Interactionism

Keywords       Sociologists 

Key concepts 
Social Action approach - believes that individuals demonstrate free will. 
Based upon interpretations and meanings that individuals assign to signs,symbols and intearctions between one another. 
People have individual understandings of their role in society and as such individuals need to be studied in a qualitative way.

Key Interactionist thinkers 
George Herbert Mead - the self and interactions with others.
Individuals develop a concept of self - this can only develop if people understand how others percieve them.
People play roles to understand others - by placing yourself in someone elses role you can understand ther reactions. 
E.g. school uniform and being praised for following dress code and looking smart 

Herbert Blumer - Importance of meaning (influenced by Mead)
Individuals behave in a certain ways because of their interpretations of situations and what is appropraite. 
These interpretaions are based on interactions with others and are shaped over time and through future interactions, rather than being fixed. 
Individuals can change their interpretation of a situation - showing free will - based upon these interactions.
Put simple - we actively change our interactions in situations depending upon our…