| American sociologist and social psychologist. Editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Sociology (–). Date of Birth: Country: USA |
Herbert Blumer was an American sociologist and social psychologist who made significant contributions to the field of symbolic interactionism. He argued that meaning is constructed through social interaction and that the objects in our world are defined by their significance within our social experiences. Blumer's work has had a profound impact on the development of social psychology and has been influential in fields such as communication studies and education.
Herbert Blumer was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 7, He received his B.A. from the University of Missouri in and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in , where he studied under the renowned philosopher and social psychologist George Herbert Mead. Mead's work on symbolic interactionism had a profound influence on Blumer's own thinking.
Blumer taught at the University of Chicago from to , succeeding Mead as chair of the sociology department. In , he moved to the University of California, Berkeley, where he continued his research and teaching until his retirement in Blumer served as president of the American Sociological Association in
Herbert Blumer is best known for his work on symbolic interactionism, a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of symbols, meanings, and social interaction in shaping human behavior. Blumer argued that meaning is not inherent in objects but rather is constructed through the social interactions in which we engage. He developed a set of methodological principles for studying social phenomena, emphasizing the importance of participant observation and the use of qualitative research methods.
Blumer was a central figure in the development of the Chicago School of symbolic interactionism, which also included Anselm Strauss, Tamotsu Shibutani, and Erving Goffman. This school of thought focused on the study of everyday interactions and the ways in which people make sense of their social world. Blumer's work on collective behavior and social problems was particularly influential in this area.
Herbert Blumer passed away in at the age of His work continues to be highly influential in the field of sociology, particularly in the areas of symbolic interactionism and qualitative research. Blumer's ideas have also been adopted in other disciplines, including psychology, communication, and education. His writings and research have significantly contributed to our understanding of human behavior and social life.