1. Symbolic Interactionism

2. What is Symbolic Interactionism?
Symbolic Interactionism believes that:
The individual is at the centre of understanding society because social values and roles are formed by individual interpretation.
An individual creates a sense of self by the reactions of others.
Social life depends on our ability to imagine ourselves in social roles and the ability to see ourselves reflected in the experiences of those around us.
Society functions smoothly because people are greatly influenced by how others respond to their behaviour.
The way that individuals give meaning to social interactions is important.
We accept roles for ourselves in order to fit into the society in which we live.

3. Is Symbolic Interactionism a Macro or Micro Theory?
It is a micro theory.
It studies human interaction at the micro level.

4. Max Weber (1864 – 1920)
Weber developed a theory called rationalization.
It is the idea that social actions are motivated by efficiency or benefit, rather than morality, custom, or emotion.
Weber believed that rationalization helps society function efficiently.
He was certain that people could free themselves from the capitalist system through bureaucracy instead of revolution.
It is a large administration that pursues a wide variety of goals.
People are given specialized tasks (based on their competence) and each role is supervised in a hierarchy.

5. George Herbert Mead (1920s)
Mead believed that symbols are the key to understanding how we view the world and communicate.
Without symbols, he said that we would not know how to interact with others.
He believed that symbols can help identify people and places.
Ultimately, Mead said that symbols define our relationships.

6. Group Activity Find a group of 4 or 5 people to work with.
Using chart paper and markers, draw symbols that represent youth culture.

7. Read p. 110-112 and do the following:
What does the research in The Chicago School focus on?
How did Charles Cooley describe the primary group?
What is the looking-glass self?
What did George Herbert Mead focus on?
What is C. Wright Mills most known for?

8. Source:
Social Science: An Introduction. Canada: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2011, p. 119.