Symbolic Interaction Theory Rules Theory according to the Humanist a George Herbert Mead 1934 i Book Mind Self and Society ii Fascinated by people s ability to use symbols b Herbert Blumer Symbolic Interaction 1 History 2 Goals 3 Assumptions 4 Concepts a To understand how humans through interactions with one another create symbolic words and how these words affect behavior i From this understanding we can get an explanation a People act based on symbolic meanings created between them i Meaning is created through interactions between people ii Meaning is then modified through an interpretive process 1 People can interpret meaning differently depending on their individual fields of experience cultures social backgrounds etc iii Created meaning affects behavior a Mind Ability to use symbols that have common social meanings i We Cannot Interact With Others Until We Learn Language 1 Language Shared system of verbal and nonverbal symbols organized in patterns to express thoughts and feelings a Uses significant symbols symbols with shared meaning b Allows us to share meaning and anticipate the responses of others ii Reflects Creates Society 1 Use language to learn the norms of society 2 Change the norms of society iii Allows Thought inner conversation without social interaction we cannot think 1 Language develops through interaction and we use language to think iv Allows Role Taking or taking the perspective of others 1 Yields empathy and the development of self b Self Ability to reflect on ourselves from perspectives of others i Developed through role taking ii Imagine How We Come Across To Others 1 Looking Glass Self We perceive ourselves how others perceive us a Look into the mirror and ask yourself how you think others see you 2 Pygmalion Effect Live up to other people s labels of us act how other people think we c Society The web of social relationships that humans create should be acting i Exists before individuals ii Created by individuals interacting iii Creates individual self s 1 Particular Others Significant others 2 Generalized Others Society as a whole those who are around us 5 Research Related to Self a Mind Self and Society 1934 b Chicago School University of Chicago i Mead Blumer c Iowa School University of Iowa i Manford Kuhn d New Iowa School i Carl Couch 6 Evaluation Criticisms a Too Broad scope b Ignores important concepts i Emotions self esteem
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