Symbolic interaction theories

Perspectives of:
Charles Horton Cooley The looking glass theory George Herbert Meads Social interactions interplay I and Me Erving Goffman the presentation of self

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Symbolic interaction theory generally

People act based on symbolic meanings they find within any given situation. We thus interact with the symbols, forming relationships around them. The goals of our interactions with one another are to create shared meaning Language is itself a symbolic form, which is used to anchor meanings to the symbols Symbolic interactionism- is based on the idea that social reality is constructed in each human interaction through the use of symbols, such as, words or gestures. Studying symbolic interaction assists us in understanding human behavior. There are 3 premises to symbolic interactionism: Human beings act toward things on the basis of the meanings that the things have for them. Things include everything that the person has in their world. The meaning of things that is derived from the social interaction that you have with someone. These meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretative process used by the person in dealing with the things he/she encounters.
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Core Principles of Social Interaction Theory

Meaning Meaning itself is not inherent in objects Human beings act toward things on the basis of the meanings that they have assigned to them Meaning arises in the process of interaction between people. that is, it takes place in the context of relationships whether with family or community Meanings are handled in and modified through an interpretive process used by the person in dealing with things he or she encounters Once people define a situation as real, it's very real in its consequences
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Language
As human beings we have the unique ability to name things As children interact with family, peers, and others, they learn language and, concurrently, they learn the social meanings attached to certain words That is, language is the source of meaning Meaning arises out of social interactions with one another, and language is the vehicle In Meads view, social life and communication between people are possible only when we understand and can use a common language, (Wood, 1997)
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Thought or Minding
An ability distinctly different from animals in that we have the ability to think about things rather than simply reacting instinctually An inner conversation with oneself A reflective pause through which we modify our interpretation of symbols an ability to take the role of The Other

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Key aspects are:

We act toward others based on the meaning that those other people have for us Meaning is created in the interactions we have with other people in sharing our interpretations of symbols Meanings are modified through an interpretive process whereby we first internally create meaning, then check it externally and with other people We develop our self-concepts through interaction with others We are influenced by culture and social processes, such as social norms Our social structures are worked out through the social 3/23/2012 interactions with othersMavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Major Assumptions of Symbolic Interactionism Theory

People are unique creatures because of their ability to use symbols People become distinctively human through their interaction with others

People are conscious and self-reflective beings who actively shape their own
behavior People are purposeful creatures who act in and toward situations

Human society consists of people engaging in symbolic interaction

The social act should be the fundamental unit of social psychological analysis To understand peoples social acts, we need to use methods that enable us to discern the meanings they attribute to these acts

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Charles Harton Cooley (1864-1929) looking glass theory

Charles H Cooley enhanced the self associated with symbolic interaction He was famous for his concept of the looking glass self In modern terms a looking glass is a mirror. The idea is that we form our sense of ourselves by looking in some sort of mirror....the other people with whom we interact We use others as mirrors to assess who we are and how we are doing. We look at their eyes and their body language and we listen to their words
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

C.H Cooley. Continuation looking glass theory

Looking in that mirror, we determine whether we are who we want to be and whether our actions are having the desired effect. If we see what we expect to see, if people evaluate us the way we hope, if they do what we want them to do, then the mirror confirms ourselves and we continue on as we have been thinking and acting However , if the reverse occurs, then we may need to reassess our actions and even our sense of who we are. If the looking glass continues to show us a reflection that is different from what we think we are, then we may need to reevaluate our sense of who we are, in other words , reevaluate our self-images The looking glass self reflects Cooleys interest , like that of others associated with symbolic interactionism, in the mind, self and interaction

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Three Main Components of The Looking Glass Self The rudiments of Cooley's sociological theory can be reduced to three facets One imagines how they appear to others One imagines the judgment that others may be making regarding that appearance One develops a self-image via their reflection; that is, the judgments or critique of others

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

George Herbert Meads in Social interactions interplay I and Me The Self in Society Social psychology for Mead is the discipline that "studies the activity or behavior of the individual as it lies within the social process. The behavior of an individual can be understood only in terms of the behavior of the whole social group of which he is a member, since his individual acts are involved in larger, social acts which go beyond himself and which implicate the other members of that group." While earlier social psychology had dealt with social experience from the individual psychological standpoint, Mead suggested that individual experience be dealt with "from the standpoint of society, at least from the standpoint of communication as essential to the social order."
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

George H. mead - the development of self

Definition Socialization the process by which an individual learns how to interact with others and becomes a member of the society Socialization is a complex, lifelong process We are all products of our social experience What does socialization teach us?
Language Culture (norms, values, beliefs, etc.) Understanding of others Understanding of ourselves as a social being or a social self 3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, Emergence of the social self PhD. 2012.

