On what grounds have Interactionist criticized Goffman’s approach

The interactionist perspective has often been criticized for what many see as its narrow focus.

(i) Goffman gives little consideration to the inmates’ experiences in the outside world before they entered total institutions.

(ii) He concentrates on meaning in the context of interaction situations. As such it has been criticized for failing to consider the possibility that these meanings may be generated by the wider society.