Symbolic Interactionism Research Articles

The Honor of Women and <i>Belis</i> in Manggarai Traditional Marriage Customs

This study explores the functions and meanings of belis, a traditional dowry or bride price in Manggarai culture, within marriage ceremonies in Mbuit Village, West Manggarai. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach grounded in symbolic interactionism, data were collected through in-depth interviews with cultural informants, supported by observation and literature review, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman three-step framework. The findings reveal that belis serves as a key cultural element, fostering social integration, promoting harmony, and preserving traditions in Manggarai marriages. Symbolically, belis represents the union of two families (social integration) and signifies an economic exchange. The study also highlights the challenges faced by families, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, in fulfilling the belis requirements, underscoring its deep cultural significance and the commitment it represents.

The nexus between multilingualism and criminality in West Africa through the lens of symbolic interactionism theory

The nexus between multilingualism and criminality in West Africa through the lens of symbolic interactionism theory

Identity Work: A Qualitative Study of Residents’ Experiences Navigating Identity Struggles

Introduction: Medical training traditionally holds a deterministic view of professional socialization wherein many medical learners struggle to construct a professional identity. Previous research has demonstrated the dysfunctional norms and conflicting ideologies that create identity struggle, disproportionally affecting women and individuals underrepresented in medicine. Symbolic interactionism can help explain identity struggles, emphasizing the influence of socio-contextual factors on identity construction. The purpose of this study was to explore how residents navigate identity struggles during residency training. Method: We conducted a qualitative exploration of 12 residents in three specialties at three academic institutions in the United States. Participants engaged in rich picture drawings followed by one-on-one interviews. We coded transcript data and met regularly to identify themes related to residents’ experiences with navigating professional identity struggles. Results: We identified three main themes on navigating identity struggles: the weight of identity work, the isolating nature of identity work, and the navigation that occurs with and against socio-contextual currents. Residents described identity work as navigation like a boat at sea. This work felt weighty and at times overwhelming and residents often felt unable to discuss their identity struggles with others. Residents utilized what agency they had to either navigate with the current, navigating towards acceptable—albeit imperfect—paths forward, or attempting to go against the current to forge new paths through resistance. Discussion: This study highlights how context enables and constrains identity construction, how contextual constraints can create dissonance between identities, and the considerable effort required to reconcile dissonance and construct professional identities. Training program adjustments, enhanced resident support, and cultural shifts are required to sustain residents’ identity work. Medical professionals should engage in collective identity work to reimagine the profession’s identity by addressing dysfunctional cultural norms.

Men at Work: How Are Masculinities Constituted and Performed in Work and Employment Settings?

This collection addresses the question: how are masculinities constituted and performed in work and employment settings? Work, Employment and Society has published many studies which show people performing, engaging and resisting constitutions of masculinities in employment settings. This collection brings 11 of these publications together to show how and why masculinities – as culturally constructed constitutions and performances – are reproduced, consolidated and contested in work and employment contexts. Three categories are used to order the selected publications: (1) precariousness, (2) embodiment and (3) symbolic interactions. The collection provides a body of work showing what we know (and do not know) about how masculinities are constituted and performed in employment settings, which contemporary scholars can consult, engage with and build on as the sociological intersection of gender, masculinities and work evolves, especially at the empirical level.

How Experiences of Stigma and Discrimination at Various Points in the Queer Life Course Interrelate with Alcohol Use: Views from Sexually and Gender Diverse Youth

Background: The life courses of sexually and gender diverse individuals are shaped by a series of events that include acceptance of one’s own sexual orientation or gender identity, the coming out process and socialization in the LGBTQ+ (for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and other sexual orientations and gender identities represented by the plus sign) environment. Generally experienced in a cis-heteronormative context, this process is marked by stigma and discrimination and the social harms they can cause, including a higher-than-average prevalence of alcohol use. Objectives: To profile the alcohol use of sexually and gender diverse (SGD) youth from a life course perspective and to explore individual perceptions regarding the personal, social and cultural factors (including stigmatization and its consequences) modulating their consumption. Methodology: This qualitative descriptive study is grounded in symbolic interactionism. Semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 90 min were conducted with LGBTQ+ youth aged 18 to 30 using alcohol at least once a week. A thematic analysis was performed. Results: A total of 31 individuals aged 18–29 (average age: 25) were interviewed. The average score regarding alcohol use was 14.25 (Standard Deviation -SD-: 4–31), which corresponds to a moderate risk and indicates the need for a brief intervention. Our study documents how the higher alcohol use among LGBTQ+ youth is shaped by individual, community and cultural factors at different points in the queer life course. Among the factors influencing drinking are the emotions experienced when questioning sexual orientation and/or gender identity as well as the feelings resulting from stigma and discrimination. Our findings also indicate the influence of socializing in the queer community and meeting peers and partners, as well as that of LGBTQ+ cultural practices. Discussion: Our study indicates the need for grassroots-level interventions that work to mitigate social pressures in queer socialization contexts. Accordingly, any intervention, whether preventive or therapeutic, must consider the interplay of personal, social, community and cultural factors. Interventions regarding alcohol use must build on the strengths of community and the sense of belonging.

