Abstract

In this chapter, we examine the intersection between Interactionism and Methodological Individualism (MI). In the first part of the chapter, we discuss the affinity between MI and Interactionism by outlining the connection existing between the two frameworks; in particular, we show the similarities between the theories of two major founders of MI—Max Weber and Georg Simmel—and Interactionism. In addition to these similarities, Interactionism and Methodological Individualism also share a common criticism; they both have been charged with being microsociological reductionists. We begin to address this major controversy affecting both MI and Interactionism, by outlining how it applies to Interactionism. In doing so, we present the perspective we call “Pragmatic Interactionism,” which expands the interactionist tradition by adding three core ideas. The three core ideas of this analytic approach are problem-solving activity; human agency as creative constraint; and multidimensional sociality. These core ideas respond to recent developments in interactionist theorizing, as well as the pursuit of a greater emphasis on Pragmatism in the larger discipline of sociology. In introducing each of these core ideas, we provide empirical illustrations for those interested in how to apply this approach. In sum, our chapter shows confluence and divergence between Interactionism and MI, and addresses a controversy that affects both Interactionism and MI.