George Herbert Mead’s George Herbert Mead’s “Symbolic Interactionism”“Symbolic Interactionism”

Chris WaldenChris Walden

IntroductionIntroduction

• George Herbert Mead was born in South George Herbert Mead was born in South Hadley, Massachusetts in February of Hadley, Massachusetts in February of 1863.1863.

• In 1894 , Mead moved from The In 1894 , Mead moved from The University of Michigan to Chicago, University of Michigan to Chicago, Illinois, where he would later become the Illinois, where he would later become the center of the sociological department at center of the sociological department at The University of Chicago. The University of Chicago.

Introduction Cont’dIntroduction Cont’d• After Mead’s death in 1931 his After Mead’s death in 1931 his

students at the University published students at the University published his Mind, Self, and Society teachings.his Mind, Self, and Society teachings.

• Herbert Blumer, Mead’s pupil, further Herbert Blumer, Mead’s pupil, further developed his theory and coined it developed his theory and coined it “Symbolic Interactionism.”“Symbolic Interactionism.”

Introduction Cont’dIntroduction Cont’d• This theory is the process of This theory is the process of

interaction in the formation of interaction in the formation of meanings for individuals. meanings for individuals.

• In simple form, people act based on In simple form, people act based on symbolic meanings they find within a symbolic meanings they find within a given situation.given situation.

• The goals of our interactions are to The goals of our interactions are to create a shared meaning.create a shared meaning.

• Herbert Blumer came up with three Herbert Blumer came up with three basic principles for his theory. basic principles for his theory.

• Meaning, Language, and Thought.Meaning, Language, and Thought.• These three principles lead to These three principles lead to

conclusions about the creation of a conclusions about the creation of a persons self and socialization into a persons self and socialization into a larger community. larger community.

11stst Principle Principle• Meaning: “Making is a community Meaning: “Making is a community

project”project”• Meaning is something that has to be Meaning is something that has to be

assigned and who assigns it?assigned and who assigns it?• The definition of this word states that it The definition of this word states that it

is a intention for a particular purpose or is a intention for a particular purpose or destination. destination.

• Blumer says that the principle of Blumer says that the principle of meaning is central in human behaviormeaning is central in human behavior

Meaning Cont’dMeaning Cont’d• Meaning is based on human interaction and Meaning is based on human interaction and

how we act towards other people. how we act towards other people. • We as humans, base things upon the We as humans, base things upon the

meanings that they have been given.meanings that they have been given.• An example would be me saying, “Hey you An example would be me saying, “Hey you

look great, have you lost a lot of weight?” This look great, have you lost a lot of weight?” This statement could be taken a lot of different statement could be taken a lot of different ways. Perhaps the person that I said this to ways. Perhaps the person that I said this to takes it in the way of a compliment, (Which is takes it in the way of a compliment, (Which is what I was giving them) or a negative remark. what I was giving them) or a negative remark. The meaning that we assign to the statement The meaning that we assign to the statement is how we react to people and what they say.is how we react to people and what they say.

Meaning Cont’dMeaning Cont’d

• This theory tells us that its how people interpret This theory tells us that its how people interpret messages and statements. messages and statements.

• Each one of us has a different meaning assigned to Each one of us has a different meaning assigned to different things. different things.

• To us humans the word “grass” is something that can To us humans the word “grass” is something that can be defined as green, or something needed to be cut. be defined as green, or something needed to be cut. To animals, the word “grass” could mean shelter or To animals, the word “grass” could mean shelter or food. food.

• Now in the case of symbols, meanings also depend on Now in the case of symbols, meanings also depend on the number of consensual responses of those who the number of consensual responses of those who use it. If someone uses a particular word such as hey, use it. If someone uses a particular word such as hey, to those that use it a lot, it means hello. Now for to those that use it a lot, it means hello. Now for those people that are ambiguous to it, it could mean those people that are ambiguous to it, it could mean a totally different thing to them.a totally different thing to them.

