Final answer:
Symbolic Interactionist Theory is a sociological perspective focusing on individual interactions and the symbolic meanings assigned to actions and objects within society. Key theorists, including George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer, emphasize the active role individuals play in shaping their social reality through communication and interpretation of symbols.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symbolic Interactionist Theory
Symbolic Interactionist Theory is a micro-level theoretical framework in sociology that focuses on how individuals interact with each other and interpret symbols within their social world. The theory posits that people are active participants in creating their social reality through these interactions and interpretations. Language and symbols play a crucial role as mediums through which people express and communicate meaning.
Key Theorists
While there are numerous contributors to the theory, some of the most notable include George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer, who are considered key theorists in symbolic interactionism. They emphasized the importance of understanding the social world by analyzing the symbolic meanings that people attach to objects, events, and behaviors.
Researchers applying symbolic interactionist perspectives examine society through the observation of individual interactions, noting how social standing can influence these interactions. They perceive culture as dynamic and fluid, shaped by the meanings that are created and conveyed through language and symbolic exchange.