Symbolic interactionism

From Geography

What is the essence of human behavior and how can we qualify it? In Symbolic interactionism the answers consists of one keyword: meaning, subjective meaning. Humans are actors who adjust their behavior to the action of others. We can only adjust our own behavior because we are able to interpret the meaning of action. Interaction between humans on a very basic level is the core of human action.

Background

Symbolic interactionism has evolved into one of the major perspectives in sociology as well as in human geography. Action and meaning are keywords making it part of the action theoretical approach in social sciences as established by Max Weber and further developed by thinkers such as Benno Werlen, Mead and Thrift.

Core principles

The term Symbolic interactionism has been invented by Herbert Blumer. The theory consists of three core principles: meaning, language and thought. These core principles lead to conclusions about the creation of a person’s self and socialization into a larger community (Griffin, 1997). With Meaning is meant the idea that agents act towards people on the base of the meaning they give to it. Language is the medium of communication and Thought creates a person’s perspective on something. In a sense its a conversation in the mind creating an interpretation of symbols.

References:

Griffin, E. (1997). A first look at Communication Theory. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Published by Henk-Jan van Maanen & Ingram Smit