Transverse Interaction: A Pragmatic Perspective On Environment As Other

This paper formulates an overlooked type of “transverse interaction” between symbol users and the physical environment. Understanding this type leads to recognition of objects constructed as environmental others. Other is a key concept within the interactionist tradition, but emphasis has been on the social life process rather than the physical world that is there. Parallel with the Generalized Social Other is a Generalized Environmental Other. These considerations emphasize naturalistic meanings as a central concern for interactionists.