What does "symbolic interactionism" focus on in sociology?

Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical framework in sociology that emphasizes the importance of meanings and symbols in social interactions. It posits that individuals interpret and define each other's actions based on symbols—such as language, gestures, and objects—that carry specific meanings within a cultural context. This perspective highlights how these meanings are not fixed but are constantly created and modified through social interaction.

In this approach, social reality is seen as constructed through communication and interaction. For example, the way individuals understand concepts like friendship, love, or authority can vary widely based on their personal experiences and social contexts. Therefore, the focus of symbolic interactionism is centrally concerned with how people perceive, understand, and give meaning to their relationships and environments, making option B the correct choice.

The other options address broader sociological concepts that do not align with the core emphasis of symbolic interactionism. For instance, focusing on economic systems or large institutions relates more to structural or macro-level analyses, while the structure of society and hierarchies pertains more to sociological perspectives such as functionalism or conflict theory. Symbolic interactionism, on the other hand, zeroes in on the micro-level interactions and the subjective interpretations that shape individual behaviors and social dynamics.