symbolic interactionism
/ˌsɪmbɒlɪk ˌɪntərˈækʃənɪzəm/
noun
Origin
English (coined from Greek and Latin roots)
symbolon + interactio — The doctrine of social interaction through symbols.
Overview
Meaning Now
- A sociological perspective which posits that social reality is constructed through the continuous process of human interaction, relying on the interpretation of symbols, gestures, and language.
Language path
Greek → Latin → English
Earliest form
symbolic interaction
Earliest period
1937
Journey
The term was popularized by Herbert Blumer, a student of George Herbert Mead, at the University of Chicago. It emerged as a critique of structural functionalism, shifting the focus from macro-level societal structures to micro-level interpersonal communication.
Evolution
- Late 19th Century
Interactionism
“General sociological focus on social interaction.”
Influenced by George Herbert Mead's pragmatism.
- 1937
Symbolic interaction
“Coined by Herbert Blumer to describe the interpretive process.”
- Mid-20th Century
Symbolic interactionism
“Established as a distinct sociological school of thought.”
Connections
Word parts
symbol
root
sign or token
-ic
suffix
pertaining to
inter-
prefix
between
act
root
to do
-ion
suffix
the state of
-ism
suffix
a system of belief or practice
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Related to symbolic interactionism
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.