American Studies ETDs

Publication Date

12-3-1971

Abstract

The major purpose of this study is to demonstrate the theoretical formulation of symbolic interactionism. An historical examination reveals that philosophical pragmatism is foundational to the methodology of symbolic interactionism. Pragmatism itself is based on major conceptual contributions from empiricism, idealism, and evolutionism. From these older systems various aspects have been selected by pragmatism and oriented toward a unique American cultural experience to produce a unified method of inquiry applicable to the understanding of individual, group, and societal problem solving. The unification of methodology found in symbolic interactionism is shown by the construction of a diagrammatic model which reveals the minimal functional components of the “behavioral act.” Analysis of the “act” establishes operative relations between the concepts of “equilibrium,” “blockage,” “stimulus,” “impulse,” “symbolic thought,” “selective perception,” “valuations,” “ends-in-view,” “manipulations,” and “consummation.” Within the “act,” the interactionist insists that a symbolic definition always exists between the stimulus and the response when behavioral disequilibrium occurs, showing that rational behavior differs fundamentally from non-reflective behavior. In all cases of “problem solving” the actor attempts to “structure” problematic conditions in his perceptual and environmental field. The “act” develops out of a social context which forms the ultimate reference for the functional components of behavior. The social concept of “self” enters the act through the actor’s ability to take himself as an object from the perspective of the “generalized other.” The conceptual creation of an “I” and “Me” of behavior bridges the gap between the disparate elements of individual and society, showing that “meaning” is a symbolic product of social interaction. Various correlative functions of the “act” are given for each of three social paradigms: the individual, the group, and society. It is proposed that the conceptually isolated “act,” thus analyzed, adequately describes the method by which all social growth occurs.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

American Studies

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

American Studies

First Committee Member (Chair)

Hubert Griggs Alexander

Second Committee Member

Joel M. Jones

Third Committee Member

Harold Charles Meier

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