INTERACTIONIST

View of Society/Characteristics/Premises
-micro level analysis
-ongoing process of social interaction
(taking each other into account in
discernable ways)
-individuals in face to face interaction
create social consensus of meanings and
definitions
-like a “stage” where people define and
redefine meanings as they interact
-collective interaction
-perceptions of reality are variable and
changing
-social construction of reality
-subjective---reality perceived in the minds
of people
-inequality demonstrated through
meaning of status symbols
-symbols of communication (language,
thoughts, behaviors)
-change = no shared
consensus...developing of new consensus
Weaknesses and Criticisms
-overstates subjective basis of society
-weak analysis of inequality
-ignores material differences between
groups
-ignores structure and social forces
-not synergistic
-limits itself to micro level analysis with no
connection to other levels
Concepts/Issues/Terms
-interpretation-consensus-symbols-shared
expectations-social construction of reality-
shaping reality perceived by others-
situational behavior-definition of the
situation-social relations-looking glass self-
dramaturgical theory-labeling theory-
impression management-presentation of
self-exchange theory- ethnomethodology-
phenomenology