22ndnd Principle Principle

• Language: “Symbolic naming for the human Language: “Symbolic naming for the human society”society”

• Language gives humans a means by which to Language gives humans a means by which to negotiate meaning through symbols.negotiate meaning through symbols.

• Mead believed that when you named Mead believed that when you named something, it is assigned a meaning. An something, it is assigned a meaning. An example of this would be me naming my dog example of this would be me naming my dog Lucifer. The meaning of this name would be Lucifer. The meaning of this name would be the devil, because maybe the dog is extremely the devil, because maybe the dog is extremely mean or bites people all of the time. mean or bites people all of the time.

LanguageLanguage• In simple terms, this principle says In simple terms, this principle says

that when we talk to each other, that when we talk to each other, symbolic interaction means that symbolic interaction means that humans identify meaning, or naming, humans identify meaning, or naming, and then they develop discourse, and then they develop discourse, which is communication orallywhich is communication orally

33rdrd Principle Principle• Thought: “Interpretation of symbols”Thought: “Interpretation of symbols”

• Thought is based on language. While in a Thought is based on language. While in a conversation, your mind is imagining or thinking conversation, your mind is imagining or thinking about the different points of view or meanings about the different points of view or meanings to what the other person is saying to you. to what the other person is saying to you.

• What this means is that once your hear What this means is that once your hear someone say something, you automatically start someone say something, you automatically start thinking about what you are going to say next. thinking about what you are going to say next.

LanguageLanguage

• Mead believes that “We naturally talk to Mead believes that “We naturally talk to ourselves in order to sort out the ourselves in order to sort out the meaning of a difficult situation.”meaning of a difficult situation.”

• Whatever you think of before acting to an Whatever you think of before acting to an action or responding to a phrase is your action or responding to a phrase is your thought. We do this all the time without thought. We do this all the time without knowing or realizing it. It is your own knowing or realizing it. It is your own personal meaning that you put on words.personal meaning that you put on words.

ConclusionConclusion• George Herbert Mead was a professor whose George Herbert Mead was a professor whose

teachings were transformed into a theory that teachings were transformed into a theory that is well known and taught throughout the world.is well known and taught throughout the world.

• Symbolic Interactionism has only one variable Symbolic Interactionism has only one variable in it. The individual has its own set of meanings in it. The individual has its own set of meanings for things and people.for things and people.

• A problem with this theory is that it does not A problem with this theory is that it does not state whether or not an individual wants to win state whether or not an individual wants to win and get their own way or not. Sometimes we and get their own way or not. Sometimes we think that people can also construct a sample think that people can also construct a sample and ask someone if they should have a certain and ask someone if they should have a certain meaning for this and a meaning for that. meaning for this and a meaning for that.

• This theory doesn’t tell you if you think this way This theory doesn’t tell you if you think this way because a person told you to or if you think a because a person told you to or if you think a certain way because you feel that you need to. certain way because you feel that you need to.

• George Herbert Mead died in 1931. Although he George Herbert Mead died in 1931. Although he never got around to publishing his own never got around to publishing his own teachings, he still is considered to be one of the teachings, he still is considered to be one of the top sociological theorists that have ever walked top sociological theorists that have ever walked this earth.this earth.

Language and ThoughtLanguage and ThoughtMark KrebsMark Krebs

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic Interactionism

• LanguageLanguage– Dealing with Meaning Dealing with Meaning

• ThoughtThought– Where interpretation is modified.Where interpretation is modified.

Things to Keep in MindThings to Keep in Mind• Both Both LanguageLanguage and and ThoughtThought arise out arise out

of people socializing with one another of people socializing with one another (Symbolic Interactionism).(Symbolic Interactionism).

• Much of the time Much of the time LanguageLanguage and and ThoughtThought go hand in hand. go hand in hand.

• I like to teach with examples.I like to teach with examples.

LoveLoveUnlike boom, smack, and Unlike boom, smack, and

thump- words usually have no logical connection to thump- words usually have no logical connection to the objects they describe.the objects they describe.

