reality they make use of social objects, that is, anything used between to actors in social

situations that have meaning and function in that social environment (Charon 46). Many social

objects are used to represent something else and are interpreted to convey more meaning. These

social objects are known as symbols and it is the core of the symbolic interactionist perspective.

Simply defined, a symbol is something that stands for something else. In Sociology, a symbol

is classified as a social object that the members of a society have agreed represents a concept, an

object, or an ideal that is not present. They are used to communicate, express intentions,

represent objects and groups and define the reality that surrounds us (Charon 46-48). They can be

separated into the categories of referential, expressive, and mixed symbols

symbolic of their disapproval of that nation?s actions, if a country boycotts the Olympic games it

The third classification rests largely on interpretation. Mixed symbols arise from that fact that

communicates its dissatisfaction with some or all of the other countries involved. Symbols such

because it is how we communicate and interact, how we define our very nature. We do not

is a symbol of your intention to listen and that you have interest in what the person has to say,

females, to convey immediately communicate the sex of the child (Kendall 70). These symbols

Some common words found in the essay are:
Diana Kendall, , Elizabeth Sociology, Interpretation Integration, symbols represent, social objects, referential symbols, Ontario Nelson, symbolic interactionist perspective, charon 50, mixed symbols, social object, interactionist perspective, symbolic interactionist, kendall 70, word pencil,
Approximate Word count = 627
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)