CALL FOR PAPERS

Symbolic Interaction and computer mediated communication


Symbolic Interaction, a peer-reviewed journal published quarterly by the University of California Press, invites submissions for a special issue dedicated to the application of symbolic interactionism to internet research.

Erving Goffman's concept of "the presentation of self" has become foundational to much scholarly understanding of online identity in chat, email, game environments, blogs, and social networks. Yet other aspects of the rich tradition of symbolic interaction -- including other concepts developed by Goffman -- have been largely ignored by internet researchers.

For this special issue, we welcome a broad range of approaches to studying computer-mediated interactions between individuals and within communities online, that utilize other lines of thought by Goffman, or the works of George H. Mead, Charles Cooley, Herbert Blumer, James Carey, Carl Couch, Norman Denzin or other theorists in the interactionist tradition. Definitions of the social situation, negotiation of meanings, social processes, framing, and other interactionist principles are possible theoretical foundations.

Qualitative studies will be privileged in the evaluation of submissions, as well as those reflecting recent theoretical developments in symbolic interaction theory. Topics may include online communities, virtual environments, games, social networking sites and any other forms of computer-mediated communication.

Papers that are supplemented by online materials are encouraged, and space will be made available on the journal's website(http://is.gd/gQ4Z) for authors to place links, examples, illustrations, or further discussion of the published texts.

Please send submissions electronically to Mark Johns: mjohns@luther.edu
Deadline for submissions is August 1, 2009.

Phillip Vannini, PhD
Associate Professor
School of Communication and Culture
2005 Sooke Road
Royal Roads University
Victoria BC V9B 5Y2
CANADA
Phone: (250) 391-2600 ext. 4477
Fax: (250) 391-2694
phillip.vannini@royalroads.ca<mailto:phillip.vannini@royalroads.ca>

close