Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that focuses on how individuals create and interpret meanings through social interactions. It emphasizes the importance of symbols, such as language and gestures, in shaping human behavior and social reality. This theory suggests that people act based on the meanings things have for them, which are derived from social interactions. The approach was developed by sociologists like George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer. They argued that society is constructed through everyday interactions, and individuals continuously negotiate and redefine their identities and relationships. This perspective highlights the dynamic nature of social life and the role of communication in understanding human behavior.