Symbolic Interactionism

Abstract

Symbolic interactionism is within the positivist school of thought. Using a social psychological vantage point, symbolic interactionism—as explained by members of the Chicago school, specifically by Mead and Thomas—posits that one's self‐concept and behavior change from one situation to another. This change depends on the subjects' interpretation of symbols from a given situation and on their generalized interpretation of symbols communicated by others. Symbolic interactionism is often thought of as one of America's main contributions to theory; this theoretical perspective has continued to be popular nearly 100 years after its development around 1914. Some theories shaped by symbolic interactionism include social learning, labeling, and violentization theories. The idea that social reality is fluid, always being re‐created and appearing in new situations is currently very relevant; in consequence, theoretical developments using aspects of symbolic interactionism are likely to continue for some time into the future.

Symbolism and Islamic Values in Students’ Reog Stage at Muharam Celebration

“…Using a social psychological vantage point, symbolic interactionism, as explained by members of the Chicago school, specifically by Mead and Thomas, posits that one's self-concept and behavior change from one situation to another. This change depends on the subjects' interpretation of symbols from a given situation and on their generalized interpretation of symbols communicated by others (Hume & Qi, 2014).…”