological perspective that is influential in many areas of sociological discipline. It is particularly important in micro sociology and social psychology. George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley are the two sociologist that developed this theory. They stated that everything in life is a symbol and without symbols our social life would not be the way it is today. People attach meaning to objects, thus creating a symbol. Some symbols show us who we are related to, other symbols show authority, and even define our religion. This theory analyzes society based on meanings, symbols, and behaviors that one person perceives. Therefore, society is socially constructed through human interpretation (Henslin).
Here are a few examples of how symbolic interactionism works in today's society. First, there are many examples of symbolism in a wedding. Say a bride is getting ready for her big day when her mom comes running in and says, "I have to tell you something now. Before I married your father I had a son with another man. My son is your husband to be." That totally changes things because we have symbols of sister and brother to define our relationships with people, just like bride, groom, and finance.
Second, we use symbols to define our different religions. Specifically, christians use the cross as symbolism. The cross represents the sacrifice Jesus went through to cover our sins. Catholics also use the cross but their typical cross still has Jesus nailed to it. This serves as a reminder of the pain He went through so seeing the cross causes them to feel bad about their sins. The presbyterians do not have Jesus on their cross because they like to focus on the fact that He rose again and is coming back to us. Jewish people use the Star of David as symbolism. Symbols help define our religions.
Lastly, symbolism shows authority in work and school. Teachers and principals have authority over their students. Seniors have authority over underclassmen. At work a CEO has a title of respect and sometimes fear. His workers underneath him are to show him respect of his authority. These titles give us determination to work towards promotions and advancing to higher grade level. They also provide competition. We use symbols in everyday life and without we wouldn't know how to function socially.
Here are a few examples of how symbolic interactionism works in today's society. First, there are many examples of symbolism in a wedding. Say a bride is getting ready for her big day when her mom comes running in and says, "I have to tell you something now. Before I married your father I had a son with another man. My son is your husband to be." That totally changes things because we have symbols of sister and brother to define our relationships with people, just like bride, groom, and finance.
Second, we use symbols to define our different religions. Specifically, christians use the cross as symbolism. The cross represents the sacrifice Jesus went through to cover our sins. Catholics also use the cross but their typical cross still has Jesus nailed to it. This serves as a reminder of the pain He went through so seeing the cross causes them to feel bad about their sins. The presbyterians do not have Jesus on their cross because they like to focus on the fact that He rose again and is coming back to us. Jewish people use the Star of David as symbolism. Symbols help define our religions.
Lastly, symbolism shows authority in work and school. Teachers and principals have authority over their students. Seniors have authority over underclassmen. At work a CEO has a title of respect and sometimes fear. His workers underneath him are to show him respect of his authority. These titles give us determination to work towards promotions and advancing to higher grade level. They also provide competition. We use symbols in everyday life and without we wouldn't know how to function socially.
Works Cited
"Encyclopedia Britannica Company." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
Henslin, James M. Sociology:A Down-to-Earth Approach: Pearson New International Edition Harlow: Pearson Education Limited, 2014. 93-12
Henslin, James M. Sociology:A Down-to-Earth Approach: Pearson New International Edition Harlow: Pearson Education Limited, 2014. 93-12
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