Interactionist

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 realityshaping reality perceived by otherssituational behavior-definition of the situation-social relations-looking glass selfdramaturgical theory-labeling theoryimpression management-presentation of self-exchange theory- ethnomethodologyphenomenology