Symbolic Interactionism emerged as a theory with Herbert Blumer, while he was trying to clarify how social psychologists differed in their views of human nature. Social psychology is interested in the social development of the individual as a result of group life. Its primary focuses are the individual and the interaction between a person's internal thoughts and emotions and his or her social behavior. The theory is considered "voluntaristic" because it argues individuals are active constructors of their own conduct. Symbolic interaction also stresses the processes by which the individual makes such decisions and forms opinions (Wallace & Wolf, 1995, pp. 182-83).
Verstehen: In his definition of sociology, Max Weber emphasized the importance of verstehen, which is subjective meaning. He argued sociology interprets social action to explain its cause and effects. Social action includes all human behavior to which the acting individual attaches a subjective meaning and in which he or she takes account of the behavior of others to orient his or her course. For example, a wife's conversation with her husband about the status of their marriage would be social action and her reading of her husband's response would include verstehen (Wallace & Wolf, 1995, p. 184).
Definition of the Situation: William Isaac Thomas' concept of definition of the situation is a significant theoretical contribution to symbolic interactionism. Thomas believed before any self-determined act of behavior there is a stage of examination and deliberation called the definition of the situation. People's definitions have behavioral consequences. For example, children may create an imaginary playmate who is real to them and with whom other family members may interact (Wallace & Wolf, 1995, p. 186).
Phenomenology (relative to ethnomethodology): Phenomenology encompasses several types of sociological analysis, including Harold Garfinkel's "ethnomethodolog...