Social interaction in an inclusive educational space in the context of studying the existential foundations of being a person with disabilities

Introduction. Considering the existential foundations of the existence of a person with disabilities in an inclusive educational space is conceptually, practically, and methodologically significant for philosophical and socio-cultural aspects of studying the specifics of inclusive reality. In line with modern philosophical trends, searching for and forming a correct conceptual and categorical apparatus is crucial; such an apparatus will be the theoretical basis for adequate presentation and interpretation of issues arising in the study of an inclusive society. Using the concept of social interaction, the work aims to consider how individual existential aspects of a person with disabilities are formed and implemented in an inclusive educational space. Materials and methods. The theoretical basis of the work is scientific sources concerning the everyday issues of people with disabilities, associated with a systematic approach to the functional features and mechanisms of the inclusive educational space. Correct and adequate presentation of priority tasks and transformation directions for an inclusive society, based on existential and phenomenological approaches, actualizes the use of symbolic interactionism, phenomenological reduction, and the praxemic method. Research results. An integral study of the life activity of people in different social groups and strata, complexes of motives for behavioral activity, and psycho-emotional reflection of radical transformations in the inclusive society are priorities of theoretical understanding of an inclusive educational space. Social interaction in the educational space is associated with the fact that a cognitive individual with disabilities reconstructs other subjects with disabilities as completely conscious objects from the point of view of intersubjectivity and using one’s own experience of understanding and interpreting the origins and essence of one’s own individual existence. Conclusion. Considering the existential foundations of an individual with disabilities primarily concerns their construction in relation to individual experience and with an emphasis on the complex of associations and experiences of sensory representations and the system of mental images. Substantial characteristics of individual experience allow constructing multi-level models that reflect the complexity of intentions and existential experiences of a person with disabilities and the features of their own interval trajectory of involvement in the inclusive educational space.

Form And Meaning of Javanese Woman’s Masculinity in Joko Anwar’s “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” (2019)

This research aims to find out the form and meaning of Javanese women’s resistance of NyiMisni, a Javanese woman character in the film entitled “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” (2019), and how her masculinity is reflected through the interaction between her and other characters in the film. The analysis is conducted in the context of patriarchal domination over Javanese women specifically, and Indonesian women in general. The main data is obtained from the dialog uttered by the main female character, NyiMisni, in Joko Anwar’s “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” (2019) film. It is supported by secondary data from other articles that mentioned masculinity traits shown by Javanese female characters in other films. The method of collecting data used in this research is the observation method using an observation technique. The techniques conducted are watching the movie, note-taking all dialogues that contain masculinity features, and classifying the data based on the masculinity features shown by NyiMisni. The analysis is conducted using Bem’s Sex Role Inventory (1982) and the theory of symbolic interactionism by Smelser (2013. Furthermore, the speech act theory by Searle (1976) is used as the supporting theory. The findings discovered some forms and meanings of Javanese women’s resistance as the masculinity features shown by NyiMisni and how she interacts with other participants through her utterances. Female masculinity is featured in assertiveness, dominance, and aggression. Her utterance is directly conducted, yet the intention is indirect.

Naming, labelling and the cultural construction of the identity of persons with albinism in East, Central, and West Africa

ABSTRACT Names and labels attributed to persons with albinism (PWA) in East, Central, and West Africa, reflect deeply rooted cultural beliefs, superstitions, and etiological and historical narratives. In these regions, the identity of the black PWA differs by his/her black/white duality – Black but not black, white but not White. Using Labelling and Symbolic Interactionism frameworks, we address three questions: (i) How are PWA named and labelled across East, Central, and West Africa? (ii) How can we categorise the predominant names and labels? (iii) How do these names and labels reflect socio-cultural conceptions, affect behaviour towards PWA, and contribute to the external construction of the identity of PWA? Principal categories emerge: supernatural affiliation, pigmentation, association with economic capital, vegetal and earth affiliations, zoosemic metaphors, and ambiguous/undetermined labels. These categories reflect cultural sentiments ranging from adulation to ostracisation, influencing social behaviour and identity construction. While some cultures regard PWA as celestial entities, others link them to curses or tragedy. Labels that commodify PWA render them targets for exploitation and violence, while vegetal, zoosemic, and ambiguous terminology contribute to alienation and identity crisis. This research demonstrates how cultural constructs of identity through language reinforce stigma and prejudice against PWA, worsening their social marginalisation.

