Symbolic Interactionism

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.