Partnering Symbolic Interaction and Queer Theory: Mutualism for Contemporary Family Life

Abstract

We propose the intentional partnered use of symbolic interactionism and queer theory to enrich Family Science. Where symbolic interactionism emphasizes the norms and meanings individuals co‐construct through social interactions, queer theory challenges those normative assumptions (particularly about gender, sexuality, and family structures). Together, the two theories offer scholars an opportunity for theoretical mutualism that allows researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to examine how everyday interactions both reflect and resist dominant family norms. This approach highlights the fluidity of identity and the performative nature of familial roles, offering a more inclusive understanding of diverse family forms, ultimately promoting a dynamic, intersectional lens for analyzing evolving family practices and relationships in contemporary society.