symbolic interactionism

• Mead


  -beginning of interactionism

  -developed around mid 20th century

  -philosopher who applied his ideas on mind & self to sociology

  -'symbols vs instincts'
• symbols of instincts 


  -distinguishes human interactions from animals:

  -animals respond to actions instinctively

  -humans interpret the meaning of symbols first, then respond
• symbolic interaction - BLUMER


  -used Mead's ideas to devise

  -the approach to studying society focuses on trying to understand the meanings people give to symbols during social interaction

  -symbols = words, gestures, actions
• Interactionism in action : case study

  -BECKER investigate why some pupils achieved higher than others

  -interviewed 60 chicago high school teachers

  -find out about interactions with pupils

  -teachers labelled students 'good' or 'bad' and treating them based on label

  -students internalised label - self fulfilling prophecy

  -good = continued to work hard to please them

  -bad = felt targeted / disliked and rejected school
• symbols vs instincts - MEAD


  -uses idea to distinguish human from animal interactions

  -animals respond instinctively

  -humans interpret meaning of symbols first then respond
• symbols

  -words

  -gestures

  -objects

  -expressions

  > we place meanings on
• Blumer : 3 basic principles


  1 - our actions are based on meanings we give to situations, events, people

  2 - these meanings develop out of our interactions with others and can change

  3 - meanings arise from an interpretive procedure - 'taking the role of the other'

  > when people talk to us and we try to understand what they mean, putting ourselves in their shoes
• Goffman - dramaturgical approach 


  -actively construct our 'self' by impression management

  -all actors carrying out roles with 'scripts' depending on environment

  -aim is to carry out most convincing performance to 'audience'

  -we rest backstage (alone) and we're only our true selves here
• Becker - Labelling Theory & Master Status 


  -internalise labels

  -these labels become a master status

  -becomes the most important thing about you that everyone sees & thinks of

  > criminals no longer seen as fathers or business men. they're criminals
• Cooley - Looking Glass Self 


  -label is a self fulfilling prophecy

  -start to take on what other people see in you

  -act accordingly