HDFS 135 1st Edition Lecture 5Symbolic InteractionismThe principal theoretical orientation of the 20s and 30sLooks at subjective, interpersonal meanings and everyday interpretations of behaviorFocuses on the connection between symbols and interactionsGeorge Herbert Mead-Mind, Self and Society (1934)Central Ideas of Symbolic Interaction Theory1. Humans live in a symbolic environment as well as a physical environment; they acquire complex sets of symbols in their minds.Meaning arises through the process of interaction between people2. Humans act towards things on the basis of the meaning the things have for them (ex. Vikings football)Symbolic interaction is more concerned with interactions within the family than with interactions between the family systemsWhat is a Symbol?A stimulus that has a learned meaning and value for peoplePeople respond to the symbol in terms of its meaning and value rather than its physical propertiesSymbols are words, gestures, and picture- something that stands for somethingWe communicate through symbolsThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.We learn large number of meaning and value from other peopleWe also learn ways of actingLearn symbols through interaction with others; specifically members of familyRealityReality is socially definedReality of the world is created and sustained through conversations with significant othersEvery society has a specific way of defining and perceiving realityCome to realities through our close relationship interactionsFamily realitiesWe act like there is a real realityWe take something “iffy” and make it more clear- we take subjectively experienced and make them objective to usWe carry our realities into new situations and we assume we share these realities with othersWe bring from our past close relationships into our present onesWe hold different realities in different social situations (for instance changing when you are around your parents). Behavior must be understood in contextMust examine how meaning functions in the context of the social interactionCannot understand interaction through external observationHumans are actors as well as reactorsHumans interpret or define each other’s actions instead of merely reacting to them.Important concepts of symbolic interaction theoryDefinition of self- it is the way I describe myself in a relationship with others1. We constantly present a self to others and to ourselvesClothes we wear, make-up vs. no make-up, hair style, stories we tell about ourselvesConcepts continued2. Self-presentation can be seen as performancePerform for audience, trying on other selfPeople need audience feedbackComing to new self does not come early3. “looking glass self”An individuals view of how others see him/herOther people are our