1. a philosophical or sociological theory that emphasizes the importance of interaction and mutual influence between individuals, groups, or systems in shaping behavior, meaning, and social reality
Usage: commonly used in sociology and social psychology; often contrasted with structural or deterministic approaches
2. in philosophy of mind, the view that mental and physical events causally interact with each other
Usage: philosophical term; contrasts with dualism and physicalism

Examples

• Sociologists studying interactionism examine how people create meaning through everyday conversations and social encounters.
• The theory of interactionism suggests that identity is formed through repeated interactions with others.
• Interactionism in psychology focuses on how individuals and their environment continuously influence each other.
• Critics of interactionism argue that it underestimates the role of larger social structures.
• Descartes' interactionism proposed that the mind and body communicate through the pineal gland.
• Modern interactionism has become influential in understanding how technology shapes human relationships.
• The school's curriculum reflects interactionism by emphasizing collaborative learning and peer interaction.