Symbolic interaction perspective, also known as interactionist perspective. Unlike functional and conflict perspective, interactionist perspective focus on; micro level analysis of society. In fact, interactionist are interested in the very basic and building block of society, “social interaction”. Social interaction; is sociological term, used for the situation; where two or more than two individual, laugh, talk, walk, play, fight, hate, love and work with one another. Social scientist who follow symbolic interaction perspective assume that, each individual understand their surroundings and situations by symbols. Moreover, symbols are learned from social interaction. Let’s take a general example; in every society basic way of communication is language, different languages are spoken in different part of world, according to interactionists, language is a symbol through which we send, receive and interpret the message. Symbolic interactionist major question of study is that, how social structure of society is related to the symbolic experiences of individuals? Suppose, if symbolic interactionists would have to conduct research study on “causes of violence against women”, their prime focus would be on the social interactions. In some societies more importance is given to boys compare to girls. Furthermore, in such society boys grew up as a center of attraction, whereas, girls are ignored and merely, obligated to perform household duties. Growing up in such social structure; boys may learn and have a feeling of superiority over girls which can become a cause of violence against women. Gender biased social structure produce gender biased social interactions, which may result in violence against women. However, symbolic interaction perspective addresses symbolic meaning of human actions and the process by which it is learned and shared.
Assumptions behind Symbolic Interaction Perspective
Research of symbolic interaction perspective is based on the following three assumptions.
Importance of meaning; individual behavior in a society carry many symbols each of them have multiple meaning. It’s imperative for researcher to understand the importance of symbols, what meaning it holds for participants.
Meanings depend on relationships; when relationship change meaning change with it.
Meanings are negotiated; meanings are not accepted without criticism, each individual play an active role in negotiating meaning.