Symbols and society. The attention paid by sociologists to the problem of symbolism has thus far been relatively small, as compared with the contributions of philosophers and psychologists. This is an astonishing fact because sign-systems are the principal means by which men enter into mutual relationships, and organize, maintain and stimulate their group-life. Starting from “sign” as the most general concept, the author distinguishes these into natural and conventional signs. Whereas all natural and a part of the conventional signs function as signals, many of the latter have a symbolic function. A sign functions as a signal by indicating or pointing to something located in one’s direct or "possible” field of experience. Symbols refer to something transcending specific experiences, to things ”in absentia”, which confronts their interpretation with peculiar difficulties.
