Symbols, Selves, and Social Reality

A Symbolic Interactionist Approach to Social Psychology and Sociology

Fourth Edition

Kent L. Sandstrom, Kathryn J. Lively, Daniel D. Martin, and Gary Alan Fine

The fourth edition of Symbols, Selves, and Social Reality provides students with a succinct, engaging, and affordable introduction to symbolic interactionism--the perspective that social reality is created, negotiated, and changed through the process of social interaction.

Focusing on how elements of race and gender affect identity, the authors use real-world examples to discuss the personal significance of symbolic interactionism, its expanding theoretical scope, and its relationship to other prominent perspectives in sociology and social psychology. They skillfully cover empirical research topics that are inherently interesting to students, such as the dynamics of self-development, impression management, identity transformation, gender play, rumor transmission, and collective action.

New to this Edition:

* A new chapter (7) on emotions
* Increased coverage of race, class, and sexuality in topical discussions
* Updated discussions of recent social phenomena and movements

Symbols, Selves, and Social Reality

A Symbolic Interactionist Approach to Social Psychology and Sociology

Fourth Edition

Kent L. Sandstrom, Kathryn J. Lively, Daniel D. Martin, and Gary Alan Fine

Description

The fourth edition of Symbols, Selves, and Social Reality provides students with a succinct, engaging, and affordable introduction to symbolic interactionism--the perspective that social reality is created, negotiated, and changed through the process of social interaction.

Focusing on how elements of race and gender affect identity, the authors use real-world examples to discuss the personal significance of symbolic interactionism, its expanding theoretical scope, and its relationship to other prominent perspectives in sociology and social psychology. They skillfully cover empirical research topics that are inherently interesting to students, such as the dynamics of self-development, impression management, identity transformation, gender play, rumor transmission, and collective action.

Previous publication dates

March 2009, March 2006, January 2003

Symbols, Selves, and Social Reality

A Symbolic Interactionist Approach to Social Psychology and Sociology

Fourth Edition

Kent L. Sandstrom, Kathryn J. Lively, Daniel D. Martin, and Gary Alan Fine

In Appreciation
About the Authors
Introduction to Instructors

1. The Meaning of Symbolic Interactionism

2. The Interactionist Toolkit: Methods, Strategies, and Relevant Perspectives

3. People as Symbol Makers and Users: Language and the Creation of Social Reality

4. Socialization: The Creation of Meaning and Identity

5. The Nature and Significance of the Self

6. Role Taking, Role Making, and the Coordination of Action

7. Emotions in Everyday Life

8. The Politics of Social Reality: Constructing and Negotiating Deviance

9. Collective Behavior and Social Movements

Author Index
Subject Index

Symbols, Selves, and Social Reality

A Symbolic Interactionist Approach to Social Psychology and Sociology

Fourth Edition

Kent L. Sandstrom, Kathryn J. Lively, Daniel D. Martin, and Gary Alan Fine

Author Information

Kent L. Sandstrom is Professor of Sociology and Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at North Dakota State University.

Kathryn J. Lively is Associate Professor of Sociology at Dartmouth College.

Daniel D. Martin is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

Gary Alan Fine is the John Evans Professor of Sociology at Northwestern University.

Symbols, Selves, and Social Reality

A Symbolic Interactionist Approach to Social Psychology and Sociology

Fourth Edition

Kent L. Sandstrom, Kathryn J. Lively, Daniel D. Martin, and Gary Alan Fine

Reviews and Awards

"Symbols, Selves, and Social Reality offers the best overview of an interactionist approach to social psychology available on the market. The writing is superb and capable of engaging students from a wide variety of backgrounds."--Jason Sumerau, Florida State University

"I am incredibly pleased with the way that this text is crafted; it is sophisticated without being impenetrable. Part of its unique brilliance is the contemporary relevance of the material. From theories of animal selfhood to autoethnographic methods, Symbols, Selves, and Social Reality reflects the contemporary vibrancy of interactionist scholarship."--John Bryce Merrill, Indiana University-South Bend