Essay explaining the self constructed, according to the symbolic interactionism and provide examples from your personal experience
Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that focuses on the way individuals construct their own identities through interactions with others and the symbols and meanings attached to those interactions. According to this theory, the self is not something that is inherent or fixed, but rather something that is continually shaped and reshaped through social processes.
One key concept in symbolic interactionism is the idea of the "self-constructed." This refers to the notion that individuals actively construct their identities through their interactions with others and the meanings they attach to those interactions. In other words, the self is not something that is given or predetermined, but rather something that is created and recreated through social interactions.
In my own personal experience, I have seen the ways in which the self is constructed through social interactions and meanings. For example, in my high school years, I was constantly trying to fit in with different social groups and adhere to certain norms and expectations in order to feel accepted and valued by my peers. I changed my appearance, my interests, and even my beliefs to align with what I thought others wanted me to be. This process of self-construction was not something that I did consciously, but rather something that happened through my interactions with others and the meanings I attached to those interactions.
Another example of self-construction in my own life is my experience in college. In this environment, I was exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of being that challenged the beliefs and identities I had previously held. Through my interactions with classmates, professors, and other members of the college community, I was able to explore new aspects of myself and experiment with different identities. This process of self-construction was facilitated by the social environment of the college and the meanings I attached to my interactions with others.
Overall, the concept of the self-constructed, as explained by symbolic interactionism, highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of identity formation. Through our interactions with others and the meanings we attach to those interactions, we are constantly creating and recreating ourselves in relation to the social world around us. This perspective offers a valuable insight into the ways in which individuals shape their identities through social processes, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of social interactions in the construction of the self.