Graduation Date
1997
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Elizabeth Watson
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Jerrald D. Krause
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Linda A. Parker
Keywords
Sociology
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
It is argued that social theory is in a crises in addressing the social, economical, cultural, and political relations in so called postmodern society which is a new formation in late twentieth century. For this reason, some of the sociologists who follow Symbolic Interactionist tradition have attempted to associate Symbolic Interactionism (SI) with Postmodernism (PM). Renewing Symbolic Interactionism can help us to overcome this crises in theorizing the postmodern world. In order to see whether or not this association is possible and desirable, Symbolic Interactionist and Postmodernist traditions are compared at ontological, epistemological, and axiological levels. And, also the ideas of associationists and those who reject this association are compared. Although there are some contrasts, many similarities found. It is recommended that Postmodernist Symbolic Interactionism (PMSI) is possible and desirable, except in some areas. In these areas, it is suggested that both perspectives (PM and SI) can learn from each other and thus, close the gap between them.
Recommended Citation
Altunsu, Lutfi, "Politics of the Marginal Vs. Truth Seeking: PMSI as the Future of Pragmatist Social Inquiry" (1997). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2386.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2386