Who Developed the Social Interaction Theory?

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Jane Flores

The Social Interaction Theory is one of the most significant theories in social psychology. It explains how people interact and behave in social situations.

But who developed this theory? Let’s dive into the history of this theory and explore its origins.

What is the Social Interaction Theory?

The Social Interaction Theory is a sociological and psychological theory that explains how individuals interact with each other in social situations. This theory suggests that our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are shaped by our interactions with others. In other words, our behavior is not only influenced by our personality but also by the social context we find ourselves in.

The Origin of the Social Interaction Theory

The Social Interaction Theory was first developed by George Herbert Mead, an American philosopher, sociologist, and psychologist. Mead was born in 1863 in Massachusetts and studied at Harvard University. He was a member of the Chicago School of Sociology.

George Herbert Mead

Mead was interested in understanding how individuals develop their sense of self. He believed that individuals develop their sense of self through interaction with others. Mead argued that there are two aspects to the self: the “I” (the subjective aspect) and the “Me” (the objective aspect).

  • The I: The subjective aspect of the self refers to our individuality, creativity, and spontaneity.
  • The Me: The objective aspect of the self refers to our understanding of how others see us.

According to Mead, individuals develop their sense of self through a process called “role-taking.” Role-taking involves imagining oneself from another person’s perspective. By doing so, individuals learn to predict how others will react to their behavior.

Mead’s Influence on Modern Social Psychology

Mead’s Social Interaction Theory had a significant impact on the development of modern social psychology. Mead’s work helped to shift the focus of psychology from an individualistic approach to a more social approach. Today, social psychologists study how individuals interact with each other and how social contexts influence behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Social Interaction Theory was developed by George Herbert Mead. Mead’s work helped to shape modern social psychology by emphasizing the importance of social context in shaping behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. The Social Interaction Theory continues to be an essential theory in social psychology today and is widely used to understand how individuals interact with each other in social situations.