LanguageLanguage• Language is the source of meaning.Language is the source of meaning.

– Everything in life has a different meaning.Everything in life has a different meaning.

• All objects, people, and abstract ideas All objects, people, and abstract ideas have been assigned certain names.have been assigned certain names.

• Meaning has never been inherent.Meaning has never been inherent.

Sportslogos.netSportslogos.net

• Spoken words, written words, and Spoken words, written words, and pictures are all apart of our language.pictures are all apart of our language.

• Each word or picture means different Each word or picture means different things to each individual.things to each individual.

• Each person’s language is shaped by Each person’s language is shaped by other people. other people.

ThoughtThought• Humans come Humans come

equipped with a mind equipped with a mind wired for thought.wired for thought.

• That mind allows That mind allows everyone to interpret everyone to interpret the symbols of our the symbols of our language.language.

““Minding”Minding”• Minding is the two-second delay where Minding is the two-second delay where

individuals rehearse the next move and individuals rehearse the next move and anticipate how others will react.anticipate how others will react.

George Herbert MeadGeorge Herbert Mead

ThoughtThought• According to Blumer:According to Blumer:

– We as humans have the ability to take We as humans have the ability to take the role of the other.the role of the other.

•This allows us chances to find new meaning This allows us chances to find new meaning and different perspectives in life. and different perspectives in life.

Taking the Role of the OtherTaking the Role of the Other• This is seeing the world through This is seeing the world through

another’s eyes. another’s eyes.

• Walking in someone else’s shoesWalking in someone else’s shoes

• Grown up version of having imaginary Grown up version of having imaginary friends and talking to yourself.friends and talking to yourself.

To concludeTo conclude• Symbolic Interactionism and its Symbolic Interactionism and its

premises are built upon premises are built upon communication between individuals. communication between individuals.

• Language and Thought are vital in Language and Thought are vital in the interpretation of symbols. the interpretation of symbols.

• We have and always will be affected We have and always will be affected by Language and Thought.by Language and Thought.

The Looking-Glass Self and The Looking-Glass Self and The Generalized OtherThe Generalized Other

Clara HartlaubClara Hartlaub

• The self is a basic concept in symbolic The self is a basic concept in symbolic interactionism, which requires the interactionism, which requires the understanding of meaning, language and understanding of meaning, language and thought.thought.

• It allows humans to reflect on themselves It allows humans to reflect on themselves and argue with themselves helping to and argue with themselves helping to develop an accurate self image. develop an accurate self image.

• The looking-glass self and the generalized The looking-glass self and the generalized other are parts of a larger tool which helps other are parts of a larger tool which helps individuals develop their self concepts. individuals develop their self concepts.

• These concepts help form who we are as These concepts help form who we are as individuals and lead to conclusions about the individuals and lead to conclusions about the creation of a person’s self and socialization creation of a person’s self and socialization into a larger community. into a larger community.

Reflections in a Looking Reflections in a Looking Glass Glass • We develop who we are based on ideas that We develop who we are based on ideas that

come from, “taking the role of the other”, come from, “taking the role of the other”, imagining how we look to another person. imagining how we look to another person.

• Interactionists call this mental image the Interactionists call this mental image the “looking-glass self”. “looking-glass self”.

• The self is a combination of “I” and “me”. The self is a combination of “I” and “me”. The “I” refers to what is unpredictable and The “I” refers to what is unpredictable and unorganized about the self while the “me” unorganized about the self while the “me” is the image of the self seen through the is the image of the self seen through the looking glass or other peoples’ perceptions. looking glass or other peoples’ perceptions.

Real-Life Application of the Real-Life Application of the Looking-Glass Self Looking-Glass Self • Looking-glass self is the Looking-glass self is the

process of developing a self-process of developing a self-image on the basis of the image on the basis of the messages we get from messages we get from others, as we understand others, as we understand them. them.

