Lecture no: 26 Sociology 01 Prof.
Muhammad Ramzan
Lecturer Sociology QLC, Okara
Social Interaction
A social interaction is an exchange between two or more individuals and is a building block of
society. Social interaction can be studied between groups of two, three or larger social groups.
By interacting with one another, people design rules, institutions and systems within which
they seek to live.
Definition of Social Interaction
Dawson and Gettyes define Social Interaction as "it is a process by which men
interpenetrate the minds of each other".
According to Merrill, "Social-interaction is the general process whereby two or more
persons are in a meaningful contact, as a result of which their behavior is modified however
slightly."
According to Corkiness. "Social interaction is such a process which influences the overt
behavior or state of mind of the individuals."
Social interaction is an event which changes the behavior and attitude of the interacting
persons. It is a social relationship among at least two persons. It changes the societal conditions
of life of the people. Interaction is the soul of social life and relationship. It produces group
which is the foundation stone of society.
Elements of Social Interaction
The following are the elements of social interaction:
These three conditions interrelate the people among themselves and convert them into social
groups.
1.Two or more than two persons
2.Reciprocal (Mutual) relationship among them
3.Influence on the event, behaviour, brain of the persons.
Types of Social Interaction
According to Young and Mack there are two types of social interaction between people and
societies
Direct or Physical Interaction: it involves physical action among the individuals. Beating,
biting, thrashing, pulling, pushing, killing, scratching, boxing, wrestling, kissing etc. are the
examples of direct interaction. Two teams playing match and a war between the forces of two
countries are also examples of this interaction. This Types influences other by physical action
in different ways.
Symbolic Interaction: There are different types of relationships between people. It involves
the use of language and symbols. It means communication through a common language is
symbolic process. This is the most common method of human societies. Human beings convey
their ideas through language and it is completed by reciprocal response. The methods of
communication devised by man are sharp and effective than these of animals. All cultures
develop, expand and change only through language symbolic interaction. Without language no
culture can live. There is no culture in animals due to the fact that there is no common language
among them. Through language man stores its previous experiences and transmits them to the
following generation with a change.
Man uses instruments to facilitate this. Telephone, wireless, telegraph, postal system, rail, road,
sea and air services all are various means of communication and transportation. Gestures are
also symbolic ones. Deaf and dumb convey their ideas through voice, and gestures of hands
and eyes.
What are the Forms of Social Interaction in a Society
It is found in various forms among human societies
Between individual and individual: It is the interaction between at least two persons. The
doctor and the patient, the mother and the child, the customer and the shopkeeper are the
various examples in this case.
Between individual and group: It operates between one person and more. A teacher teaching
his class a speaker addressing the audience, an Imam leading prayer are its common examples.
Between group and group: This is found between two groups of people like two teams
playing match, two forces fighting against each other, two delegates discussing an issue.
Between individuals and culture: This form is found when the people listen to radio, see
television, read newspaper enjoy pictures and observe exhibitions. Radio, T.V. cinema,
newspapers, books, exhibitions, theatre, drama, circus, fairs and other socio-cultural activities
are included in the Culture of a society. People have social interaction and social relationship
with these media of mass communication and get social change in their life. The people change
these media as they require on the other hand. In this way reciprocal process between the people
and the culture goes on.
