Social interaction is one or more ways of realizing social connections. Today, there are two positions regarding whether to consider any social action as interaction or not. It can be assumed that only one of them can be considered an act of interaction that has received a response.
This form of communication is very important because it contributes to the development of both an individual person and the whole system. Alone, a person is not able to satisfy his needs, organize comfortable conditions for himself (not to mention the psychological need for interaction) and realize his intentions.
Before starting a detailed review of social interaction, it is necessary to define the concept of interaction: this is a two-way process in which people influence each other.
Forms of social interaction
In modern science, there are three forms of this process:
- Conflict. In this case, the parties have opposite positions, and they secretly or openly conflict with each other.
- Competition. Here, individuals are fighting among themselves for value or material wealth. Such interaction does not imply open hostility on the basis of competition.
- Cooperation. It is a creative form, which to a greater extent enriches both sides with experience, knowledge and often leads to a positive result. Here, individuals work together to achieve a common goal.
Social interaction: conditions
P. Sorokin identifies several conditions without which social interaction is impossible:
- Possession of the senses and psyche. Thanks to these means, individuals can understand what the other person feels with the help of verbal and non-verbal signs: gestures, voice intonation, facial expressions, etc.
- Using one character system. To understand the thoughts and speech of another person, it is necessary that he set forth them in well-known expressions. Speakers of different languages, of course, can also communicate, but this will be an inferior interaction, since the perception of each other may be distorted.
Social interaction: areas of implementation
Depending on the sphere in which the elements interact, the experience gained depends. There are many such areas, and we will single out the most extensive ones.
- Political. Here there is a confrontation or cooperation of representatives of the authorities or social movements.
- Economic. Almost every person received this experience of social interaction, since here there is a connection between the employer and the employee.
- Professional. Here people act primarily as representatives of different professions.
- Family The most striking example is the interaction of relatives during the marriage of their children, when one family connects with another and acquaintance with traditions takes place.
- Religious Relationship with representatives of different religions or atheists.
Social interaction: types
Three types of social interaction are possible:
- Ideological exchange. People provide each other with various kinds of information, including their own thoughts and objective facts.
- Volitional exchange. In this case, individuals coordinate their actions in order to achieve a common goal.
- Exchange of feelings. Here, the emotional sphere encourages people to interact when they rally or disconnect based on their emotional feelings.
Social interaction: types
The types of contact depend on how it is implemented:
- Verbal interaction (using words).
- Nonverbal (using facial expressions and gestures).
- Physical