The Interactionist Perspectives of George Herbert Mead and Harvey Sacks

Abstract

The perspectives of George Herbert Mead, as found in various texts developed from his lectures (edited and published posthumously by his students), and Harvey Sacks' lectures (recorded and edited by Gail Jefferson) and writings on interaction, are examined to show the differences and occasional similarities between their points of view. Mead's perspective is shown to be that of the analyst/theorist whereas Sacks' focus was on ongoing practical accomplishments by members of society.