Question

The historical foundation of symbolic Interactionism can be traced to George Mead. What was his main contribution?

a) He formulated the concept of "symbolic interaction" itself.
b) He developed the theory of "dramaturgy" in social interactions.
c) He introduced the concept of "functionalism" in sociology.
d) He emphasized the importance of "conflict theory" in society

Answer 1

George Herbert Mead is considered a founder of symbolic interactionism, which was later named and elaborated by his student Herbert Blumer, outlining the interaction of individuals based on ascribed meanings of things shaped by societal interactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

George Herbert Mead's main contribution to sociology was the foundational ideas of symbolic interactionism, even though he himself never published his work on it. Mead emphasized that individuals develop a sense of self through social interactions, and he detailed the ways in which the mind and self emerge from social processes. It was his student, Herbert Blumer, who coined the term symbolic interactionism, and who outlined its basic premises:

• Humans interact with things based on meanings ascribed to those things.
• The ascribed meaning of things comes from our interactions with others and society.
• The meanings of things are interpreted by people in specific circumstances.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is option 'a)' He formulated the concept of "symbolic interaction" itself.