If individuals in a society begin to change the meanings of common gestures, such as a handshake, what is the underlying cause of this change according to symbolic interactionism?

According to symbolic interactionism, the meanings of gestures, like a handshake, can change based on how people interpret and respond to them in their social interactions. This theory suggests that our understanding of symbols, such as gestures, is shaped by our experiences and the context in which we find ourselves. For example, if a community starts to associate a handshake with a more casual greeting rather than a formal agreement, this new meaning can spread as more people adopt it in their interactions. As individuals communicate and share their new interpretations, the handshake evolves into a symbol that reflects their current social norms and values. Therefore, the change in meaning arises from the ongoing social interactions and shared understandings within that society.