According to symbolic interactionism, how is human behavior influenced?

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the significance of social interactions and the meanings that individuals attach to their experiences. According to this perspective, human behavior is largely shaped by the definitions and meanings that emerge from social interactions. This approach posits that individuals act based on the interpretations they create through their social engagements with others.

For instance, when people engage in communication, they negotiate meanings and develop shared understandings. These interpretations then guide their behavior in various social contexts. An example could be how the term "friendship" carries different meanings for different individuals, influencing their actions and expectations in social relationships.

In contrast to the other options, which focus on external or structural factors—like innate biological influences, economic systems, or laws and regulations—symbolic interactionism prioritizes the subjective and interpretive aspects of social life. It is not merely the presence of systems or external rules that shape human behavior; instead, it is the individual meaning-making processes that occur through interactions that truly drive behavior.