• There are three components There are three components to the looking glass self: to the looking glass self: 1.Imagine how we appear to 1.Imagine how we appear to others; 2. Imagine what their others; 2. Imagine what their judgment of that judgment of that appearance must be; 3. appearance must be; 3. Develop some self-feeling, Develop some self-feeling, such as pride or such as pride or mortification, as a result of mortification, as a result of our imagining others' our imagining others' judgment.judgment.

Generalized OtherGeneralized Other• Over-arching looking-glass self that we put Over-arching looking-glass self that we put

together from the reflection we see in together from the reflection we see in everyone we know or the expectations of everyone we know or the expectations of society that influence every conversation society that influence every conversation that takes place in peoples’ minds.that takes place in peoples’ minds.

• Shapes how we think and act within a Shapes how we think and act within a community. community.

• As the generalized other develops, children As the generalized other develops, children often have imaginary friends that grow into often have imaginary friends that grow into an internal conversational partner which an internal conversational partner which helps children participate in their own helps children participate in their own socialization. The child then gradually socialization. The child then gradually takes on the roles of the community. takes on the roles of the community.

Real Life Application of the Real Life Application of the Generalized OtherGeneralized Other• Negative responses can Negative responses can

consequently reduce a consequently reduce a person to nothing. person to nothing.

• ““Cipher in the Snow” Cipher in the Snow” • Harry Potter Harry Potter • Through the “looking-Through the “looking-

glass self” and the glass self” and the “generalized other” a “generalized other” a person is able to define person is able to define their self image and their self image and develop who they are develop who they are as an individual. as an individual.

Applied Symbolic Applied Symbolic InteractionInteraction

Sarah BuschmannSarah Buschmann

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic Interactionism • The characteristics of this approach The characteristics of this approach

are human interaction, interpretation are human interaction, interpretation or definition rather than mere or definition rather than mere reaction, response based on meaning, reaction, response based on meaning, use of symbols, and interpretation use of symbols, and interpretation between stimulus and responsebetween stimulus and response

• It is concerned with the interaction It is concerned with the interaction order of daily life and experiences, order of daily life and experiences, rather than the structure. rather than the structure.

Six Applications of Symbolic Six Applications of Symbolic InteractionismInteractionism

• There are six different applications within There are six different applications within the theory of symbolic interactionism: the theory of symbolic interactionism: – creating reality creating reality – meaning-ful researchmeaning-ful research– generalized other generalized other – namingnaming– symbol manipulationsymbol manipulation– the self-fulfilling prophecythe self-fulfilling prophecy

Creating RealityCreating Reality

• Sociologist Erving Goffman argues that Sociologist Erving Goffman argues that everyone is constantly negotiating with others everyone is constantly negotiating with others to publicly define our identity and the nature to publicly define our identity and the nature of the situation in the creating reality of the situation in the creating reality application. application.

• The impression of reality is a delicate and The impression of reality is a delicate and fragile thing that can be shattered.fragile thing that can be shattered.

Meaning-ful research Meaning-ful research • In meaning-ful research, Mead claims In meaning-ful research, Mead claims

that research occurs through participant that research occurs through participant observation.observation.

• Mead believes that behavioral Mead believes that behavioral experimental and survey research are experimental and survey research are void of the meaning of the experience.void of the meaning of the experience.

Generalized otherGeneralized other• Generalized other is described as theGeneralized other is described as the

combined mental image of others in a combined mental image of others in a community, their expectations, and possible community, their expectations, and possible responses to one’s self. responses to one’s self.

• In symbolic interaction, there is a tragic In symbolic interaction, there is a tragic potential of negative responses consequently potential of negative responses consequently reducing a person to perceiving themselves reducing a person to perceiving themselves as nothing.as nothing.

• The generalized other is a combination of all The generalized other is a combination of all of the looking glass selves that others give us. of the looking glass selves that others give us.

• The looking glass self is imaging how we look The looking glass self is imaging how we look to others.to others.

NamingNaming

• Naming is what we would call name-calling, Naming is what we would call name-calling, such as retard, slut, liar, ugly, etc. such as retard, slut, liar, ugly, etc.

