Symbols and their roles in society : a study using Q methodology.

Symbols are analogies which represent man's meanings and interpretations of reality. This paper deals with the roles of symbols and the way in which they are disseminated in society. Two general theories are espoused on the subject of symbol promulgation. 1he first emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual in the way he interprets symbols. Through the exchange of symbols by these individuals, symbols are passed on. The second theory focuses on the influence that group memberships have upon the individual. Through the process of members identifying with the symbolic interpretations of their larger entities, institutions are said to promulgate symbols. The purpose of this study is to empirically test the particular theory of George Gordon in this area. Gordon hypothesized that institutions promulgate symbols. Through the use of what he termed the symbolic umbrella, Gordon argued that the 72 symbols constituting the symbolic umbrella were disseminated by three prominent institutions--Bureaucracy, Propaganda, and Education. Using the research tool Q Methodology, the author found Gordon's application of his hypothesis to be invalid. Each institution did not promulgate the particular symbols that Gordon had predicted they would. Although Gordon's theory was rejected, the research did reveal that man does indeed give meaning to symbols. Gordon's theory could possibly be misguided since it utilized only the theory of institutional promulgation. The author suggests that a more comprehensive theory, making use of both the institutional promulgation theory and the individual uniqueness theory, should be implemented. In addition, instead of an a priori choice by Gordon of which symbols are significant and hence promulgated by institutions, a more objective and reliable method of selecting symbols should be employed. This study was developed to provide insights into an area of academic inquiry which could be practically applied to further enhance man's relationship with his fellow man. It is hoped that this study will help man to make better use of symbols and to understand more fully the roles of symbols in society.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1980

Author dc:creator

• Bishop, Priscilla Helene Machado.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mansfield, Michael W.

• Signs and symbols.
• Symbolism.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13249

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/13249