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Symbolic Interaction in Depth

The theory that I will be addressing is Symbolic Interaction. Symbolic interaction is a theory that states socialization amongst human life relies on the meanings that people impose towards material things, events, and behaviors (Thoughtco, 2017). Symbolic interaction allows humans to function in a constructive manner, thus forming social bonds. In today’s society, symbolic interaction can be found everywhere. For example, the act of smoking cigarettes at a young age would be a form of symbolic interaction. The majority of companies who manufacture tobacco constantly warn of the dangers and health effects that come with the product.

They also tend to emphasize the dangers of this product on individuals of a young age. Regardless of the health risks that it has on this group of individuals, this act can project the image of being cool towards their peers (Thoughtco, 2017). Because this dangerous behavior appears “cool”, young individuals will be more likely to participate in it often. The act of smoking in front of like-minded peers results in the formation of social bonds. Social bonds amongst young peers based off of smoking cigarettes ties in a certain image.


The image of being cool by performing a certain behavior outlines the overall meaning of symbolic interaction in real life. Another example of symbolic interactions in life would be an individual’s tendency to attend a job and work productively as compared to not attending the job and being unproductive. There could be multiple meanings behind an individual who tends to stay productive, like financial gains. Being financially stable is a necessity of living in today’s world. More financial gains result in more financial sustainability, which is vital to life.

Because of these financial gains, the individual will continue to attend their job and stay productive rather than stay home and be unproductive. The want for a financial status serves as the meaning behind this repeated action. The fact that there’s an overall meaning for performing this action proves that action is a form of symbolic interaction (Wordpress, 2017). Examples of symbolic interaction in life can also be applied to gender-defined roles. Activities that display the role of a boy or girl can include many symbolic meanings for that individual.


References

Szeto, A. (2013, April 17). Wordpress.com. Examples from my everyday life: Symbolic interaction | Andrea Szeto. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from http://andreaszeto.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/examples-from-my-everyday-life-symbolic-interaction/


Crossman, A. (2017, August 07). ThoughtCo.com is the World's Largest Education Resource. Learn About Symbolic Interactionism. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from http://www.thoughtco.com/symbolic-interaction-theory-3026633


(2017). Reference.com - What's Your Question. What are some examples of symbolic interactionism? | Reference.com. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from http://www.reference.com/world-view/examples-symbolic-interactionism-d39858ee4756ae7e#

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