Final answer:
The subject of this question is Sociology, specifically the symbolic interaction perspective.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Sociology.
Sociology is the study of society, social interaction, and the behavior of individuals within society. Sociologists analyze various aspects of society, such as social structures, cultural norms, and power dynamics, to understand how they shape people's behavior and experiences.
In the context of the given question, the sociologist William I. Thomas is discussing the symbolic interaction perspective in sociology. This perspective focuses on how people socially construct reality through day-to-day interactions and how society is composed of individuals communicating through shared symbols.