Social Interaction
The Problem of the Individual and the Group
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2200568 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Louis Wirth (corresponding author) |
| Year | 1939 |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 965-979 |
| Publication date | 1939-05-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | American Journal of Sociology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0002-9602 • E-ISSN: 1537-5390 |
| Publisher | University of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1086/218182 |
| OpenAlex | W2072331431 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 2 |
This article examines the fundamental problem of the individual and the group, focusing on the impact of social interaction. Wirth explores how individual behavior is shaped by group life and how, in turn, individuals contribute to the formation and transformation of groups. He analyzes the concepts of social contact, interaction, and social relations, distinguishing between physical proximity and meaningful interaction. The article emphasizes the role of communication and shared symbols in establishing social bonds and creating a sense of community. Wirth also discusses the influence of group size, density, and heterogeneity on the nature of social interaction, suggesting that larger, denser, and more diverse groups tend to foster greater individualization and specialization of roles. He concludes by highlighting the dynamic interplay between individual agency and social structure, arguing that individuals are both products and creators of their social environment
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| Unique citing works | 8 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,15 |
| Citation span | 1973 - 2024 (52) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 6 |