Symbolic Interactionism
Document Type
Contribution to Book
Language
eng
Publication Date
2007
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Source Publication
Encyclopedia of Social Psychology
Source ISSN
9781412916707
Abstract
Symbolic interactionism is a major theoretical perspective in North American sociological social psychology that studies how individuals actively define their social reality and understand themselves by interacting with others. Symbolic interactionism has its origins in pragmatism, the American philosophy of how living things make practical adjustments to their surroundings. American sociologist and pragmatist philosopher George Herbert Mead (1863–1931) is generally identified as the founder of this theory, although the term symbolic interactionism was actually coined by Mead's student, Herbert Blumer, who formally articulated Mead's ideas following his death.
Recommended Citation
Franzoi, Stephen L., "Symbolic Interactionism" (2007). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 375.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/375
Comments
"Symbolic Interactionism" in Encyclopedia of Social Psychology, edited by Roy F. Baumeister and Kathleen D. Vohs. Los Angeles, Calif. : SAGE Publications, (2007): 961-963. DOI.