According to symbolic interactionism in social psychology, how do individuals develop their sense of self?

• A. Through interpreting and responding to social symbols and interactions with others
• B. Through unconscious drives and instincts
• C. By following strict societal rules without interpretation
• D. By inheriting fixed personality traits from their parents

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that symbolic interactionism is a theory in social psychology focusing on how people create meaning through social interactions.
2. Recognize that according to symbolic interactionism, individuals develop their sense of self by interpreting social symbols, such as language, gestures, and behaviors, during interactions with others.
3. Note that this process involves actively responding to and negotiating meanings rather than passively inheriting traits or following rules without interpretation.
4. Contrast this with other explanations like unconscious drives or fixed traits, which symbolic interactionism does not emphasize.
5. Conclude that the sense of self emerges through the dynamic process of interpreting and responding to social symbols in interactions with others.