Question

What are the Symbolic interaction Abstract of Blumer and Goffman?

Answer 1

Symbolic interaction Abstract of Blumer

As quoted by Blumer:

The term "symbolic interaction" refers, of course, to the peculiar and distinctive character of interaction as it takes place between human beings. The peculiarity consists in the fact that human beings interpret or "define" each other's actions instead of merely reacting to each other's actions. Their "response" is not made directly to the actions of one another but instead is based on the meaning which they attach to such actions. Thus, human interaction is mediated by the use of symbols, by interpretation, or by ascertaining the meaning of one another's actions. This mediation is equivalent to inserting a process of interpretation between stimulus and response in the case of human behavior.

As per Blumer's thesis, symbolic interaction has the following characteristics,

1. Use of symbols to understand and interpret actions
2. An understanding of the changes and adaptations of people over time
3. An understanding of the interactions of the self with the society and vice versa
4. The need for empirical studies in the area of symbolic interaction

Symbolic interaction Abstract of Goffman

Goffman's approach to symbolic interaction was more analytical. He liked to consider situations that happen every day, that warrant face to face social interactions and even events like weddings or funerals to know about human interactions in social settings. He brings in the concept rules, institution, rituals and the position of the society in a person's social face.

To quote Goffman,

if an individual is to show that he is a ‘nice guy’' or, by contrast, one much less nice than a human being need be, then it is through his using or not using role distance that this is likely to be done. It is right here, in manifestations of role distance, that the individual's personal style is to be found. And it is argued in this paper that role distance is almost as much subject to role analysis as are the core tasks of roles themselves.