The Symbolic Interaction Perspective: Exploring Dramaturgy and Self-Awareness

The Symbolic Interaction Perspective: Exploring Dramaturgy and Self-Awareness
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The Symbolic Interaction Perspective: Exploring Dramaturgy and Self-Awareness
Analysis of the Basic Tenets of the Symbolic Interaction Perspective
The Symbolic Interaction perspective, developed by George Herbert Mead and further elucidated through the work of Erving Goffman, is a lens to understand social interactions better. It emphasizes that an individual's self-awareness develops in response to how they are perceived or judged by other people's perspectives/ symbols (Bauman & May, 2019). This process allows behavior to be altered depending on whom an individual interacts with at any given time, thus implying malleability when it comes to "the self," as each person adjusts themselves according to different societal expectations. At its core, this theory revolves around two essential concepts. Firstly, the idea that symbols have a meaning which can differ from culture/community. What may symbolize freedom in one community could represent imprisonment elsewhere.
Secondly, individuals use these meanings as communication tools, creating new symbolic systems such as language and shared societal norms and values. For example, if a person is playing chess with someone else, they would need some knowledge regarding pieces and moves. However, they must also agree upon specific rules before beginning the game; otherwise, chaos may ensue! Furthermore, since reality is constructed based on an interaction between individuals, it follows that everyone has something unique about them due to cultural differences like beliefs and attitudes. In addition, this interaction constantly shifts as each change in age and experience leads to a dynamic interpretation of reality. The Symbolic Interaction perspective provides insight into how people construct and interpret their realities based on social interactions (Charmaz et al., 2019). It suggests that identities are fluid and ever-changing due to cultural norms and values, which can differ from person to person, thus allowing individuals to shape themselves according to their experiences or those around them.
Psychologist George Herbert Mead developed a theory of the development of self-awareness in humans that begins with imitation and progresses to more abstract forms such as role-taking and playacting. Through this process, people learn how their behavior affects others within their communities (societies). This understanding is shaped by culture since it bases behaviors on normative standards set forth by those around them. Mead identified three distinct stages important for developing awareness. The preparatory stage involves learning symbols associated with something; individuals start identifying themselves with these symbols during the play stage. Lastly, the game stage reveals individuals' accurate level of understanding regarding how their behavior impacts others (Maslen, 2022). For example, if people have never been exposed to different cultures before but then visit another country, customs may vary significantly from what they are accustomed to back home.
Engaging in certain activities like playing traditional games can help such individuals...