Final answer:
A symbolic interactionist would view the institution of marriage through the lens of personal experience, seeing it as a set of symbols and meanings shaped by interactions, such as the impact of their parents' divorce on their interpretation of marital roles and commitments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the question, "How would a symbolic interactionist view the institution of marriage if their parents were divorced?" from a symbolic interactionist perspective, the institution of marriage is considered not as an unchanging structure, but rather as a complex set of symbols and meanings that people interpret and interact with. The experience of parental divorce might lead individuals to develop their own unique understandings and symbols associated with marriage. For example, they might see it as less of a permanent bond and more of a commitment that can be ended if it fails to meet emotional needs or if conflicts arise that cannot be reconciled.
Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the subjective meanings that people assign to their experiences. Therefore, rather than seeing marriage as inherently positive or negative, a child of divorced parents might place more emphasis on the fluidity of relationships, the roles individuals play within a marriage, and the importance of communication and negotiation in sustaining marital bonds. These personal interpretations are likely to influence how they perceive marriage and family in their own lives.