Mead I Say

When examining symbolic interactionism, it is easy to fall for the guise that it a psychology theory. However, thoroughly scrutinizing the theory, one will observe that it’s all sociology baby. Symbolic interaction, according to Mead, is the study of how individuals interact with symbols that surround them.

                       Examining socialization is key to really accept the justification. Mead famously quoted, ‘the inner “I” must become the social me,’ to explain primary socialization. Herein, an infant is able to see his actions in terms of its effects on others. Sociology comes alive in the second stage of socialization, secondary socialization, because it moves beyond the family into a wider society. The child learns how to operate as a member of society.

 He experiences judgments, stereotypes, and universal symbol. He exhibits societal influences as he interacts with others. Furthermore, he takes on the roles, gender identity, gender roles, sanctions, values, and norms of the culture. And when lots, and lots of individual are grouped under this observation there’s sociology, which is the study of the relationships around us and how it affects our behaviors and attitudes.