Lesson 2: The Self, Society, and Culture

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Questions and Answers

What does the existential self refer to?

The evaluation of worth and acceptance of oneself.

The understanding of oneself through characteristics like traits and age.

The awareness of being distinct and separate from others. (correct)

The subjective view one holds about oneself.

How does social comparison theory describe self-evaluation?

Through a fixed set of personal attributes.

By comparing one’s worth with others. (correct)

By applying theoretical models of personality.

Through introspective reflection only.

According to Carl Rogers, which of the following is NOT a component of the self?

Self-Image

Ideal Self

Self-Esteem

Social Identity (correct)

What typically results from a mismatch between self-image and ideal self?

Incongruence. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of social comparison is aimed at self-improvement?

Upward Social Comparison Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of self-image relates to physical attributes?

Physical Appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is likely a consequence of low self-esteem?

Desire to compare oneself negatively. Signup and view all the answers

How do cultural practices influence the self?

They shape identity as secondary to cultural context. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the sociological perspective on the self?

Social interactions and feedback from others Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'looking-glass self' conceptualize the formation of self-image?

From imagined judgments of others' perceptions Signup and view all the answers

According to Gecas and Burke, what does the self consist of?

Varied identities influenced by context and society Signup and view all the answers

What role does self-esteem play in identity formation?

It influences self-perception and identity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the implications of the '52 Hertz Whale' story?

Social connections enhance feelings of belonging Signup and view all the answers

What is one contribution of George Herbert Mead to understanding the self?

The concept that selfhood is developed through social experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about identity formation in society and culture is correct?

Culture and society significantly contribute to how identity is shaped Signup and view all the answers

The concept of the 'self' emphasizes which of the following aspects?

Interpersonal relationships and language shape self-understanding Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding the Self

Definition of 'self' varies across social sciences, encompassing personal identity and interactions with society.
Self develops primarily through social interactions, especially mediated by language and symbols that facilitate communication.

Society and Culture's Role

Society and culture play a crucial role in shaping individual identity, creating a complex interaction in identity formation.
Social interactions provide feedback that influences feelings of belongingness and self-affirmation.

Notable Examples

The "52 Hertz Whale" symbolizes the impact of social connection on identity, highlighting feelings of loneliness and belonging.

Contributions of Cooley and Mead

Charles Cooley's "looking-glass self" illustrates how self-image is influenced by perceived judgments from others.
George Herbert Mead argues that the development of selfhood is a result of social experiences where society and the individual mutually shape each other.

Key Concepts

Looking-Glass Self: Self-view shaped by imagined perceptions from others, as proposed by Cooley.
Cooley emphasizes behavioral adjustments based on social feedback, contributing to self-concept.

Identity Framework by Gecas and Burke

Identity comprises varied beliefs, experiences, and is shaped by community and societal institutions, acknowledging complex and context-dependent identities.

Anthropological Perspective

Identity is largely influenced by cultural practices, with individuals shaped by their cultural contexts.

Psychological Perspective on Self-Concept

Self-concept encompasses an individual's self-perception, beliefs, evaluations, and awareness, as highlighted by Baumeister.

Aspects of Self-Concept

Existential Self: Awareness of being distinct from others.
Categorical Self: Understanding oneself through characteristics like age and gender.

Carl Rogers' Components of Self

Self-Image: Subjective views shaped by inner reflections and external influences.
Self-Esteem: Reflects self-evaluation and acceptance, impacting confidence.
Ideal Self: Aspirational self-image, leading to potential incongruence with self-esteem.

Formation of Self-Image

Influenced by various factors, including physical appearance, social roles, personal traits, and existential reflections.

Proposed by Leon Festinger, indicating that individuals assess their worth by comparing themselves to others.

Upward Social Comparison: Individuals compare themselves to those they view as superior for self-improvement.
Downward Social Comparison: Comparing with those worse off to enhance self-esteem.

Individuals may evaluate physical and social characteristics against others, affecting self-perception and societal interactions.

Character Association Exercise

Students explore common character stereotypes and societal roles, promoting self-reflection and understanding of identity dynamics.

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Description

This lesson by Raphael S.Tanseco explores the profound interactions between the self, society, and culture. It highlights how these elements contribute to personal identity formation and the significance of self-esteem in this context. Engage with key concepts to deepen your understanding of social sciences.