Week 9: Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic Interactionism is about the interpretation between two people on their actions where human interaction is mediated by the use of symbols. As explained by Erving Goffman (1959), “When an individual enters the presence of others, they commonly seek to acquire information about him or to bring into play information about him already possessed.” (p1) We seek to predict the behavior and the personality of that person through their actions. Everything is symbolic, even signs. But in semiotic terms, signs are not symbols. For this theory, I will use the movie ‘Pride and Prejudice’ as an example.

In this poster we have Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. In this movie, Elizabeth judges Mr. Darcy through his actions and how he interacts with the others. As mentioned by Griffin (2012):

“Blumer starts with the premise that humans act toward people or things on the basis of meanings they assign to those people or things. It's our interpretation that counts.” (p55)

Elizabeth’s interpretation on Darcy is based on his actions when she asked about his opinion in dancing. Mr. Darcy stated that he does not dance, and rejected to dance with anyone. In that instant, Elizabeth immediately labeled him as ‘proud’. But Elizabeth does not know him well, as his gestures to her may seem proud, but to those who knew him well, he is simply shy. From here, misunderstanding occurred and Elizabeth was given a bad impression by Mr. Darcy.

According to George Cronk : “When the individual making the gestures understands the response of another to his gestures, he is capable of significant communication (language).” (p4) Elizabeth did not understand Mr. Darcy’s gestures; this she was not able to continue any conversations with Mr. Darcy.

References:
Griffin, E. (2012) A First Look At Communication Theory (8th Edition). New York. McGraw Hill.

George, C. Symbolic Interactionism: A “Left-Meadian” Interpretation. Retrieved 2012, April 12 from http://www.bergen.edu/faculty/gcronk/leftmead.pdf

Erving, G. (1959). Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Doubleday & Company Inc. Carden City: New York