According to symbolic interactionism, an individual's self-image or self-concept is shaped by what?

The concept that an individual's self-image or self-concept is shaped as a product of the social environment aligns perfectly with the principles of symbolic interactionism. This sociological perspective emphasizes that people's identities are constructed through social interactions and the meanings they ascribe to those interactions. According to this theory, individuals derive their self-concept from how they perceive they are viewed by others and through ongoing communication within their relationships and communities.

Symbolic interactionism posits that meanings are created and modified through social processes, which suggests that a person's understanding of themselves is deeply influenced by their social experiences, interactions, and the symbols of their culture. It is through engagement with others that individuals come to understand what behaviors, attitudes, and values are significant, and these interactions shape their self-image as they internalize the expectations and norms present in their social environment. This framework highlights the dynamic and social nature of identity formation, demonstrating that an individual's understanding of themselves is not fixed but rather continuously shaped by their social context.