Symbolic Interactionism : An Introduction, an Interpretation, an Integration - Softcover

Charon, Joel M.; Cahill, Spencer

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0131114794 ISBN 13: 9780131114791

Publisher: Prentice Hall, 2003

Synopsis

Using a unique step-by-step, integrated approach, this book organizes the basic concepts of symbolic interactionism in such a way that readers understand them clearly and are able to apply them to their own lives. 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. Chapter titles include 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, and Society. For individuals interested in the study of social psychology and/or social theory.

About this title

From the Publisher

This text is a clear, well-organized, and interesting introduction to symbolic interactionism.

From the Inside Flap

Preface

The first edition of this book was an attempt to fulfill a promise I made to myself in graduate school: to write a clear, organized, and interesting introduction to symbolic interactionism. It was meant to integrate that perspective, to be as accurate as possible, and to help the reader apply the ideas to real life. Since that first edition, symbolic interactionism has become increasingly important to the discipline of sociology. Its criticisms of traditional sociology have made an impact. Its research studies have increasingly become a part of sociology. Its practitioners are some of the leading officers, journal editors, and researchers in the discipline.

I vividly recall my discussion with Eleanor VanderHaegen and Mary Zimmerman in Walter Library more than 25 years ago. We knew then that symbolic interactionism had something important to say; it was just that too many books seemed to miss the message. This book is an attempt to make that message clear; thankfully, other fine symbolic interactionists are successfully making the message clear.

Social psychology is a very broad area of scholarship in both sociology and psychology. There are many studies; there are many concepts; there are many theoretical perspectives. Social psychology is much more than just symbolic interactionism. However, no perspective within social psychology, in my opinion, comes closer to capturing the essence of the human being as a social being—a creator, a product, and a shaper of society—than symbolic interactionism. The essence of the human being is that we interact with one another, and that social interaction leads to society, who we are as human beings, and who we are as individuals. We may have now gone beyond George Herbert Mead, Herbert Blumer, and Erving Goffman, but this essence remains critical to what symbolic interactionism is, and this essence remains the message that this perspective brings to the student.

Each time I attempt to improve on what I have written before, it brings a certain humility to my work. After revising each edition, I wonder how in the world I could ever have written what I had previously. In the fourth edition I was very fortunate to include a chapter on Erving Goffman by Spencer Cahill, which proved to be a wonderful addition. Joel Powell's contribution to that fourth edition also proved significant. In the fifth edition I thoroughly revised the chapter on social interaction and the last chapter on applications of the perspective. Now, in this seventh edition, I focus on presentation of all concepts in a clearer and more teachable manner. My guide is primarily criticisms by students who used this book. No one chapter was thoroughly revised, but readers will find this edition more understandable and applicable to real-life situations. Students in my classes are increasingly recognizing the relevance of symbolic interactionism to issues they care about, and relevance is the principle that guides this revision.

As always, I examine each chapter of the previous edition very carefully in order to update the material and to correct any errors and ambiguity. I especially cut down on direct quotations by paraphrasing more of the ideas of other writers. On the basis of my own teaching experience, I constantly ask myself how to best present difficult material to students so they understand it and are able to apply it to their own lives and to issues that matter to them. I make special efforts to appeal to students who think sociologically and students who are attracted to the world of ideas. After all, the sociological ramifications and ideas are the source of the excitement this perspective has always had for me.

Finally, I would like to thank certain symbolic interactionists who have been very important to my thinking from, afar. I read what they write. I listen to and watch them at meetings. They are important models to me, although they may not know it. They are Howard Becker, Lonnie Athens, Spencer Cahill, Norman Denzin, Gary Fine, Ruth Horowitz, Helena Lopata, John Lofland, Lyn Lofland, David Maines, Bernard Meltzer, and Tamotsu Shibutani. I also admired Carl Couch, and I will miss him.

I dedicate this book to my wife, Susan, who continues to be my best friend and greatest supporter.

Joel M. Charon

Edition details

• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0131114794
• ISBN 13: 9780131114791
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256