Chapter 5: Symbolic Interactionism (SI)
In this Chapter:
- Background on SI
- Core principles of SI
- Critique of SI
Discussion Questions
Freakonomics and Naming
Questions:
1. Do people’s names really matter?
- Why or why not?
2. Can your name influence your self?
- Defines your destiny?
3. What would Symbolic Interactionism Theory say about this example?
I. Background on SI
A. Early 1900s, two competing schools of thought on how to study “the self”
1. U of Iowa – objective approach
2. U of Chicago – interpretive approach
B. Key people: George Mead (Philosophy) & Herbert Blumer (Sociology)
- Mind, Self, and Society (1934)
Map of
Communication Traditions
1438.psd
I. Background on SI
C. Worldview (Interpretive; Socio-Cultural tradition)
1. Epistemology – multiple realities are possible; uses ethnography
2. Ontology – people make conscious choices to create their reality, although constrained by societal rules/expectations
3. Axiology – theory should be used to solve complex social problems; reform society
D. Thesis – Human realities are socially constructed through communication and the use of symbols
II. Core principles of SI
A. Meaning
1. Meanings are the basis of human behavior
2. We act on the meanings we give to people and things
3. Meanings are co-created and negotiated
II. Core principles of SI
B. Language
1. Through interactions with others we develop language
2. Language allows us to name our experiences; gives meaning
3. We develop default assumptions
II. Core principles of SI
C. Thinking
1. Thinking is an inner conversation with ourselves, called minding/being mindful
2. Role-taking is unique to humans (perspective-taking)
II. Core principles of SI
D. The Self
1. Only through language can we develop a sense of self
2. Reflections in the looking-glass self
3. The self is an ongoing process of balancing the “I” and “me”
II. Core principles of SI
E. Society
1. The community’s influence on the self creates the generalized other
2. Particular others (significant people) can create a self- fulfilling prophecy
III. Critique of SI
A. SI is difficult to summarize (Aesthetic Appeal)
B. SI ignores emotions and power (Reform Society)