George Meads self

Definition of the Self Self the dimension of personality composed of an individuals self-awareness and self-image The Self is inseparable from social experience George Herbert Mead Argued that the Social Self developed out of social interactions with others Social interaction involves seeing ourselves as others see us or taking the role of the other Taking the role of the other involves a constant interplay between the I and theMe
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

George Herbert Mead

The I and the Me
The I is that part of human beings that goes untouched by other humans. Subjective element of the self . why we have unique traits Action that is impulsive, spontaneous unlearned, unplanned, unpredictable The me is the social self, the self as object. Composed of the internalized attitudes and demands of other members of society and the individuals awareness to those demands For purposes of understanding human behavior the me is much more important than the I
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

George Herbert Mead

Society Actors take one another into account as they act; they intentionally communicate and they interpret one anothers acts. Society - cooperative focus problem solving. It possesses culture, a shared perspective (a general view of reality), and a shared generalized other (a general body of rules), all of which facilitate social interaction and cooperation. Ability to communicate in symbols human beings unique Symbols are anything that meaningfully represents something else; they must be produced in the same way to produce a shared reality Identity results from symbolic interaction with others
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Mead 3 stages of self development

Preparatory stage children largely imitate the people around them In the play stage (3-5yrs) they learn to use language and other symbols, thus making it possible for them to pretend to take the roles of specific people Game stage children understand not only their own social position but also the positions of others around them. Develops generalized other demands and expectations of the society as a whole or the child's subculture
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Erving Goffman the presentation of self In the ancient Greek, "personality" has a dramatic meaning - the mask" we wear it wherever we go as we present ourselves to ourselves to others. It reflects our self concept - what we seek to maintain about ourselves - the self (mask) we think we have, the one we think we project and that others perceive etc. "Self" is socially constructed. People attribute my characteristics to me. As an "individual", I/you cannot be understood separate from the social melees we mingle in.
3/23/2012 Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Erving Goffman
We are all actors within the Social World, a central theme from Goffman work. In a sense, we are call Fakers or engaged in a Con Job on ourselves to effect other people. Goffman argues that the self is simply nothing more than Self Presentations and Role Performances. Social life as a theatre, with social scripts, performances and actors & roles that perform in the Front and Back Regions of self. The concept of depicting social life as a Theatre, Goffman developed the term Dramaturgy.

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Dramaturgy What is Dramaturgy Dramaturgy is Impression Management Social interactions is like a stage, the self promotes scenery Moreover, that scenery is divided into two regions, the Front and Back Regions.

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Regions
By definition regions may be defined as any place that is bounded to some degree by barriers to perception When we talk about the Dramaturgical Approach to the Social World the self is divided by perception. The perception of the Front Stage and Back Stage, also known as the Front and Back Regions of Behavior

3/23/2012

Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Front Region
This Refers to a place where the performance is given. In this regions the actor engages in, and performs his/her role for the audience. While the Self is in the Front Region of behavior the performance of the individual embodies certain standards. Standards of the Matters of Politeness and Decorum. Matters of Politeness Relates to the way in which the performer treats the audience while engaged in talk or gestural interactions.

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Decorum
Refers to a set of behaviors that have to do with the way the performer conducts himself in the visual or audio range of the audience Decorum has two sub-groupings referred too as the Moral and the Instrumental 1) Moral Moral Requirements refers to rules regarding non-interference and nonmolestation of others. Ex: Sexual decency, and rules regarding sacred places etc. 2) Instrumental Requirement Refers to duties that are task oriented and secular Ex: An employer might demand his employees to care of property or engage in maintenance within work areas.

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Back Region
Def: A back region or backstage may be defined as a place, relative to a given performance, where the impression fostered by the performance is knowingly contradicted. This area is where the suppressed facts make an appearance. Here the performer can relax; he can drop his front, relinquish speaking his lines, and step out of character. It is here where illusions and impressions are openly constructed. The back region is a place where the performer can reliably expect that no member of the audience will intrude. The back region or back stage is kept closed from the audience, the entire region is meant to be kept hidden. Ex: Perfect examples of back stage regions are kitchens within restaurants, this area is not meant for customers to enter.

