Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical perspective in sociology that addresses the manner in which

society is created and maintained through face-to-face, repeated, meaningful interactions among
individuals. This article surveys past theory and research in the interactionist tradition. It first provides
an overview of three main trajectories in symbolic interactionist thought, focusing on the work of
Herbert Blumer (the Chicago School), Manford Kuhn (the Iowa School), and Sheldon Stryker (the Indiana
School). A brief summary of each figure’s general perspective on symbolic interactionism is given,
followed by a discussion of the research methodology that defines and distinguishes each.

The article then reviews and assesses the empirical research that has emerged from these trajectories
over the past decades, beginning with the classical studies of the mid-twentieth century and culminating
in research programs that have emerged in the contemporary era. Specifically, this article surveys
significant contributions to the symbolic interactionist literature in areas such as dramaturgy, cultural
studies, postmodernism, gender/status/power, self and identity, collective behavior and social
movements, and social context and the environment. It concludes with a discussion of future directions
symbolic interactionists should take in continuing to develop the field.

Symbolic interactionism theory assumes that people respond to elements of their environments
according to the subjective meanings they attach to those elements, such as meanings being created
and modified through social interaction involving symbolic communication with other people.

Symbolic Interactionism is a theoretical framework in sociology that describes how societies are created
and maintained through the repeated actions of individuals (Carter and Fuller, 2015).

Proponent

George Herbert Mead is widely recognised as the father of symbolic interactionism, a theoretical
perspective that gave new direction to research in diverse fields of study

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By looking at the small scale, symbolic interactionism explains the individual in a society and their
interactions with others. And through that, it can explain social order and change

According to symbolic interactionism, an individual's personality is formed within society, i.e., a human
community. A central characteristic of human communities is interaction, among other things with the
help of symbols. By constantly acting and interacting, social norms and values are created.