How does symbolic interactionism contribute to the understanding of the social construction of reality?

Symbolic interactionism helps us understand how people create and shape their reality through everyday interactions. This theory suggests that we give meaning to things based on our social experiences and the symbols we use, like language and gestures. For example, consider how a simple handshake is seen as a greeting in one culture but may have different meanings in another. By interacting with others and sharing our interpretations, we build a shared understanding of what is real and important in our lives. Thus, symbolic interactionism shows that reality is not fixed; it is constantly being constructed and reshaped through our interactions with each other.