<![CDATA[Social interaction plays a significant role in community life. This study examines the social interactions of female students (santriwati) at Haji Miskin Islamic Boarding School with the residents of Jorong Koto Tinggi through the lens of Herbert Blumer’s symbolic interactionism. The research aims to explore how social meanings are formed and how these meanings influence identity construction and group dynamics. Particular attention is given to the processes through which meanings are created, developed, and interpreted in the santriwati’s everyday interactions. A qualitative approach was employed, using observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis as the primary data collection methods. The research site was selected due to existing community perceptions regarding the social interactions of the santriwati. Data were gathered from active santriwati and relevant written sources, then analyzed thematically. The study also investigates the influence of social symbols, including the wearing of the niqab, on the behavior of santriwati within the community of Nagari Pandai Sikek. The findings indicate that the social interactions of santriwati in Jorong Koto Tinggi reflect the three central principles of Herbert Blumer’s symbolic interactionism. Their actions are guided by meanings that emerge through interactions with community members. These meanings are continuously shaped and refined through interpretation, contributing to the development of an adaptive social identity among the santriwati. Overall, the study concludes that symbolic interactionism provides an effective framework for understanding the complexity of santriwati’s social interactions and their contribution to strengthening social character within the community of Jorong Koto Tinggi, Nagari Pandai Sikek.]]>
