Abstract
Symbolic interactionism, as its name suggests, concentrates on the dynamics of interaction between individuals rather than on examining large-scale social structures. Its aim is to explain social actions and interactions in terms of the meanings that those actions have for social actors. It is unique in terms of the theories presented in this book in that it is almost exclusively a homegrown North American product rather than an extension of European social theory. The pertinence of this observation is that it has been argued that symbolic interactionism reflects to a large degree the American cultural ideals of individualism and freedom, in contrast to the European emphasis on the constraints and enablements of social structures such as social class (Shaskolsky 1970).
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© 1998 Sam Porter
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Porter, S. (1998). Symbolic interactionism, labelling and stigma. In: Social Theory and Nursing Practice. Sociology and Nursing Practice Series. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-14441-9_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-14441-9_5
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-69197-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-14441-9
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