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Understanding Symbolic Interaction Theory: Key Themes and Assumptions

Collaborative work on Mind, Self, and Society by George Herbert Mead introduced Symbolic Interaction Theory (SIT). SIT focuses on the importance of meanings, self-concept, and the relationship between individuals and society. This theory is built on assumptions that guide human behavior and social interactions, influencing various aspects of scholarly research and criticism. Explore the scope, logical consistency, simplicity, utility, testability, heurism, and lasting impact of SIT in understanding human behavior and social dynamics.

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Understanding Symbolic Interaction Theory: Key Themes and Assumptions

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  1. George Herbert Mead • Students collaborated on Mind, Self, and Society (1934) • Symbolic Interaction - coined by Herbert Blumer

  2. Symbolic Interaction Theory (SIT) • People act based on that arise in a situation • Individuals are , participants in social context

  3. Three central themes driving SI A. Importance of meanings for human behavior B. Importance of self-concept C. Relationship b/w individual & society These result in 7 assumptions of SIT…

  4. Assumptions of SI A. Importance of meanings for human behavior • Assumptions: • Humans act towards others on the basis of meanings others have for them • Meaning created people • Meaning modified through process

  5. Assumptions of SI (cont.) B. Importance of self-concept • Assumptions: • Individuals develop through interaction with others • Self-concepts provide important motive for behavior – self is a process

  6. Assumptions of SI (cont.) C. Relationship b/w individual & society • Assumptions: • People & groups influenced by cultural & social processes • Social structure worked out through social interaction • We can modify situations; humans as choice makers

  7. YOU Assess SI • Scope – breadth of behaviors covered • Logical consistency – concepts work together & show what results from their interactions • Parsimony – simplicity of explanation • Utility – usefulness or practicality • Testability – ability to investigate • Heurism – amount of new research/thinking stimulated • Test of Time

  8. Scholarly Strengths of SI • Applications in a variety of contexts

  9. Scholarly Criticisms of SI • Too vague & broad • Focuses too much on individual • Fails to explain emotions & self-esteem

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