What does "symbolic interactionism" focus on?

Symbolic interactionism is a key sociological framework that emphasizes the significance of symbols and meanings in social interactions. This perspective focuses on how individuals actively interpret their social worlds and respond to the meanings that are constructed through interactions with others.

At its core, symbolic interactionism posits that people create and communicate meaning through the use of language, gestures, and symbols. This approach allows for an understanding of human behavior as a response to social contexts rather than simply a product of biological or economic factors. As a result, it highlights the subjective nature of social life and the importance of individual agency in shaping social realities.

In summary, the focus of symbolic interactionism is on the meanings individuals derive from their interactions with others and how these meanings influence their behaviors, making it a distinctly relational and interpretive framework in sociology.