Download Micro Sociological Theory- Symbolic Interactionism

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
Micro Sociological Theory
LOOKS AT INDIVIDUALS’ EVERYDAY BEHAVIOR
THROUGH THE COMMUNICATION OF
KNOWLEDGE, IDEAS, BELIEFS, AND ATTITUDES
FOCUS IS ON THE PROCESS AND KEEPS THE
PERSON THE CENTER OF ANALYSIS
HERBERT BLUMER
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
Coined the term symbolic
interactionism
American Sociologist
INTERACTION


Action in which people take each other into
account in their own behavior
Therefore
We act differently in different social settings
 We continuously adjust our behavior, including our
body language as we interact

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Example: A Professor will act differently
To her husband
 To her kids
 To a colleague in the hall
 To her class

THIS MEANS THAT PEOPLE DO NOT SIMPLY
REACT TO EACH OTHER BUT INTERACT
WITH EACH OTHER
BASICS OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
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Humans behave according to the meanings that
things and events have for them.
Individual meanings of things and events stem
from interaction with others.
Meanings entail interpretation rather than
simple literal compliance with standardized
expectations
SOCIETY IS SOCIALLY
CONSTRUCTED
THROUGH HUMAN
INTERPRETATION
CIVIL INATTENTION

Acting like we do not notice
(especially hear or see)
something when we actually
do
QUESTIONS?