Symbolic Interactionism is a sociological perspective that focuses on how people create and interpret symbols in their everyday interactions. It emphasizes that our understanding of the world is shaped by the meanings we attach to objects, events, and behaviors. For example, a traffic light symbolizes different actions—red means stop, while green means go—based on shared social agreements.
This theory suggests that individuals actively construct their social reality through communication and interaction. For instance, the way we perceive a friendship can change based on shared experiences and conversations, highlighting the importance of context in shaping our relationships and identities.