• Name-calling can be devastating because it Name-calling can be devastating because it forces us to view ourselves through a forces us to view ourselves through a warped mirror.warped mirror.

• These grotesque images are not easily These grotesque images are not easily dispelled and can be very hurtful and dispelled and can be very hurtful and damaging. This is shown in a clip from the damaging. This is shown in a clip from the T.V. show South Park.T.V. show South Park.

• http://youtube.com/watch?v=LGBYVnkSqishttp://youtube.com/watch?v=LGBYVnkSqis

Symbol manipulationSymbol manipulation• Symbol Manipulation is the process Symbol Manipulation is the process

in which symbols incite people to in which symbols incite people to unite into action. unite into action.

Self-fulfilling prophecySelf-fulfilling prophecy• Each and everyone of us affects how Each and everyone of us affects how

others view themselves.others view themselves.• Predictions in the self-fulfilling prophecy Predictions in the self-fulfilling prophecy

may be false but made true by one’s may be false but made true by one’s actions. One’s prophecy is simply a actions. One’s prophecy is simply a possibility that is made into probability by possibility that is made into probability by one’s unconscious or conscious actions.one’s unconscious or conscious actions.

• Our expectations evoke responses that Our expectations evoke responses that confirm what we originally anticipated, confirm what we originally anticipated, resulting in a self-fulfilling prophecy.resulting in a self-fulfilling prophecy.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs.png

Social Penetration TheorySocial Penetration TheoryChapter 8Chapter 8

Bridget Carroll and Derek Bridget Carroll and Derek OldhamOldham

April 10April 10thth, 2007, 2007

The Social Penetration The Social Penetration TheoryTheory• Explains relational closeness through Explains relational closeness through

the process of honest self-disclosure the process of honest self-disclosure and social exchange.and social exchange.

• Griffin, E. (2007). A first look at communication theory (6th Griffin, E. (2007). A first look at communication theory (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Close Relationships and Close Relationships and IntimacyIntimacy• Three categories of personal bonds:Three categories of personal bonds:

– FriendshipsFriendships– Romantic RelationshipsRomantic Relationships– FamilyFamily

Intimacy can provide enjoyment, trust, Intimacy can provide enjoyment, trust, sharing of confidences, respect, mutual sharing of confidences, respect, mutual assistance, and spontaneity. assistance, and spontaneity.

Depth of PenetrationDepth of Penetration• Four observations:Four observations:

– Peripheral items are exchanged more Peripheral items are exchanged more frequently and sooner than private infofrequently and sooner than private info

– Self-disclosure is reciprocal where there is Self-disclosure is reciprocal where there is an equal exchange of opennessan equal exchange of openness

– Penetration is rapid at the start, but slows Penetration is rapid at the start, but slows down as inner layers are reacheddown as inner layers are reached

– Depenetration occurs by a gradual process Depenetration occurs by a gradual process of layer-by-layer withdrawalof layer-by-layer withdrawal

Social Exchange and Social Exchange and Comparison LevelComparison Level• The closeness of a relationship is dependent The closeness of a relationship is dependent

upon the cost-benefit analysis of social upon the cost-benefit analysis of social exchange, where people weigh the risks and exchange, where people weigh the risks and rewards of self-disclosure.rewards of self-disclosure.

• The Comparison Level evaluates social The Comparison Level evaluates social outcomes through two standardsoutcomes through two standards– Relative satisfaction (how happy or sad it makes Relative satisfaction (how happy or sad it makes

you feel)you feel)– By judging outcomes based on past experiences By judging outcomes based on past experiences

and their sequence. and their sequence.

Part II: ApplicationPart II: Application• You already know:You already know:1.1. The Social Penetration theory is an The Social Penetration theory is an

approach to approach to howhow and and whywhy relationships relationships form.form.

2.2. Each person has inner values and Each person has inner values and emotions that must be revealed through emotions that must be revealed through a process of self-disclosure.a process of self-disclosure.

