Social interactionist theory emphasizes the importance of social interactions in the development of individuals and their understanding of the world. It suggests that people learn and create meaning through their interactions with others, particularly in their immediate social environments. This theory is often associated with the work of George Herbert Mead and Erving Goffman, who explored how identity and self-concept are shaped through social experiences.
In this framework, language plays a crucial role, as it is the primary medium through which individuals communicate and negotiate meanings. The theory highlights that social contexts influence behavior and that individuals actively participate in constructing their realities through ongoing interactions. This perspective is widely applied in fields such as sociology, psychology, and education.