Symbolic interaction theory can be described as a theory, which connects language with thinking, perception, and culture. The theory traces its origins from the philosophers such Charles H. Cooley, George H. Mead, Herbert Blumer, and John Dewey. The theory reflects the interpersonal communication, that is, the communication, which entails two or more individuals exchanging information. The symbolic interaction theory centers on human thought as well as interpersonal communication. In particular, this theory tries to describe human communication between the individuals who have some relationship. It offers insights regarding human communication behavior in a range of contexts. The symbolic interaction theory is essentially based on the presumption that our understanding of the world as human beings depend on our relations with each other. In other words, this theory concentrates on how human beings create meaning through interactions (Aksan, Kısac, Aydın, & Demirbuken, 2009). It depends on the symbolic meaning, which human beings create. It is imperative to note that the theory suggests that gestures, words, and symbols, which have gained conventionalized connotations facilitate human interaction as well as communication.
According to the symbolic interaction theory, symbols, as well as meanings, are essentially a reflection of the society. The interaction of humans results in the creation of these symbols and meanings. According to one of the pragmatic philosophers, Herbert Blumer, this theory reflects on language, meaning, and thought, which are the three main features of human communication. The language aspect provides human beings with the means through which to debate the meaning through the symbols. According to the second main feature of communication, meaning, the individuals act towards things and other people in line with the meanings that they give to those things or other persons. It is imperative to note that meaning is the fundamental feature of human behavior. The interactions between individuals create meaning (Aksan, Kısac, Aydın, & Demirbuken, 2009). The third main feature of communication, thought, modifies the interpretation of symbols by each human being. One strength of the symbolic interaction theory is that it considers the social environment where learning occurs. Additionally, symbolic interaction theory distinguishes that the reality perceptions are changing as well as variable. The other strength of symbolic interaction theory is that it perceives human beings as creative, vigorous partakers who create their social world. Thus, it does not perceive human beings as passive socialization objects. What is more, the theory gives emphasis to the connection between an individual’s behavior and the meanings that people give to the symbols. However, the symbolic interaction theory has some weaknesses. For one, the various groups of individuals might construe the meanings of symbols differently and incorrectly. Besides, the theory is not practical to the large-scale social structures. Furthermore, it is hard to test the symbolic interaction theory since it deals with the interpretations.
The symbolic interaction theory applies to a variety of real-life situations. For instance, the theory applies to the development of children. Specifically, kids learn to define themselves through the external influences. As they interact with their family members, they learn different things including the language. In essence, children learn the social meanings which are attached to particular words. By the time the children are three years old, they learn whether they are boys or girls. The interactions of these children with their family members, toys, and other external influences help them develop what it entails being a boy or girl. The language is the vehicle through which children learn the meaning of what being a boy or a girl entails.
References
Aksan, N., Kısac, B., Aydın, M., & Demirbuken, S. (2009). Symbolic interaction theory. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 1(1), 902-904.
