Blog Two
George
Herbert Mead developed the idea of Symbolic Interactionism. He was a member of
the faculty at the University of Chicago as a social psychologist. A couple
varieties of symbolic interactionism were developed by two students of different
schools including the University of Chicago and the University of Iowa. No
matter the favored variety of symbolic interactionism, both varieties believe
reality is social and developed in interaction with others.
“Most
symbolic interactionists believe a physical reality does indeed exist
independently of the individual’s social definitions, that social definitions
do develop, at least in part, in relation to something ‘real’ or physical.
Humans do not respond to this reality directly; however, they define the
situation as it exists out there” (Burbank & Martins).
I
gained a better understanding after watching
this video, which is simplistic
yet relatable as it allowed me to apply this theory to my project. A student of
Mead’s named Herbert Blumer of the University of Chicago, proposed three ideas
that better explain symbolic interactionism.
1.
We act based on the meaning we’ve given
something.
By
relating this theory to my Capstone project, which is the Catholic concert, I
was better able to understand the importance of making the concert successful
for not only a majority of the group, but for every single person (if possible).
Essentially this first idea is saying that if one of the youth or family
members has an amazing time at the concert and relates the concert to
happiness, warmth and wholesome fun, they will think about how enjoyable it was
and are likely to attend the next one because of that positive experience.
2.
We give meaning to things based on our social
interactions
For
example, if someone at the concert had a negative experience they’d be less
likely to attend the next concert, and may push this idea on others. This
negative experience could range from having trouble getting tickets, a rude
vendor at a food stand, or even dirty public facilities could turn someone’s
experience bad. Just one negative experience could change a person’s entire perception
from another’s perception of something.
3.
The meaning we give something is not permanent
and it can change due to everyday life.
Blumer’s last idea is that our
views and ideas about something can change no matter our positivity towards it
before. If the person with a positive experience returns to the concert the
following year, and have trouble getting tickets or come across a rude food
vendor or uncleanly facility, they make now associate the event negatively.
However, this depends on the person, as another may simply disregard these
incidents and still view the concert as a positive experience.
This theory explains how people
grow and develop their own personal views and opinions throughout life. For
example, when a child returns home to his/ her family with views that stray
from family beliefs, it is because the child has been exposed to new
experiences and developed their own ideas through symbolic interactionism. I like
this theory as it relates to my Capstone project, because as someone who is
marketing events and reaching out to a large number of people, it is extremely
important to make the experience positive for all youth and family. And if someone
has a negative experience, I feel it is just as important to quickly respond with
positivity to make the rest of the experience as enjoyable as possible.
