Herbert Blumer and Symbolic Interactionism
Problematic social situations or situations that demand new interpretations are the foci of analysis for symbolic interactionism (Wallace & Wolf, 1995, p. 206). Herbert Blumer argues the more unstructured the situation, the more likely it is symbolic interactionist analysis is indispensable to its understanding (Wallace & Wolf, 1995, p. 207). Unfortunately, a strong argument can be made that the subordination of non-European minority groups in the United States is a very structured occurrence, whereby the tradition and history of the nation has served to maintain that structure. However, the increasing influx of non-European immigrants (estimates state one-third of the U.S. population will be people of color shortly after the year 2000) and the country's obligation to educate the children of such immigrants demands a more multicultural, pluralistic perspective than has traditionally been the case. Symbolic interactionism offers the opportunity for educators, administrators, and students to study empirically the manifestations of prejudice and discrimination that would inhibit the induction of such a perspective.
Symbolic interactionism is essentially a social-psychological perspective that focuses primarily on the individual as a "self" and on the interactions between a person's internal thoughts and emotions and his or her social behavior (Wallace & Wolf, 1995, p. 183). Most of the analysis is of small-scale interpersonal relationships and individuals are viewed as active constructors of their own conduct who interpret, evaluate, define, and map out their own action. The theory also stresses the processes by which the individual makes decisions and forms opinions (Wallace & Wolf, 1995, p. 183).
Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the symbolic or communicative aspects of human behavior (Lindesmith, 1968, p. 7). Its central position states the distinguishing feature of human...