Symbolic Interactionism: An Introduction, an Interpretation, an Integration

Designed to help readers understand and apply the basic concepts of symbolic interactionism to their own lives, this book uses a unique step-by-step, integrated approach to the subject. It emphasizes the active side of human beings--humans as definers and users of the environment, humans as problem solvers and in control of their own actions--and it shows students how society makes us, and how we in turn shape society. Each chapter examines a single concept, but relates that concept to the whole perspective and to other concepts in the perspective. Provides applied examples throughout. The Perspective of Social Science; Symbolic Interactionism as a Perspective; The Meaning of the Symbol; The Importance of the Symbol; The Nature of Self; The Human Mind; Taking the Role of the Other; Human Action; Social Interaction; Society; The Work of Erving Goffman. For anyone interested in the practical applications of Social Psychology or Social Theory to daily life.