Understanding social conflict using symbolic interactionism

Third, conflict can be seen as a struggle over the resources that are associated with symbols. For example, a conflict between two companies over the trademark of a product is a conflict over the resources that are associated with the symbol of the product.

Here is an application of symbolic interactionism to the question of conflict:

A study by sociologists David Snow and Robert Benford (1988) found that social movements often use symbols to frame their grievances and to mobilize support. For example, the environmental movement often uses symbols such as the tree and the dove to represent its values. These symbols help the movement to communicate its message to the public and to build support for its cause.

Another study by sociologists William Gamson and David Meyer (1996) found that social movements often use humor to challenge the status quo. For example, the civil rights movement often used humor to challenge the stereotypes of African Americans. Humor can be a powerful tool for social change because it can help to make people think about issues in new ways.

These are just a few examples of how symbolic interactionism can be used to understand social conflict. Symbolic interactionism is a complex theory, and there are many different ways to apply it to the study of conflict.

Symbolic interactionism is a microsociological theory that focuses on the meanings that people attach to their interactions with each other. According to symbolic interactionism, people create and interpret symbols, and these symbols shape their interactions.

Social conflict can be understood using symbolic interactionism in a number of ways. First, conflict can be seen as a struggle over the meaning of symbols. For example, a conflict between two groups over the meaning of a national flag is a conflict over the symbols that represent the nation.

Second, conflict can be seen as a struggle over the control of symbols. For example, a conflict between a government and a rebel group over the control of the media is a conflict over the symbols that are used to communicate with the public.