Symbolic Interactionism: An Introduction, an Interpretation, an Integration

by Joel M. Charon

Designed to help readers understand and apply the basic concepts of symbolic interactionism to their own lives, this book uses a unique step-by-step, integrated approach to the subject. It emphasizes the active side of human beings--humans as definers and users of the environment, humans as problem solvers and in control of their own actions--and it shows students how society makes us, and how we in turn shape society. Each chapter examines a single concept, but relates that concept to the whole perspective and to other concepts in the perspective. Provides applied examples throughout. The Perspective of Social Science; Symbolic Interactionism as a Perspective; The Meaning of the Symbol; The Importance of the Symbol; The Nature of Self; The Human Mind; Taking the Role of the Other; Human Action; Social Interaction; Society; The Work of Erving Goffman. For anyone interested in the practical applications of Social Psychology or Social Theory to daily life.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction, Anthropology, School

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jan D]

This was very good and useful. It was easy to read, though a bit dry. I read works by Blumer as well as symbolic interactionist ethnographies. However, some of the terms and their connections have been a bit unclear to me. The book explained the relevant elements of Symbolic Interactionism well and put it in a context.

[Deborah Beat]

There are some wonderful parts that really help to disect and teach Symbolic Interactionism. A fairly easy read for students and good examples overall. Yet,it tends to be redundant, repetitive, and perhaps reiterate a bit much... Just like that! I will probably use parts of it for quite some time in the classroom but definitely not the whole book again.

[Kipi (the academic stitcher)]

An extremely readable book explaining symbolic interaction theory. Based on the work of George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer, there are numerous citations for the researcher or student who wants to investigate the writings of other experts.