The interactionist perspective relates to how individuals interact with each other in social situations based on what actions, values, beliefs, and attitudes apply to that situation. One theory of the interactionist paradigm is symbolic interaction. This process of interaction shapes our behavior by influencing our actions. The interpretation of such symbols is how we develop who we are and what is important to us. A symbol has meaning attached to actions and is interpreted by individuals and groups.
Symbolic interaction involves countless exchanges throughout our lives and never stops.