Exchange as Symbolic Interaction: Convergences between Two Theoretical Perspectives

Abstract

This paper explores convergences between symbolic interactionism and exchange theory in four major areas: (1) both theoretical orientations assume the operation of constructive mental processes when actors act toward their environment; this assumption is explicitly stated by symbolic interactionists and implied in exchange-theoretical propositions dealing with valuation, decision-making or justice; (2) exchange theory implies processes akin to G. H. Mead's self and generalized other in the sense that interaction in exchange requires persons to imaginatively assume the roles of others and view themselves in terms of the conceptions of others; (3) in both perspectives social organization is viewed as emerging from constructed individual acts fitted to one another; such elementary interactions give rise to institutional modes of behavior which, once established, exist as a reality sui generis over and against the individual actors; (4) in both perspectives social dynamics is conceived in dialectic terms, arising out of contradictions between microand macro processes and inherent tendencies-in social organization toward inconsistency, conflict and change. It is proposed that a possible synthesis between exchange theory and symbolic interactionism can begin by postulating a dialectical process in which realities become subjectified by actors and meanings become objectified in social institutions. A synthesized theory based on such general postulates can be empirically tested when (a) the concrete subjective and objective contingencies which make acts meaningful for the actors are posited and empirically indicated and (b) longitudinal observations show changes iin some of these contingencies so that predictions about behavioral changes can be made.

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