Formalizing Symbolic Interactionism

Abstract

Symbolic interactionism is generally known as a theory typically linked with a qualitative methodology. Recent developments in quantitative social network analysis, however, can analyze processes theorized within this theoretical tradition. Thick description can be complemented with statistical analyses of network structure and dynamics, expanding the scope and detail of results. This paper argues that social network analysis can bridge the divide between qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results from a long-term project on literary criticism substantiate the argument and illustrate a major development in social network analysis.