Interactionism - GCSE Sociology Definition

Interactionism is a sociological perspective that focuses on how individuals interact with one another and create meaning through social processes. Unlike other theories that might focus on large structures or systems, interactionism emphasises the small-scale, everyday interactions that occur between people.

Key to this perspective is the idea that social reality is not fixed but constructed through these interactions. It looks at how people use symbols, language, and gestures to communicate and form relationships. This approach helps students understand the dynamic nature of social life and how individual behaviours contribute to the larger society.