Research on Online Games and Social Interaction

This paper delves into the central position of online games in contemporary society and their close relationship with social interaction. With the popularity of the Internet, online games have become one of the most important ways of leisure and social communication. The study outlines the development of MMOs, from their origins to their diverse classifications, and in particular how their unique social characteristics facilitate interactions between players. Through theoretical analysis combined with social exchange theory and symbolic interaction theory, this paper reveals the mechanisms of social interactions in MMOs, including inter-player exchanges, cooperation and competition, and explores how these interactions profoundly affect players' gaming experience and behavioural decisions. Further, this paper analyses the trend of convergence between online games and social networks, and how this convergence enhances the social attributes and player engagement of games. At the same time, the paper also focuses on the social problems that online games may bring, such as Internet addiction and social disorders, cyberbullying, etc., and looks forward to the impact of technological advances on future social interaction patterns. Finally, the paper summarises the potential and challenges faced by online games in promoting healthy social interactions, and puts forward suggestions for future research with a view to promoting the healthy development of the field of online games and social interactions.

Social Aspects of Food and Nutrition: An Overview

This article explores the multifaceted social aspects of food and nutrition, examining how cultural, economic, and social factors influence dietary habits and health outcomes. It discusses sociological perspectives, including structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, highlighting their relevance to food and nutrition. The article also addresses food as a social problem, focusing on issues such as food safety, biotechnology, and dietary disorders, and the role of public health policies in managing these concerns. Cultural influences on food and nutrition are analyzed with examples from various societies, illustrating how traditional foods, religious beliefs, and globalization shape dietary practices. Social influences on eating behavior, including family, peer, and societal norms, are explored, emphasizing their implications for nutritional interventions. The article delves into socio-economic inequalities in nutrition, discussing barriers to healthy eating faced by low-income populations and proposing strategies to address these disparities. Finally, the emerging field of nutritional epigenetics is examined, considering its social and biological implications for long-term health outcomes.

Toddlers as ‘new-comers’: the social lives of very young children during transition into an established group

ABSTRACT There are a significant number of toddlers participating in early childcare (ECE) services in New Zealand. At the same time, there is a dearth of research examining these toddlers during their first ECE experiences. The extant literature has predominantly focused on adult–child relationships rather than toddlers’ experiences with their peers. A qualitative inquiry was undertaken wherein video footage and observations were recorded of two toddlers transitioning into an ECE setting; with their interactions with peers being observed especially. The children’s teacher was also interviewed. The findings were interpreted through a symbolic interactionist lens and themes were coded iteratively. The findings showed that the two transitioning children were motivated to participate in peer-related activities by using specific strategies such as passing toys, being close, and making physical contact. However, at times the peer group resisted these two newcomers and their ‘initial entry’ into the group. Despite this, the transitioning children demonstrated strong resilience and perseverance. This study shed light on the power of peer affiliation. It reminds educators that peer affiliation is as important as adult–child relationship and it should be reflected in the teaching curriculum in particular for those who transition from home to group care for the first time.

Being is said in many ways

Abstract The article focuses on the ontological foundations of lifeworld as Being taken for granted and viewed as a communication phenomenon par excellence, conceptualized as signifying in the presence of others. It is argued that, because there is always a wider horizon of experience against which anything can appear, lifeworld as something continuous can only be thematized in discrete scientific forms. In the article, lifeworld is discussed through the perspectives of four different sciences. From the natural science perspective, lifeworld is conceptualized as an arrangement contingent on the interconnections of human and nonhuman beings. It takes the form of conversation and can be best examined by Conversation Analysis. From the social science perspective, lifeworld is conceptualized as an order that is constituted by symbolic interactions and guided by relevant types and rules that structure our experience. It takes the form of intersubjective action as a meaningful back and forth and can be best examined by Discourse Analysis. From the cultural sciences perspective, lifeworld is the realm of spirit passed from generation to generation that gives human culture its meaning. It takes the form of significant expressions and can be best examined by Textual Hermeneutic Analysis. And, from the philosophical perspective, lifeworld is constituted by phenomena that appear, or monstrate themselves, to consciousness. This lifeworld is of absolute reversibility and immediacy and can be best examined by Critical Analysis, i.e., by postulating our relation to any object through contemplation. Thus, as Being, lifeworld is said in many ways, each lifeworld being relevant in its own way by providing a valuable resource – physico-biological, normative, significational, and transcendental.

