Meads Symbolic Interaction Theory
Mead’s Symbolic Interaction Theory Critique
Gavin Herbst
February 24, 2014
CRJU 3000-WT1: Criminal Justice Theory (3)
Dr. Harvey McMurray, Ph.D.
Mead’s Symbolic Interaction Theory Critique Mead developed a psychological theory based on three variables that are qualitative rather than quantitative. This is to say that the three variables that make up his theory being “the self, me and I cannot be measured. The three independent variables mead uses are language, play and game. These are also qualitative meaning they cannot be measured. It is through these independent variables that make up the self. Mead incorporates three independent variables into his theory namely language, play and game. It is correct to say that a new born child has no concept of language. The child has no knowledge of all the social constraints of society that controls society as a whole. The child is dependent on learning these constraints and conformities through language, play and game. It makes sense that a two year old has no concept of the rules of knowing to play the game. At this age the child would be observing others in how to play the game. Observation and learning all come through language. When the child starts to get a grip on the language they are ready to start the play. A child may not understand the rules of game from approximately four to six years of age, but having the language, they start to play. Mead demonstrates this in his theory when he states children mimic others by playing Mummy and Daddy or doctor and nurses. As the child progresses they then get ready to play the game, they understand the rules and are then developed to understand how the game works. The “I” in the theory makes sense to say that it is perfectly subjective. It is the action part of the self. Mead states all action starts with I. The “I” has a relation with the “Me.” The “Me” is the objective part of the self; it is the reasoning part of the self. The “Me is what we have learned
Gavin Herbst
February 24, 2014
CRJU 3000-WT1: Criminal Justice Theory (3)
Dr. Harvey McMurray, Ph.D.
Mead’s Symbolic Interaction Theory Critique Mead developed a psychological theory based on three variables that are qualitative rather than quantitative. This is to say that the three variables that make up his theory being “the self, me and I cannot be measured. The three independent variables mead uses are language, play and game. These are also qualitative meaning they cannot be measured. It is through these independent variables that make up the self. Mead incorporates three independent variables into his theory namely language, play and game. It is correct to say that a new born child has no concept of language. The child has no knowledge of all the social constraints of society that controls society as a whole. The child is dependent on learning these constraints and conformities through language, play and game. It makes sense that a two year old has no concept of the rules of knowing to play the game. At this age the child would be observing others in how to play the game. Observation and learning all come through language. When the child starts to get a grip on the language they are ready to start the play. A child may not understand the rules of game from approximately four to six years of age, but having the language, they start to play. Mead demonstrates this in his theory when he states children mimic others by playing Mummy and Daddy or doctor and nurses. As the child progresses they then get ready to play the game, they understand the rules and are then developed to understand how the game works. The “I” in the theory makes sense to say that it is perfectly subjective. It is the action part of the self. Mead states all action starts with I. The “I” has a relation with the “Me.” The “Me” is the objective part of the self; it is the reasoning part of the self. The “Me is what we have learned