Sociopedia

Interactionism is a sociological perspective that focuses on the micro-level interactions between individuals and the meanings they assign to social actions. Rooted in symbolic interactionism, it is one of the key theoretical frameworks in sociology, offering an alternative to macro-level approaches like functionalism and conflict theory. Interactionism emphasizes the subjective aspects of social life, considering society as a dynamic product of human interactions and shared meanings. Origins of Interactionism Interactionism emerged in the early 20th century, primarily influenced by the work of sociologists and social psychologists such as George Herbert Mead , Herbert Blumer , and Erving Goffman . Mead, often regarded as the father of symbolic interactionism, introduced the idea that the self is a social construct developed through interaction with others. Herbert Blumer later coined the term symbolic interactionism , providing a more structured framework for the theory. The app...

Symbolic Interactionism, a key sociological theory, offers a profound understanding of how individuals interpret and shape their social reality through the use of symbols, language, and communication. This theory, which focuses on the micro-level interactions between individuals and society, was significantly shaped by George Herbert Mead, an American philosopher and sociologist active in the early 20th century. Mead’s work laid the foundation for understanding how individuals develop self-concepts and social identity through interaction with others, ultimately influencing broader social structures and institutions. His theory on symbolic interactionism underscores the importance of meaning-making in human interaction, where individuals act based on the meanings they attribute to people, objects, and events around them. George Herbert Mead and Symbolic Interactionism  George Herbert Mead (1863–1931) was an influential figure in the development of American pragmatism and social ...