Transforming Nasal Irrigation Experience of Children and Families with Therapeutic Instructional Plays.

In Brazil, nasal irrigation is a common procedure for children hospitalized with respiratory conditions. However, it often causes stress for both the child and their family. Nurses need to rethink their approach to care, and the use of therapeutic play can be an ally in transforming the stressful context. To understand the family perceptions of nasal irrigation in hospitalized children after an educational intervention mediated by instructional therapeutic play (ITP). This descriptive, exploratory, and qualitative study was conducted from the perspective of Herbert Blumer's Symbolic Interactionism in a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The study included family members of hospitalized children aged 3-6 years who participated in an ITP intervention and remained for 6 hours afterward. Participants self-reported literacy with preserved cognition and verbal communication. This study was conducted between March 2023 and January 2024 using semi-structured interviews with 38 family members. Data were analyzed using Bardin's thematic content and lexical analysis with IRAMUTEQ® software. The interaction of families with ITP for nasal irrigation in children led to a redefinition of the procedure from distressing to enjoyable. ITP was evaluated as an essential and stimulating method that familiarized the child with the procedure, facilitating the understanding process for both the child and the family. ITP is a caregiving technology that nurses can use to assist with nasal irrigation, re-signifying the experiences of children and their families during the procedure.

Pola Komunikasi Ibu Tunggal Dalam Proses Perkembangan Karakter Anak Studi Kualitatif pada Mahasiswa/i Ilmu Komunikasi FISIP UNSIKA Angkatan 2020

The high rate of divorce in Indonesia raises new concerns for parents in educating their children. The integrity of family members is essential in fostering positive character development in children. For a mother, fulfilling two roles within the family is not an easy task. The application of different communication patterns can lead to varying character development in children. This study aims to identify the communication patterns employed by single mothers in the character development of their children, as well as to understand the obstacles faced by single mothers in communicating with their children. This research uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological study approach. The theory used in this research is symbolic interactionism. Data collection was conducted through observation, in-depth interviews, and literature studies. The findings indicate that there are several different communication patterns implemented by single mothers in educating and shaping their childrens positive character. The obstacles faced by each family vary, but each family strives to maintain effective communication within the family.

“Moving choice to center stage” in the relationship between the self and offending: Integrating symbolic interactionism and rational choice

Symbolic interactionism (SI) and rational choice (RC) can inform two parts of one process in which an individual's self guides their choice to offend. Building on the work of others who have referenced their theoretical compatibility, I draw explicit connections between the key concepts of each perspective to propose an integrated framework for examining variation in offending both between- and within-persons. The framework proposes a process by which individuals hold several structured role-identities that inform expectations of the risks, costs, and rewards of offending, and together these role-identities comprise a core self that influences the degree to which one weighs these expectations (preferences) in behavioral decisions. Further development of this integrated model can advance empirical tests of SI and RC.

Roles and Interaction of Supervisors and Students in Collective Academic Supervision: A Qualitative Study in China

Abstract Collective academic supervision (cas) is a form of student-supervisor interaction for academic learning. This paper is a qualitative case study using observation and interviews to explore the roles and interactions of supervisors and students in three cas groups in a university. Symbolic interaction theory was employed for data analysis, also taking into account the influence of the higher education context on the roles and interactions of participants. The research found that supervisors and students create various symbols through the discussion in cas. The symbols in question have exerted a substantial influence on the reciprocal relationship between supervisors and students, functioning as symbolic representations of the profound effects on students’ intellectual development and emotional energy.

