Symbolic

Interaction Theory
People are motivated to act based on the
meanings they assign to people,
things, and events. These meanings are
created in the language that people use
both in communicating with others
(interpersonal context) and in
self-talk (intrapersonal context), or their
own private thought. Language allows
people to develop a sense of self and to
interact with others in the
community.
How the Self-Concept Develops
Assumptions of Symbolic
Interaction Theory

1 Individuals construct meaning via the communication process.

2 Self-concept is a motivation for behavior.

3 A unique relationship exists between the individual and society.

Key Concepts

mind; the ability to use symbols that have common

social meanings, and develop minds through
interaction with others

self; the ability to reflect on ourselves from the

perspective of others, develops from a particular kind
of role taking

society; as the web of social relationships that

humans create.
Integration