Symbolic Interaction Theory: Human life is lived in the symbolic domain. Symbols are culturally derived social objects having shared meanings that are created and maintained in social interaction. Through language and communication, symbols provide the means by which reality is constructed.
(Source:"Symbolic Interactionism." International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family. 2003. Retrieved October 09, 2015 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3406900426.html)
Apply: When community developers and/or social workers go into a community they have a different symbolic meaning to community members. Some community members may see them negatively as taking children away or disrupting the community, while other community members may see them in a positive way like helping rebuild the community and giving the community needed resources. It is important for social workers and/or community developers to keep in mind what symbol they may hold for their clients or community members.
Adapt: This theory is also important in law enforcement. There are many symbols that help society know what to do and not do. This includes no parking signs, restroom signs, bike path symbols, no trespassing signs, and more. These symbols have shared cultural meaning.
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