Symbolic Interaction
SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY:
Symbolic interaction is a theoretical approach of interrelating interactions in the society. It is one of the most important sociological theories which basically give the relationship between humans and society. Its main notion is that human interactions are understandable only by setting certain meanings to specific symbols and actions. As symbols define relationships, it helps in predicting the human behaviour. We develop our self-concepts through interaction with others. We are influenced by culture and social processes, such as social norms.
The main assumptions of the symbolic interaction theory are: 1. Humans act towards situations based on the meaning they assign to them. 2. The meanings they ascribe is derived from the social interaction they have with the society. 3. These meanings are modified eventually by the individual depending on the situation he encounters.
According to this theory, humans are very different from the lower animals; humans have the ability to distinguish between a set of situations and respond differently depending on the surroundings, whereas lower animals voluntarily respond to the environment without any interruptions. The meanings assigned to things can be altered recurrently by the creative capabilities of humans which can influence the society. The theory says that the humans ascribe meanings to only subjectively-defined objects. This theory focuses on the micro level referring to the ability of humans to think about others’ opinion of them and, evaluate their own conduct by comparing themselves with others.
Yard sale is a method of selling personal or household goods, within the seller’s premises. It includes the sales of old clothes, books, furniture, home appliances, board games, lawn equipment etc. This situation arises if the seller is in a financial crisis, wants to make some excess money or wants to dispose certain articles present in the house due to insufficient space.
Symbolic interaction is a theoretical approach of interrelating interactions in the society. It is one of the most important sociological theories which basically give the relationship between humans and society. Its main notion is that human interactions are understandable only by setting certain meanings to specific symbols and actions. As symbols define relationships, it helps in predicting the human behaviour. We develop our self-concepts through interaction with others. We are influenced by culture and social processes, such as social norms.
The main assumptions of the symbolic interaction theory are: 1. Humans act towards situations based on the meaning they assign to them. 2. The meanings they ascribe is derived from the social interaction they have with the society. 3. These meanings are modified eventually by the individual depending on the situation he encounters.
According to this theory, humans are very different from the lower animals; humans have the ability to distinguish between a set of situations and respond differently depending on the surroundings, whereas lower animals voluntarily respond to the environment without any interruptions. The meanings assigned to things can be altered recurrently by the creative capabilities of humans which can influence the society. The theory says that the humans ascribe meanings to only subjectively-defined objects. This theory focuses on the micro level referring to the ability of humans to think about others’ opinion of them and, evaluate their own conduct by comparing themselves with others.
Yard sale is a method of selling personal or household goods, within the seller’s premises. It includes the sales of old clothes, books, furniture, home appliances, board games, lawn equipment etc. This situation arises if the seller is in a financial crisis, wants to make some excess money or wants to dispose certain articles present in the house due to insufficient space.