Symbolic Interactionism

Question 1

what is the main idea of symbolic interactionism?

Answer 1

people create meaning through social interaction using symbols. meaning is not inherit, it’s craeted and interpreted in context

Question 2

what is a “self-concept” in symbolic interactionism?

Answer 2

it’s the image we have of ourselves, formed through our interactions with others and how we think others see us

Question 3

what are “significant symbols”?

Answer 3

symbols (especially language) that have shared meaning and can evoke the same response in both the sender and reciever

Question 4

what does it mean that symbols are “social products”?

Answer 4

their meanings come from social agreement, not from the object or word itself

Question 5

what is the “looking glass self”?

Answer 5

we form our self-image based on how think others see us

Question 6

how does Goffman explain identity through “role playing”?

Answer 6

people perform roles like actors on stage; identity is shaped by how we manage impressions in different social contexts

Question 7

Jamie starts a new job and notices everyone says “circle back.” Jamie starts using it too, even though it seemed meaningless at first. What concept from Symbolic Interactionism does this scenario illustrate?
A. Role playing
B. Significant symbols
C. Spiral of silence
D. Self-censorship

Answer 7

significant symbols