Mead's Contribution to Symbolic Interactionism

George Herbert Mead was a foundational figure in symbolic interactionism, a sociological perspective that emphasizes how individuals create and interpret symbols—like language and gestures—to understand and shape their social world. His key insight was that the self develops through social interaction, involving a conversation between the "I" (the spontaneous, individual aspect) and the "me" (the organized set of attitudes from society). Mead believed that by taking the perspective of others, individuals learn to see themselves as others do, which helps build their sense of identity and social understanding. This process is central to human communication and social cooperation.