What does symbolic interactionism emphasize in social interactions?

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the importance of symbols and language in social interactions because it focuses on the meanings individuals assign to their social world through their interactions with others. This sociological perspective suggests that people create and interpret symbols in their everyday lives, such as words, gestures, and objects, which enable them to communicate and form social bonds.

In symbolic interactionism, reality is seen as socially constructed, meaning that individuals negotiate and redefine meanings continuously based on their interactions. For instance, a handshake might symbolize greeting or agreement, while a thumbs-up could signify approval. Such symbols are not inherently meaningful by themselves; rather, their significance is derived from the social contexts and relationships of those using them.

By concentrating on the micro-level of individual interactions and the subjective meanings attached, symbolic interactionism provides insight into how social order and social change emerge from everyday behavior. This emphasis on symbolism distinguishes it from other sociological frameworks that may prioritize structural factors like economic systems or historical contexts.