Symbolic Interactionism is an interdisciplinary theory that examines how symbols and symbols interact to impact individual and social behavior. This theory is based on the assumption that symbols are powerful and can significantly impact how people think, feel, and behave.
One of the key tenets of symbolic interactionism is that symbols are constantly transforming. This means that symbols can take on different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. This can lead to various consequences, including forming shared meanings and creating social relationships.
The Milgram experiment is one of the most famous examples of the power of symbols. This study demonstrated the impact that symbols could have on the behavior of individuals. Participants were asked to administer shock treatments to other participants who supposedly were receiving them voluntarily. However, it was later revealed that the participants were fake shocked.
The Milgram experiment results showed that many people are willing to administer shocks to other individuals if they are told to do so by a person in a position of authority. This demonstrates the powerful impact that symbols can have on the behavior of individuals.
