Basic concepts
what does symbolic interactionism focus on?
how people create meaning through social interactions
who is George Herbert Mead
A teacher smiles at a student
the student interprets it as encouragement and feels confident.
1. How can social media affect how people see themselves?
People may develop their self-image based on how others react to them.
You might think they are upset with you.
what is a symbol?
something that represents an idea or meaning
who is Herbert Mead?
A sociologists who developed and named symbolic interactionism
What does raising your hand in class usually mean?
You want to speak or answer.
How can clothing communicate meaning?
It can show identity, interests, status, or group membership.
A teacher compliments your work. How could this affect you?
You may feel more confident.
what is a social interaction?
when people communicate or act with one another
who coined the term "symbolic interactionism"?
Herbert Blumer
A person wears a school uniform
others interpret it as meaning they are a student.
How can a classroom have shared meanings?
Students learn what certain actions, rules, and behaviours mean.
Two groups respond differently to feedback from their teacher.
Each group interprets the teacher’s feedback differently, which affects how they behave.
why is communication important?
it helps people understand and share meanings
how the self develops through social interaction.
Someone calls you “smart”
you may start seeing yourself as a smart person.
4. Why might someone act differently around friends than teachers?
They interpret each social situation differently.
Teenagers respond to parents differently than friends.
They change how they communicate based on the person they are interacting with and the meaning they give to the relationship.
what does symbolic interactionism study?
a sociologists who helped develop symbolic interactionism
what did Blumer identify as important to symbolic interactionism?
Meaning, interaction, and interpretation.
A teacher gives a student a thumbs up in class
A teacher gives a student a thumbs-up. The student interprets it as approval, which makes them feel confident.
How does symbolic interactionism explain friendships?
Friendships develop through interactions and shared meanings.
Couples argue about how money should be spent or saved.
Each person may have a different meaning or understanding of money, which can affect their interaction with each other.