Have you ever wondered how symbols influence our daily lives and shape the way we interact with others? Well, there is a theory for that, it’s called Symbolic Interactionism. Symbolic Interactionism is a theoretical framework that helps us understand how symbols and meanings are created, negotiated, and used in communication. This article explores the main concepts and ideas of the theory and how they apply to media and communication studies.
What is Symbolic Interactionism?
Symbolic Interactionism is a theoretical perspective that was developed in the early 20th century. It was the brainchild of American sociologists George Herbert Mead, Charles Horton Cooley, and Herbert Blumer. It focuses on the role of symbols, language, and communication in shaping human behavior and social interaction.
According to the theory, people act based on the meanings they assign to objects, events, and behaviors. These meanings are not fixed or universal but are negotiated and constructed through social interaction and communication.
Key Concepts of Symbolic Interactionism
- Symbols: Symbols are anything that represents something else, such as words, gestures, images, or objects. They are essential for communication and are used to convey meaning and create shared understandings. Symbols can be interpreted differently by different people, and their meanings can change over time.
- Interpretation: The interpretation of symbols is central to Symbolic Interactionism. The meaning of a symbol is not inherent in the symbol itself but is created through the interaction between people. People interpret symbols based on their past experiences, cultural background, and social context.
- Social Interaction: Social interaction is the process through which people communicate and negotiate meanings. It involves verbal and nonverbal communication, such as language, gestures, and facial expressions. Social interaction is shaped by social norms, roles, and expectations, which are also constructed through communication.
- Self: The self is a central concept in Symbolic Interactionism. It refers to the individual’s sense of identity and personality, which is constructed through social interaction and communication. The self is not fixed or static but is constantly evolving and changing.
Symbolic Interactionism and Media Studies
Symbolic Interactionism has many applications in media and communication studies. It helps us understand how media messages are constructed, interpreted, and negotiated by audiences. It also sheds light on the role of media in shaping social norms, values, and identities.
- Media and Symbolic Representation: Symbolic Interactionism can help us understand how media symbols and images are constructed and interpreted. Media messages are not fixed or universal but are created and negotiated through social interaction. Media representations can be contested and can have different meanings for different audiences.
- Media and Identity: Symbolic Interactionism can help us understand how media shapes our sense of identity and self. Media messages can influence how we perceive ourselves and others, and can shape our values, beliefs, and attitudes. Media can also provide opportunities for self-expression and identity formation.
- Media and Social Norms: Symbolic Interactionism can help us understand how media can reinforce or challenge social norms and expectations. Media messages can influence our behaviour and attitudes towards different social groups. Thus, it can contribute to the formation of stereotypes and prejudices.
Criticisms of Symbolic Interactionism
Firstly, Symbolic Interactionism is often criticised for its focus on micro-level interactions. Also, its neglect of larger social structures and institutions. Critics also argue that the theory fails to account for the broader social, economic, and political contexts that shape human behaviour and interaction.
Secondly, the theory has been criticised for its emphasis on agency and individual choice. Therefore, this can lead to dismissing of the role of social structures and power relations in shaping human behaviour. Critics further argue that the theory places too much emphasis on individual agency. It also ignores the ways in which social structures and institutions can limit or enable individual choices.
Thirdly, a number of critics posit that Symbolic Interactionism is too subjective. Also, it relies too heavily on individual interpretations and meanings. They also assert that the theory fails to provide a coherent or objective account of social reality. Therefore, this can lead to relativism and postmodernism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Symbolic Interactionism is a theoretical framework that helps us understand how symbols and meanings are created. As well as negotiated, and used in communication. It emphasises the importance of social interaction and interpretation in shaping human behaviour and social reality.
The theory has many applications in media and communication studies. As a result, it helps us understand the role of media in shaping our identities, values, and social norms. By understanding the power of symbols in media and communication, we can become more critical and reflective consumers of media. Finally, it can better navigate our social worlds.
References
Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. University og California Press.
Blumer, H. (1962). Society as Symbolic Interaction. In A. M. Rose (Ed.), Human behavior and social processes: An interactionist approach (pp. 179-192). Houghton Mifflin.
Cooley, C. H. (1902). Human Nature and the Social Order. Scribner.
Denzin, N. K. (1992). Symbolic Interactionism and Cultural Studies: The Politics of Interpretation. Blackwell.
Mead, G.H. (1934). Mind, Self, and Society from the Standpoint of a Social Behaviorist. University of Chicago Press: Chicago.