Sociology / Unit 9 Soc 1520 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Symbolic Interactionism on Government
Captions available
The idea
Interactionists study government through the symbols and face-to-face interactions that carry political meaning, rather than through large formal structures.
In practice
A flag, a seal, or a capitol building carries authority only because a community of interpreters has agreed to treat it that way.
Where people slip
Interactionists focus on small-group and symbolic dynamics; they are not claiming formal institutions have no independent effect.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Sociology