What is the Difference Between Symbolic Interactionism and Social Constructionism

The main difference between symbolic interactionism and social constructionism is that symbolic interactionism is a micro-level theory, while social constructionism is a macro-level theory.

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that analyzes how humans use symbols to interact/communicate with each other while social constructivism is a theory that analyzes how we, as a society, construct abstract concepts and principles.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Symbolic Interactionism
– Definition, Characteristics
2. What is Social Constructionism
– Definition, Characteristics
3. What is the Relationship Between Symbolic Interactionism and Social Constructionism
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Symbolic Interactionism and Social Constructionism
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Social Constructionism, Symbolic Interactionism

What is Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that analyses the symbolic meaning people develop and build upon in the process of social interaction. This theory examines the society by addressing the subjective meanings that people give to objects, events, and behaviours. Subjective meanings are important because people behave based on what they believe and not on what is objectively true. Thus, according to symbolic interactionism, society is socially constructed through human interpretation. We interpret one another’s behaviour, and social bonds form on the basis of these interpretations. Moreover, this theory also describes that words/language, gestures, and other symbols facilitate human interactions, and over time these gestures acquire conventionalized meanings.

Symbolic interactionism is considered to be a micro-level theory, and most research studies on symbolic interactionism are based on individuals’ observations. Furthermore, the concept of symbolic interactionism was conceived by George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley. But it as Herbert Blumer, who was a student and interpreter of Mead, that coined the term symbolic interactionism and developed the theory further.

Social constructionism is a theory in sociology that states meaning and knowledge are socially created. According to this theory, what we believe as the objective reality is actually a social construct. Therefore, what we consider as natural or normal in society are not a correct reflection of reality. For example, our understanding of concepts like race, gender, and class are social constructs. The concept of currency or money is another example of a social construct since it’s the people in society that gives currency its value. Social constructs are generally created within specific cultures and institutions. Moreover, these constructs can differ according to the society and the time period. Hence, these can change as society changes. Furthermore, social constructionism theory revolves around the notion that we develop meanings in coordination with others, not separately as individuals.

There are three main features or points in social constructionism.

Knowledge is a social construct.
Language is central to social construction.
Knowledge construction is politically driven.

According to both theories, reality (as we know it) and knowledge are social constructs.
Moreover, there is considerable overlap between these theories.

Definition

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that analyzes society by addressing the subjective meanings that people give to objects, events, and behaviours. Social constructionism, on the other hand, is a sociological theory that states knowledge is a social construct.

Nature

Moreover, symbolic interactionism is a micro-level theory, while social constructionism is a macro-level theory.

Function

Symbolic interactionism analyzes how humans use symbols to interact/communicate with each other while social constructivism analyzes how humans construct abstract concepts and principles, as a society.

Conclusion

The main difference between symbolic interactionism and social constructionism is that symbolic interactionism is a micro-level theory, while social constructionism is a macro-level theory. Symbolic interactionism analyzes how humans use symbols to interact/communicate with each other while social constructivism analyzes how humans construct abstract concepts and principles, as a society.

Reference:

1. Crossman, Ashley. “What Is Symbolic Interactionism?” ThoughtCo, Available here.
2. Vinney, Cynthia. “Social Constructionism Definition.” ThoughtCo, Available here.