Symbolic Interactionism

• Structural theories are 'macro' and 'top down'.
• Interpretive theories are 'micro and bottom up'.
• Structuralist theories see individuals as passive and shaped by the structure of society.
• Interpretive theories see individuals as active and having a more positive role in shaping society.
• Determinism vs. free will.
• What do interpretive theories argue about society?

  Society is the outcome of interpretations.
• How do interpretive theories view the role of individuals in society?


  Individuals create society as they go along and are active participants.
• What do people use to make sense of situations according to interpretive theories?

  People bring a set of interpretations (meanings) to situations.
• What is an example of behavior that reflects the interpretations individuals bring to social situations?

  Dancing and drinking at parties, but not at funerals.
• Interpretive theories argue other people will share these interpretations. Through socialisation.
• We have learned and share a set of interpretations through socialisation for most social situations.
• The small-scale interactions between individuals is what creates society.
• Symbolic interactionism examines symbols and how we use them to interact with each other.

  • Facial expressions
  • Gestures
  • Body language
• Symbolic Interactionism believes human act towards each other based on meanings but these meanings are constantly changing.
• All social situations need to be defined by the individuals involved with them.
• Small Scale Interactions


  "small social events where people interact and socialise. A form of communication through gestures, facial expressions etc. which produce society".
• Negotiated Order


  "society is in a negotiated order; you can only negotiate if you are active, therefore, we are in an active society."
• symbols


  "Actions made by individuals i.e. facial expressions, language, gestures and body language which are used to interact".
• The Self 


  "The way we see ourselves in our own mind. Our identity."
• 'I' and 'Me'


  "'Me' is the way others see us. 'I' interprets this, and enables us to change ourselves to fit in with society."
• Labelling


  "A process of applying simplified descriptions, usually negative stereotypes, to people. This can lead to people making assumptions about others".
• The Looking Glass Self


  "The way a person sees themselves based on the way they think others see them".
• The looking glass self causes the individual to change the way they see themselves, but the self-fulfilling prophecy causes them to change their behaviour.
• Overemphasises the 'micro' approach and ignores the 'macro' approach.
• Too focussed on individuals and not enough focus on structure- what about material deprivation?
• Ignores the idea that individuals can actively reject the labels which are applied to them.
• It cannot explain the predictability of human behaviour.

  If people are active, why do most people in society all behave the same way?