Postmodernism: The Evolution of Symbolic Interactionism and Critical Theory

Abstract

Symbolic interactionism has not stalled with the works of major figures such as Goffman. Rather, there is a continuity from symbolic interactionism to post-structuralism / postmodern theory and sociological conflict theory. The paper shows that there has always been an overlap between micro and macro theory, often by intellectuals considered early founders of theoretical approaches at both levels. Furthermore, this evolution demonstrates the viability of symbolic interactionism as critical theory and its applicability for the analysis of inequality from its origins in interactions to the macrostructures that institutionalize stratification. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2022 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.] KEYWORDS: Critical Theory, Postmodern, Social Exchange Theory, Castoriadis, Debord, Baudrillard