Discuss how symbolic interactionists address fads and fashions in terms of social change.

Symbolic interactionists approach the study of fads and fashions in terms of social change by focusing on the ways in which individuals and groups create and interpret symbols and meanings within their social interactions. They argue that fads and fashions are not simply arbitrary trends, but rather are shaped by the ongoing processes of social interaction and communication.

According to symbolic interactionists, fads and fashions emerge as individuals and groups engage in the process of symbolic interaction, where they create and interpret symbols and meanings through their interactions with others. These symbols and meanings are then reflected in the choices and behaviors of individuals, leading to the adoption and spread of certain fads and fashions within a society.

Symbolic interactionists also emphasize the role of social institutions, such as the media, in shaping and promoting fads and fashions. They argue that these institutions play a key role in influencing the symbols and meanings that individuals and groups use to interpret and respond to fads and fashions. For example, the media may play a significant role in promoting certain fashion trends, leading to their widespread adoption within a society.

Furthermore, symbolic interactionists highlight the role of social identity and self-concept in the adoption of fads and fashions. They argue that individuals use fads and fashions as a way to express their social identity and to construct their self-concept within their social interactions. As a result, the adoption of certain fads and fashions can be seen as a form of social change, as individuals and groups redefine and negotiate their identities and self-concepts through their engagement with these trends.

In conclusion, symbolic interactionists address fads and fashions in terms of social change by emphasizing the role of symbolic interaction, social institutions, and social identity in shaping and promoting these trends. They argue that fads and fashions are not simply superficial trends, but rather are deeply embedded in the ongoing processes of social interaction and communication within a society.