Symbolic Interaction and Verstehen

The series "Studies in Sociology: Symbols, Theory and Society" has been created by Elzbieta Halas and Risto Heiskala to stimulate cooperation in research on the meaning, forms and functions of symbolism in society. The series is open to various theoretical and methodological orientations in the studies of social symbolism. The aim is to show the central place of the problems of symbolization and symbolism in sociology - processes of symbolization in everyday life or in collective actions.

The approach of Symbolic Interaction (SI) which Herbert Blumer called «Symbolic Interactionism», is regarded as a modern version of the sociology of Verstehen, originally outlined by Georg Simmel and Max Weber. This book is divided into four chapters. In the first the relevant philosophical sources are indicated, particularly those relating to Georg Simmel. The second chapter examines the basic principles of Verstehen and the construction of ideal types. In the third chapter an account is given of the intellectual background of SI, with an introduction to the main proponents involved in its inception: Charles Horton Cooley, William Isaac Thomas, and George Herbert Mead. The fourth chapter discusses the writings of Herbert Blumer, Anselm Strauss, Tamotsu Shibutani and Erving Goffman. Transcriptions of tape recordings of important statements by Shibutani and by Goffman are included to assure authenticity on critical issues.