Final answer:
Symbolic interactionists view marriage as a social construct with variable symbolic meanings and would explore the roles and interactions within a lasting marriage to understand its stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
A symbolic interactionist studying marriage would view it as a social construct with symbolic meanings that vary among individuals and change over time. In the case of a student whose parents are in a functioned, lasting marriage, an interactionist might explore how the family's interactions and meanings assigned to roles within the marriage have contributed to its longevity and stability. They would be interested in how the roles of each family member are defined and the emotional and social bonds that have been maintained over time, which may differ significantly from one household to another.
For example, the symbolic meaning of being a 'good father' or 'good mother' has evolved, with today's definitions often including emotional support and active involvement in a child's life, in addition to providing financial stability. Interactionists examine how these roles are negotiated and interpreted among family members, and how this process helps to maintain the marriage institution. They would also consider how external societal norms and changes influence these roles and the institution of marriage itself.