The role of virtual influencers in environmental messaging: a case study of Noonoouri

ABSTRACT In the realm of social media, virtual influencers have become influential voices in advocating for environmental sustainability. This research investigate their communication strategies and audience responses. Through qualitative analysis, we explore how virtual influencers, exemplified by Noonoouri, convey environmental messages on Instagram and how audiences respond to these messages. Our findings reveal that virtual influencers employ a multifaceted approach, utilizing informative content and captivating visuals to engage audiences and promote sustainability. Audience responses predominantly reflect admiration, inspiration, and support for virtual influencers’ advocacy efforts, highlighting their effectiveness in driving environmental awareness and action. By applying Social Performance Theory as a theoretical framework, this study provides insights into the symbolic interactions and cultural dynamics inherent in influencer communication. The implications of our research extend to informing stakeholders interested in leveraging virtual influencers for sustainability promotion, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in environmental communication and digital marketing. This also contributes to the understanding of the role of media and technology in the social construction of environmental problems and solutions.

Islamic values in "Bhupa' Bhabbhu' Ghuru Rato" on The Madurese Mondok (Boarding) Tradition

This research aims to explore the meaning of religiosity and cultural compliance of Bhupa' Bhabbhu' Ghuru Rato in Madurese society. This culture is the values, guidelines, norms of life that are believed by the community for generations. In the context of communication studies, tradition and culture become an interesting research phenomenon. Islam and culture are inseparable. This research uses the ethnographic method of communication in the community of Brambang Hamlet, Sumenep, which has a tradition of Islamic boarding school (Pondok Pesantren). This research reveals that the meaning of the value of religiosity and Bhuppa'-Bhabbhu'-Ghuru-Rato obedience of each individual community varies based on their respective experiences and perspectives obtained from the symbolic interaction process. Nevertheless, all informants in this study agreed that the mondok tradition is important to be preserved in order to teach and develop the values of religiosity and obedience.

Symbolic Meanings in the Social Interaction of <i>Santri</i> in the <i>Pesantren</i> Environment

This study examines the symbolic meaning of students' social interactions with ustadz, teachers, fellow students, and parents at the Muhammadiyah Boarding School Al-Manar South Sumatra. Using a descriptive qualitative approach based on case studies, this study used observation, interviews, and documentation as data collection techniques. Analysis techniques included coding and categorizing the collected data to identify related patterns and themes. This study's findings revealed that students' interactions with ustadz and teachers are symbolized by bowing and kissing the hand, reflecting respect, religious obedience, and social hierarchy. These traditions strengthen the cultural and spiritual bonds between students and their teachers. Among fellow students, calling each other akhi (brother) and ukhti (sister) symbolizes respect, unity, and leadership development. These interactions help strengthen social structures and foster character development. Interactions with parents expressed through hand kissing and santri sambangan (visits) reflect respect, emotional connection, and community support. This symbolic interaction serves as character education for the students, instilling social ethics and cultural continuity. However, the focus of the study on one pesantren limits its generalizability. Future research should explore symbolic interactions in other pesantren to provide a broader perspective. The originality of this study lies in its focus on the role of symbols in shaping hierarchies and social identities in pesantren. By examining the pesantren educational environment, this study offers new insights into how symbols influence the dynamics of power, order, and communal values.

The role of alcohol consumption in the lives of older Australian women: qualitative insights and an agenda for further research, policy and practice

BackgroundAlcohol consumption presents a threat to the health and wellbeing of women. The alcohol industry often pushes back at global efforts to prioritise the prevention of alcohol harms to women. Qualitative researchers have investigated how younger and midlife women conceptualise their alcohol consumption, but there is very limited research relating to older women (those 60 years and over).MethodsUsing data collected from an online qualitative survey, this paper explored the factors that influence how older Australian women drinkers (n = 144. 60–88 years) conceptualised the role of alcohol in their lives. The study used a ‘Big Q’ reflexive approach to thematic analysis, drawing upon sociological theories of risk and symbolic interactionism to construct four themes from the data.ResultsFirst, alcohol consumption was viewed by participants as an accepted and normalised social activity, that was part of Australian culture. Second, alcohol played a role for some participants as a way to cope with life changes (such as retirement), as well as managing stressful or challenging life circumstances (such as loneliness). Third, alcohol was part of the routines and rituals of everyday life for some women. For example, women discussed the consumption of wine with their evening meal as an important part of the structure of their day. Fourth, participants had clear personal expectancies about what it meant to be a ‘responsible drinker’. They had clear narratives about personal control and moral obligation, which in some cases created a reduced perception of their own risk of alcohol-caused harm.ConclusionsThis research provides a starting point for future public health research examining the factors that may shape older women’s alcohol consumption beliefs and practices. Public health activities should consider the unique needs and potential vulnerabilities of older women drinkers, and how these may be potentially exploited by the alcohol industry.