Symbolic interactionism and contemporary social theory: New perspectives on society

In this work, it is aimed to discuss the emergence and theoretical assumptions of symbolic interactionism in American sociology, and as well as its current research situation. The main reason why we select the topic is that symbolic interactionism is considered as an individual-oriented sociological theory, and that it is always theoretically researched. We sought to make contribution to the development of Turkish sociology by studying this subject based on our current sociological knowledge. In this study, we planned to reexamine this theory in terms of its development history and current situation, as well as its new perspectives on society. In the first section of our thesis, the historical process of the emergence of American sociology was widely explained. In addition, institutionalization and professional progress of the American sociology was addressed. And we also explored the historical background of emergence of symbolic interaction spesifically. In the second part of our work, symbolic interactionist and their main works have been discussed. The main interactionist, such as Goerge Herbert Mead, Herbert Blumer and Erving Goffman were especically introduced and reevaluated. And we have tried to draw a whole picture of symbolic interactionism. In the last part of the thesis, criticism about symbolic interaction, its relationships with other sociological perspectives, methodological approaches and current studies were explored. In general, through studying this subject, we tried to build the bridge between the micro and macro sociology. It is our conclusion that symbolic interactionism is focused on individual situations as well as wide range of social issues. Symbolic interaction theory also has strong perspectives on society. Moreover, this theory is applicable to many subjects in practical life in a large extend.