Symbolic Interactionism and Expectation States Theory: Similarities and Differences

Theories in the expectation states theoretical research program are often seen as based on the orienting strategy of symbolic interactionism. Certainly there are similarities. For example, both consider the actor's definition of the situation central to accounting for behavior. Both emphasize the situational specificity of behavior. While there are similarities, there are also several differences, including conflicts in assumptions about continuity in the definition processes and about the awareness of the actor of the operation of these processes. This paper spells out each of the similarities and differences between the state activating approach of expectation states theory and symbolic interactionism. It does not draw any conclusion about whether expectation states theories are “really” based on symbolic interactionism or not. However, it does indicate that these theories are probably more closely related to Simmel's form of interactionism than to Blumer's version.