The statement that best exemplifies symbolic interactionist theory is: ‘A society has continuous struggles between the haves and have nots, and this inequality is the source of social change.’
Symbolic interactionist theory focuses on the ways in which individuals interpret and give meaning to social interactions. It emphasizes the importance of symbols, language, and communication in shaping social reality. In this context, the struggles between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ can be seen as a form of social interaction where individuals and groups negotiate their roles and statuses within society. This ongoing negotiation and the meanings attached to these struggles can lead to social change.
Symbolic interactionism looks at how these interactions and the meanings behind them influence the broader social structure. It suggests that social reality is constructed through these everyday interactions and that changes in these interactions can lead to shifts in societal norms and values.