The Theory of Symbolic Interactionism and Families

The theory of symbolic interactionism has been associated with family studies since the 1920s and 1930s. This approach originated with the work of Ernest Burgess, who was instrumental in applying this theory to family research. Burgess viewed the family not just as a unit but as a collective of individual members who are working together to shape one another's personalities. He believed that family dynamics are essential for understanding social interactions and individual development.

Despite Burgess's pioneering contributions, the application of his ideas was not widely embraced at the time. In his call to study the dynamics of family interactions as a unit, he highlighted the need for a holistic approach, which was later expanded by other scholars like LaRossa & Reitze (1993: 140). Another key figure in this field was Willard Waller, who also laid groundwork within the symbolic interactionist approach.

Research Methods in Symbolic Interactionism

In family research, qualitative methods have been predominant, with the use of case studies being a common technique. This methodological approach allows researchers to explore family dynamics in depth, as exemplified by Reuben Hill. Hill significantly shaped contemporary research on families and expanded on Waller's earlier exposition by focusing on structured developmental perspectives. He emphasized family roles and their impact on relationship dynamics.

Key Concepts in Symbolic Interactionism

The symbolic interactionist perspective highlights critical processes within family life, such as:

Role-making: The continual crafting and reshaping of roles within family interactions.
Role definition: The understanding and clarification of responsibilities and expectations among family members.
Role negotiation: The discussions and adjustments that occur as families adapt to changing circumstances and life stages.
Role identity: How individuals perceive and identify themselves within their family context.

The Role of Socialization

Socialization plays a crucial role in the framework of symbolic interactionism, facilitating the transfer of culture and values from one generation to the next. During this process, individuals develop personalities and self-concepts that are shaped by their interactions with others. Socialization is often reciprocal, meaning parents and children influence each other’s identities and behaviors.

Cross-cultural research has illustrated that familial relations are conducted within specific ethnic domains, thereby affecting how family interactions and identity negotiations occur. For example, a study conducted by Simon Cheng (2000) on Chinese families highlighted the relationship between parent-child interactions and cultural identities. This research found a correlation between the self-concepts of children and their perceptions of parental behavior. Moreover, it pointed to the adaptive strategies used by parents and children as they navigated their diverse cultural identities.

“Socialisation occupies a large part of symbolic interactionist research. It encompasses culture, which is passed on from one generation to the next.”

Symbolic Interactionism and Family Dynamics