Definition

The symbolic interaction perspective, also called

symbolic interactionism, is a major framework of
sociological theory. This perspective relies on the
symbolic meaning that people develop and rely
upon in the process of social interaction.
Symbolic interaction theory analyzes society by addressing the
subjective meaning. Subjective meanings are given primacy
because it is believe that people behave based on what they
believe not just on what it is objectively true.
 GEORGE HERBERT MEAD

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Pioneered the development of symbolic interaction perspective
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He is the one who argued that “people’s selves are social
products, but that these selves are also purposive and
creative”.
THE THREE BASIS PREMISES
 The first premise:

“Humans act towards things on the basis of the meanings they

describe to those things.”

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Includes everything that a human being may note in their world,
including physical objects, actions and concepts. Base on the
personal meanings that the individuals has already given these
items.
 The second premise

“The meaning of such things is derived from, or arises out of,

the social interaction that one has with others and the society.”
●
Arises out of, the social interaction that one has with other
human. People interact with each other by interpreting or
defining each others action.
 The third premise:

“The meanings are handled in, and modified through, and

interpretative process use by the person in dealing with the
things he/she encounter.”
●
We naturally talk to ourselves in order to sort out the meaning of
a difficult situation. But first, we need language. Before we can
thing, we must be able to interact symbolically.
 Key points:

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Symbolic interaction has roots in phenomenology, which
emphasizes the subjective meaning of reality. Symbolic
interactionism proposes a social theory of the self, o a looking
glass self.
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Study meaning and communication; they tend to use qualitative
methods.
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Has been criticized for failing to take into account large-scale
macro social structures and forces.
 EXAMPLE:

Studies find that teenagers are well informed about the risk of
tobacco, but they also think that smoking is cool, that they
themselves will be safe from harm, and that smoking projects a
positive image to their peers.