What is symbolic interactionism?
Symbolic interactionism, as I developed it, is a social psychological perspective that focuses on the nature of social interaction and the creation of meaning. It posits that human behavior is guided by the meanings people ascribe to objects, events, and other people. These meanings are not inherent but are developed and modified through social interaction. The key elements are symbols, especially significant symbols like language, which allow for the sharing and understanding of meanings between individuals and the formation of the self.
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