SYMBOLIC

INTERACTIONISM
INTERACTIONISM
A SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE INTRODUCED BY
MAX WEBER

THE

SOCIOLOGISTS
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The symbolic interactionism theory is based on Weber’s
early ideas that emphasize the viewpoint of the individual
and how that individual relates to society.

George
HERBERT
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George Herbert Mead is widely recognized as the
Father of Symbolic Interactionism, a theoretical perspective
that gave new direction to research in diverse fields of study.

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The phrase "Symbolic Interactionism" was coined by
Herbert Blumer and shaped this perspective that specified
its three basic premises.
 WHAT IS
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM?
Symbolic interactionism is viewing
society as composed of symbols
that people use to establish
meaning, develop views about the
world, and communicate with one
another. We are thinking beings
who act according to how we
interpret situations.

The symbolic-interaction views/sees

society as the “product of the
everyday interactions of individuals"

Subjective meanings are given

primacy because it is believed that
people behave based on what they
believe and not just on what is
objectively true.

THE
three
BASIC PREMISES
BY HERBERT BLUMER
"Humans act toward "The meaning of such "These meanings are
things on the basis of things is derived handled in, and modified
the meanings they from, or arises out of, through, an interpretative
ascribe to those the social interaction process used by the
things." that one has with person in dealing with the
others and the things he/she
society." encounters."

Learn More!
Societies are full of symbolic interactionism.
And your interactions are different based on
the society in which you live. Additionally,
many symbolic interactionism examples
seen throughout society can be subjective,
based on your experiences with that
particular symbol.

In order to understand human behaviors, it is necessary to

understand definitions, meaning and processes formed by
individuals first. Human beings give meaning to symbols and they
express these things by means of language. In other words, symbols
are indispensable elements for the formation of any kind of
communication act.
 UR I DEA L T
FO Y

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Max Weber didn’t just believe that individuals shape society
– societies encourage certain types of motive for action –
modern individuals who have to adopt a great many highly
specific roles that require them constantly to shift
perceptions and allegiances.

GOAL ORIENTED
This type of social action is goal
oriented and the motive of the
goal is derived from the desires
of the individual. He/She sets a
goal and uses the efficient ways
or means to achieve it.

VALUE RATIONAL
In value rational social action, goal
and means of achieving end is
derived and determined by values
and on how they are being used to
justify actions or instrumental.

AFFECTIVE
This ideal type is considered
to be the most irrational
wherein such social action is
motivated by the emotions of
the society.

TRADITIONAL
Traditional social action will
depend on the tradition that the
society is trying to preserve
because it is "the way it has
always been done”

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