Which theory posits that all interactions between individuals involve an exchange of symbols?

Symbolic interactionism is the theory that posits that all interactions between individuals involve an exchange of symbols. This approach emphasizes the meanings that individuals assign to objects, events, and behaviors during social interactions. According to symbolic interactionism, individuals communicate and create social reality through these symbolic exchanges, which can include language, gestures, and other forms of expression. The primary focus is on understanding how people construct and interpret meanings in their social worlds, showing that social life is built through ongoing interactions.

In contrast, functionalism is more concerned with how various components of society contribute to overall stability and function, without a specific focus on individual interaction. Conflict theory emphasizes the power dynamics and struggles between different social groups, highlighting issues of inequality rather than the nuanced interactions of individuals. Behaviorism, often associated with psychology, focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli rather than the subjective meanings and symbols that individuals create in their interactions. Therefore, symbolic interactionism clearly aligns with the concept of interactions as exchanges of symbols.