Structure and Function of Symbolic Action

Symbolic interactionism, which has been developed by some American sociologists and social psychologists, is known as a theory which emphasizes subjectivity of human action and objects Harvard mechanists' sociological theory. But some questions about symbolic interactionism, especially about H.D. Duncan's theory, arise for its theoretical ambiguity. Firstly, this theory lacks the aspect concerned with social structure as a whole. Secondly, function of symbolic action is limited to creation and sustaining of social order. Thirdly, symbolic materials which are quoted in this theory are limited to particular materials which are not used universally.This note aims to consider how we can supplement the weak points of symbolic internationalism which are pointed out above with the method of dramatism which was proposed by K. Burke and made a sociological amendment by H.D. Duncan. In this discussion I propose three points. Firstly, we must develop the logical and systematic consistency between considerations of the emergent process of symbolic action and the social function of symbols which emerge from it's process. Secondly, we must arrange the pentad model of symbolic action more analytically. Thirdly, we must clarify the relationship between the pentad model and the function of symbols.