Defining the Symbol

A detailed Summary of Defining the Symbol


?Human beings exist and interact in a reality which they define themselves. Inside of this

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)

Category: Politics

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • Defining the Symbol1 ... Simply defined, a symbol is something that stands for something else. ... acts as a symbol in that it represents the physical object. ... 627 words
  • Lord of the Flies ... necessity. The conch represents the first defining symbol introduced in the story and probably the most defining symbol throughout. The ... 1535 words
  • Defining Literacy Defining Literacy I have always been curious as to how individuals become literate. ... Wow, this symbol always sounds the same. And the list goes on and on. ... 1267 words
  • Definitions of Words ... I will begin by defining these things as I intend to use them ... There exist various properties in a symbolamp39s object of reference which cannot be contained within ... 692 words
  • Before I go on ... I will begin by defining these things as I intend to use them ... There exist various properties in a symbolamp39s object of reference which cannot be contained within ... 694 words

Professional Essays

  • National Symbols and Patriotism ... Though the German swastika rarely evokes ampquotpositive feelingsampquot of support of the Nazi regime, it is true that it was a defining nationalist symbol that inspired ... 6581 words
  • Defining the Culture of a Company Yet this chapter, while no doubt interesting, seemed to be a blatant admission that defining a culture of a company was an almost ... The term culture is a symbol. ... 573 words
  • The Automobile as Transportation ampamp Symbol of Freedom ... The automobile is an important symbol in all three of these stories, though the ... society, while the automobile is but one of the machines defining our age for O ... 1751 words
  • The Symbol ampamp Reality of Property for Locke ... There is no doubt that Locke has made such an association and sees this as the defining factor in terms of rights, government, and political action. ... 2156 words
  • Robert Frostamp39s The Road Not Taken ... of a metaphor means something other than what it is and a symbol means what ... speaker knows that whichever road he chooses, he is making a defining choice for ... 1304 words
  • Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros ... ampquotCaramelo describes one of the latter variety, the word defining the golden ... symbolic of more than just the shawl, just as the shawl becomes a symbol as well. ... 902 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.