In sociology, what does symbolic interactionism focus on?

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that emphasizes the significance of symbols and the meanings individuals ascribe to them in their daily interactions. This framework posits that human behavior and the social world are shaped through interactions, where individuals interpret and redefine their experiences based on shared symbols, such as language, gestures, and norms.

By focusing on the meanings that individuals attach to these social symbols, symbolic interactionism reveals how personal identities, social roles, and relationships are constructed. This approach allows sociologists to explore how everyday interactions contribute to the formation of social reality and how individuals navigate their social environment.

In contrast, the other options emphasize different aspects of sociology: the overall structure of society refers to larger sociological theories like functionalism and conflict theory; the legal ramifications of deviance relate more to the fields of criminology or legal studies; while social changes over time would align with historical or macro-level sociological perspectives. Therefore, the focus on meanings and interactions makes the selected answer the most representative of symbolic interactionism.