Final answer:
The prefixes "hetero" meaning different and "homo" meaning same, assist in understanding the socially constructed nature of symbols, as seen in the evolving connotations of words like 'gay'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prefixes "hetero" and "homo" have specific meanings that can help us understand the concept of symbols and their social construction. The prefix "hetero" means different and is used in words like heterogeneous, indicating a mix of different elements. Conversely, the prefix "homo" means same and is seen in words like homogenous, meaning of the same or similar nature. The meanings attached to symbols, including words, are not inherently fixed, but rather socially and fluidly constructed as exemplified by the changing connotations and interpretations of the word gay.
Over time, gay has evolved from meaning 'cheerful' to 'homosexual,' showcasing a shift in societal perspectives. This phenomenon demonstrates the work of West and Zimmerman, who proposed that gender roles and the expression of masculinity or femininity, which they termed 'doing gender,' are also part of this symbolic construction and interpretation.