3.3. This process of revelation is fundamental This process of revelation is fundamental in forming friendships, romantic in forming friendships, romantic relationships, and family bonds.relationships, and family bonds.

How do relationships form?How do relationships form?

• Bonds form through revealing each Bonds form through revealing each person’s inner self (self-disclosure).person’s inner self (self-disclosure).

• A basic understanding of the A basic understanding of the personality structure: an onion,personality structure: an onion,

• And how this model works.And how this model works.

Why do relationships form?Why do relationships form?• Intimate bonds can: Intimate bonds can:

provide enjoyment, trust, provide enjoyment, trust, sharing of fears and sharing of fears and dreamsdreams

• One decides that the One decides that the benefits must outweigh benefits must outweigh the costs (you can get the costs (you can get something out of it).something out of it).

• The formation of bonds is The formation of bonds is a human characteristic a human characteristic that we naturally that we naturally experience throughout experience throughout our lives.our lives.

You just You just want a want a coffee coffee date!date!

Or a buddy to fish with you.

What does this mean to me?What does this mean to me?

• By understanding how and why relationships By understanding how and why relationships form, we can deepen our current ones and be form, we can deepen our current ones and be prepared for the future bonds that will form.prepared for the future bonds that will form.

• The first step in allowing closeness is “letting The first step in allowing closeness is “letting your guard down”.your guard down”.

•As we eventually let people in, we are allowing penetration

• We gain closeness through:We gain closeness through:1.1. Honest self-disclosureHonest self-disclosure

--Don’t wear masks!--Don’t wear masks!--Let your guard down!--Let your guard down!

2.2. Understanding people and their Understanding people and their complexitycomplexity

What does this mean to me?What does this mean to me?

The Personality StructureThe Personality Structure• The outer layers are The outer layers are

the first to be the first to be penetrated and penetrated and include more public include more public information.information.

• Gradual disclosure will Gradual disclosure will lead to more lead to more understanding of each understanding of each individual.individual.

• Once penetrated, it Once penetrated, it will be easier to return will be easier to return to inner layers.to inner layers.

Goals and aspirations

Preferences in food, music, clothes

Biographical data

Religious views

Deeply held fears and fantasies Concept of

self

Source: Griffen, E. (2007). A first look at communication theory (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Other Observations of SPTOther Observations of SPT• The Law of Reciprocity is important when The Law of Reciprocity is important when

disclosing; “emotional equity” between disclosing; “emotional equity” between the two people.the two people.Take turns revealing layersTake turns revealing layers

• Penetration is rapid at the start, but slows Penetration is rapid at the start, but slows as inner layers are reached. Intimate as inner layers are reached. Intimate layers take years to be revealed and layers take years to be revealed and some may never be disclosed.some may never be disclosed.

--Griffen, E. (2007). A first look at communication theory --Griffen, E. (2007). A first look at communication theory (6(6thth ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

• DepenetrationDepenetration is a gradual process of layer by is a gradual process of layer by layer withdrawal.layer withdrawal.

• It is usually mutual and characterized by lack of It is usually mutual and characterized by lack of care and enjoyment.care and enjoyment.

• Areas of one’s life are closed off from the other Areas of one’s life are closed off from the other and no new information is shared.and no new information is shared.

--Griffen, E. (2007). A first look at communication theory (6--Griffen, E. (2007). A first look at communication theory (6thth ed.). ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.New York: McGraw-Hill.

Other Observations of SPT Other Observations of SPT cont.cont.

ConclusionConclusion• Humans reveal information in order to gain Humans reveal information in order to gain

closeness in relationships. The process of closeness in relationships. The process of penetrating layers helps them to grow penetrating layers helps them to grow deeper and have a better understanding of deeper and have a better understanding of each other.each other.

• One will choose a relationship when it is One will choose a relationship when it is beneficial or they find the other person beneficial or they find the other person interesting.interesting.

• Questions??Questions??