Symbolic InteractionismOrigins of Symbolic InteractionsBegan in early 1900sIndustrial RevolutionPragmatist PhilosophersMeaning comes from our interactions with objects – not from objects themselvesMeaning is negotiated through use of languageEx) respect (means different things to different people)Respect for romantic partner – faithful, communicateRespect for older family member – obedience, yes ma’am/no ma’am, listen to their storiesPeople can change society through communication and interactionEx) Women petitioning for their rightsPrinciple ScholarsGeorge Herbert Mean talked about:How we developed our sense of self:Play stagePractice, imitate, imagine role of only 1 person at a timeEx) son imitating dad shavingGame stageUnderstand many perspectives, family roles, group fitEx) when a kid can join a sports teamGeneralized otherPredict how behaviors affect society, understand normsEx) I should not hit people because it is wrongCharles Horton CooleyLooking glass-self: Who we think we are is based on how we think others see usWilliam Isaac ThomasFamily has a role in socializationDefinition of the situation, different interpretationsGiven the same situation two or more people can get many more interpretationsSubjective opinion valued, has real consequencesEx) if someone thinks their boyfriend is cheating on them, even if they are wrong, that thought is going to have consequencesHerbert Blumer1st to use phrase “symbolic interactionism”Basic assumptionsWe understand and relate to our environment based on the symbols that we know or learnWe react to something according to the meaning that thing has for usEx) daycare center in Finland, water play time was naked. In our culture, that would be oddWe learn about meaning through interactions with others, we make value judgmentsWe interpret what’s learned, we aren’t passiveWe must have a sense of self to interact with others based on our meaning of situationsFor confidence, meaningful relationshipsInfants are asocial, develop sense of self as they interact, not born with temperamentBasically, it’s all learned as you go alongSense of self motivates future behavior, we reflect on experiences and use them as a guideWe are born into environment with symbols and values assigned at birthEx) names, clothes parents dress them in, colorsWe are influenced by cultural norms, values and changing societal expectationsWe learn the rules and values of society through everyday interactionSymbolsThe meaning of symbols is:Learned from interactingBased on way we see others using themMay not be the same in different situationsEx) peace sign during radical movement vs. nowBased on context of current environmentInteractionSocial behavior between two or more peopleSome type of communication takes placeThey react and modify their behaviorNecessary part of socializationGesturesNonverbal communication (ex: facial expressions)Acts that represent something elseSocial NormsExpectations of how to act and whenWe adapt our behavior based on social normsEx) no shirt, no shoes, no serviceEx) the golden ruleRitualsHow family celebrates holidaysWhich symbols and gestures are appropriateIf one of these people were your partner, how would you feel about them:Having lunch with a coworker?Having dinner with an ex?How long has the relationship been broken upRolesSet of social norms for specific situationWe define for ourselves what is appropriate for each role we playFamily roles change over timeEx) I don’t ask for a blankie from my mom anymoreProvider, housekeeper, troublemaker, nurturer, star, scapegoat, perfectionist, overachiever, black sheepIdentityRoles most salient for us define our identityMore salient = more importantWe give priority to roles that best identify who we think we areSpace and TimeSpaceA 3-dimensional framework or expanse in which events, actions and processes occur and energy and matter existInfluence of SpaceTerritoriality – emotional attachment to and the defense of space or home ground (private home, streets, neighborhoods, gang territories and even larger national boundaries)Activity space – areas within which we moveAwareness space – knowledge of opportunity locationsPersonal space – individuals define personal or safe zones of comfort, privacy and separation from others4 types of privacySolitude – the need to be alone and free from observation by othersIntimacy – seclusion from unwanted intrudersAnonymity – freedom to be in public while at the same time free from identification of othersReserve – need to limit communication about ourselves protected by the cooperation of othersWays people use space1. Fixed feature spacephysical space organized by unmoving boundaries such as walls, barriers or psychological boundariesHouse Design and Family InteractionsNeighborhoodHouse placementPrivacy (in house)2. Semi-Fixed feature spaceflexible-space created by the arrangement of furniture or other movable objectsenvironment can be altered to accommodate group size, or create an atmosphere conductive interaction (type) and aesthetics (creating a feeling)Arranging SpaceInterior DesignSeating3. Informal spaceWays people handle individual or spatial needs that vary according to situation (4 spatial distances)1. Intimate space (0-18 inches) – allows for close contact—hugging2. Personal space (18 inches-4 feet) – Encourages interpersonal discussions between people and sharing emotions3. Social space (4-12 feet) – used by small groups for social or business conversation4. Public space (over 12 feet) – allows short discussion or greetings from a distance with some members in the spaceTime - A continuum in which events succeed one another from past through present to futureTime and Relationships4 Time DomainsIndividual Time – perception of time depends on how we experience the presentWhat influences our perception about the passage of time?What type of factors make time seem to go more slowly or faster?PainSocial timeTime of interactive systems (companies, schools, businesses) where individuals interact with one anotherImplies seeing time as a means of social coordinationCultural TimeGeneral agreement about time (how it should be spent, what it means) by individuals or human groups that make up a culturePeople can get competing messages about time form different groups in which they are a part (family, school, American, etc..)Historical timeRefers to the time period in which the family livesEvents occurring globally, in the
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