Scribd
Upload
76 views

Symbolic Interaction Presentation

Symbolic Interaction Theory is based on 3 premises: (1) we act based on the meanings we attach to our experiences, (2) these meanings come from our interactions with others, and (3) our interpretations of interactions can lead to delayed, reflective responses rather than immediate reactions. It focuses on understanding human behavior and development through examining people's interpretations of their self and experiences in social contexts. By emphasizing environmental factors that have shaped an individual, it helps social workers understand how perception and meaning influence behavior and aid clients in taking control of their situation. However, it may ignore larger societal forces and lack clear intervention strategies.

Uploaded by

api-726313894
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
76 views

Symbolic Interaction Presentation

Symbolic Interaction Theory is based on 3 premises: (1) we act based on the meanings we attach to our experiences, (2) these meanings come from our interactions with others, and (3) our interpretations of interactions can lead to delayed, reflective responses rather than immediate reactions. It focuses on understanding human behavior and development through examining people's interpretations of their self and experiences in social contexts. By emphasizing environmental factors that have shaped an individual, it helps social workers understand how perception and meaning influence behavior and aid clients in taking control of their situation. However, it may ignore larger societal forces and lack clear intervention strategies.

Uploaded by

api-726313894
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

Symbolic Interaction Theory

Kamryn Mattison
Key Points

Symbolic Reaction Non-Symbolic Reaction 3 premises


• Our interpretation and • In the moment reactions • We act on our world
meaning of interactions and responses based on the meanings
with others that we attach to our
• Interpretation depends on experiences
the meaning • The meanings we attach
• Delayed response based to our experiences stem
on reflection from our interactions with
others
• These meanings are
affected by our
interpretations of our
interactions
Highlights individualistic thinking

Helps client
Encouraging way to take control of
Strengths view problems
process
(instead of
social worker)

Validates client’s feelings,


experiences, and point of view
May not consider all
forces that affect No complete
No clear intervention
someone’s life because foundation on viewing
tactic
of emphasis on relationships
individual experiences

Weaknesses
Ignores reality of
society as a whole  no
regard to injustice from
other viewpoints
Human Behavior and Development

Focuses on “self” and experiences


• People are active  act towards others and themselves  affects how they
behave
• Uses experiences, meanings, and interactions to understand behaviors

Looking-Glass self
• (1) We have a perception of how we present ourselves to others, which
transforms into (2) having a perception of how others evaluate us, and then
into (3) feelings about ourselves
• Feelings and perceptions can determine how we behave
Environmental Factors

• Emphasizes how environmental factors have affected the individual


• New interactions/ experiences are based on all previous experiences and interactions
• Interpretation of reality, others, and the world are based on individual life events
• all environmental factors in someone’s life contribute to how they act and respond to things 
• perception, meaning, and significance someone places on certain things tells us what has played a role in their
development/behavior 
• focusing on individual viewpoints helps us understand how environmental factors have shaped the person
• Changes in environment social workers should aim for
• More welcoming and open spaces for everyone
• everybody has a safe place to go to and interact with people without having to worry about having or giving off negative perceptions
Works Cited
• Rogers, A.T. (2019). Human Behavior in the Social Environment (5thh ed.). New York: Routledge.

You might also like