Symbolic Interactionism Flashcard

Front

What is the main focus of symbolic interactionism?

Back

How people create meaning through social interaction and symbols

Answer explanation

Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals create meaning through their interactions and the use of symbols. This perspective emphasizes the importance of social context in shaping our understanding of the world.

Front

In symbolic interactionism, what do symbols represent?

Back

Shared meanings people attach to things

Answer explanation

In symbolic interactionism, symbols represent the shared meanings that people attach to things, rather than just physical objects or universal truths. This perspective emphasizes the importance of social interactions in creating meaning.

Front

Which example BEST shows symbolic interactionism at work? A country passing a new law, A factory producing goods for export, Climate change affecting global weather, Students learning to see a teacher’s raised eyebrow as disapproval

Back

Students learning to see a teacher’s raised eyebrow as disapproval

Answer explanation

The correct choice illustrates symbolic interactionism, as it shows how students interpret a teacher's non-verbal cue (raised eyebrow) as a sign of disapproval, highlighting the importance of social interactions and meanings.

Front

Symbolic interactionism says that meanings are fixed and never change

Back

False

Answer explanation

Symbolic interactionism posits that meanings are socially constructed and can change over time based on interactions. Therefore, the statement that meanings are fixed is false.

Front

Why are words considered symbols in symbolic interactionism?

Back

Their meaning comes from how people use and understand them

Answer explanation

In symbolic interactionism, words are symbols because their meanings are shaped by social interactions and the context in which people use them, making the correct choice "Their meaning comes from how people use and understand them."

Front

Who is regarded as the foundational Theorist of Symbolic Interactionism?

Back

George Herbert Mead

Answer explanation

George Herbert Mead is considered the foundational theorist of Symbolic Interactionism, emphasizing the role of social interactions and symbols in the development of self and society.

Front

Who formally coined the term “symbolic interactionism”?

Back

Herbert Blumer

Answer explanation

The term "symbolic interactionism" was formally coined by Herbert Blumer, who built upon the ideas of George Herbert Mead. Blumer emphasized the importance of social interactions in shaping individual behavior and society.

Front

Are hand symbols considered social interactionism based on the examples in the video?

Back

yes

Front

What is the concept of “looking-glass self”?

Back

It emphasizes how individuals form their self-concepts based in how they believe others perceive them.

Answer explanation

The "looking-glass self" concept, coined by Charles Horton Cooley, highlights that individuals develop their self-concept based on how they think others perceive them, making the correct choice the first option.

Front

Who came up with the concept the "looking-glass self"?

Back

Charles Horton Cooley