3/23/2012

Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Transition
In between the Front and Back Region, there is a phenomenon called the Zone of Transition Goffman argues that this is one of the most interesting times to observe impression management At these in between moments one can detect a interesting putting on and taking off of character.

3/23/2012

Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

However there is a Third Region

Apart from Front and Back Stage there is a third region within the ideas of Dramaturgy. This Region is called The Outside

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

The Outside
The Outside region is a residual one, everything that is not covered in the Front or Back Regions are in The Outside. Those individuals who are on The Outside of the social interactions we may call outsiders. If we shift our considerations from the front or back region to the outside, we tend to shift our reference from one performance to another

3/23/2012

Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Impression Management
Impression Management implies that there are attributes that are required of a performer in successfully staging a character. The Performer must Act with Expressive Responsibility Expressive Responsibility Illustrates the idea that actors must consciously choose the manner in which they behave and interact with others It is Imperative that the audience understand that a performer is Acting his part and that is does not necessarily reflect the dispositions an individual may hold privately.

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

However, What happens when an actor makes a mistake and reveals true intentions of the performance?

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

 The Answer to the Question: Is that Unintentional Disruptions can occur. Unintentional Disruption are a source of embarrassment and dissonance for the performer, these disruptions are separated into three categories, unmeant Gestures, inopportune Intrusion /interruption and faux/artificial pas.

Unmeant Gestures
These are inadvertent acts that convey an impression that is inappropriate at the time. The individual held responsible for contributing an unmeant gesture may chiefly discredit his own performance

3/23/2012

Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Inopportune Intrusion
This Occurs when an outsider accidentally enters a region in which a performance is being given or when a member of the audience inadvertently enters the backstage. Ex: An example of this, is when a student walk into the classroom while the professor is giving a lecture. We have Inopportune Intrusion (this coming from the outsider approach) Ex: Another example is when a customer runs into the kitchen of a restaurant where the chefs resides. We have another Inopportune Intrusion (from an audience approach)

Faux Pas
Def: As Disruptions in projections of the self These facts may involve well-kept dark secrets or negatively-valued chacteristics that everyone can see but no one refers too.

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

 When such facts are introduced, embarrassment is the usual feeling Ex: An example is when Raphael Palmero was conducting an interview and a journalist bought up his use of anabolic steroids.

Gaffes & Boners

Are types of Faux Pas where a performer unthinkingly makes an intentional contribution which destroys his own team image

Bricks
Here, a performer jeopardizes the image of self projected by the other team.

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Discussion Question
If we are nothing more than Fakers within the social world, and assuming impression management is how we navigate through social interactions, then one asks the question is society real?

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Concepts and Contributions

Symbolic Interactionism

Humans think about how they should act according to their perceptions about reality and their agreement with others on the meanings behind the reality

3/23/2012

Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Concepts and Contributions

Mind, Self, and Society
Mind
Develops within the social process Perceives, defines, evaluates

Self
Involves process of reflection Both object and subject

Society
Nothing is separate from society Society is a structure for ongoing communication and interaction

3/23/2012

Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Concepts and Contributions

The I and the Me

The self has two parts The I is the unsocialized self

Active, impulsive, unpredictable, initiates action Self as Subject

The Me is the socialized self

Judgemental, controlling, conforms to norms Imagine ourselves as others see us Self as Object

3/23/2012

Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Concepts and Contributions

Development of the Self

Critical for consciousness and taking the role of the other Dependent on social environment Stages of development:
a) b) c) d) Imitation stage Play stage Game stage Generalized other

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Concepts and Contributions

The Act
How a person responds to stimuli 1. Impulse gut reaction, need to do something 2. Perception Deciding stimulus is important, and how to react 3. Manipulation Taking action, adapting to the environment 4. Consummation Following through to satisfy impulse

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Concepts and Contributions

The Social Act

The Social Act involves two or more people Requires cooperation and shared understanding of the social object Importance of the gesture
Vocal gesture allows the speaker to reflect on the message as well as the other listeners mutually understood gesture = symbol

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Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.

Revision questions
Symbolic interaction can have its use in many ways; why do you think individuals brought in the same society have different characteristics, values and beliefs? Politics and politicians what do you think is the solution to the poorly performing, corrupt and crafty leaders in the society (the whole process)

3/23/2012

Mavole johnson, MSc, PhD. 2012.