Symbolic Interactionism and Cooley's Perspective

Symbolic Interactionism

• Symbolic interactionism is a theory stating social reality is constructed through human interaction using symbols.
• The core of human development, from a symbolic interactionist perspective, is the development of the self through reflexive behavior.
• Reflexive behavior involves observing, interpreting, and evaluating one's own actions from the perspective of others. Learning to see things from another's perspective is crucial for socialization.
• This ability to take the perspective of others reflects the development of self.

Cooley's Perspective

• Cooley believed early childhood and primary group participation are critical for developing self-concept.
• Children develop a sense of self within primary groups.
• The primary group, as Cooley termed it, is the foundation for self-development.
• Self-development occurs within a group context.

Looking-Glass Self

• Cooley's concept of the "looking-glass self" highlights how we learn about ourselves through interactions with others.
• The "looking-glass self" has three components:
  • Imagining how we appear to others.
  • Interpreting others' reactions to us.
  • Developing a self-concept based on these interpretations.
  • Interpreting others' reactions to us shapes our feelings about ourselves.

Mead's Stages of Self

• Mead's theory is a fundamental symbolic interactionist theory of human development.
• Mead's theory explores how young humans develop a sense of self.
• A key stage in self-development entails understanding how others view us.
• Mead believed the self is composed of two parts: "I" and "me."
• "Me" represents the socialized self, capable of judging one's actions against societal expectations.
• "I" represents the spontaneous, impulsive, and creative self.
• The "I" responds to the "Me".

The "I" and "Me"

• The "I" (subjective/egocentric part) is impulsive, spontaneous, and creative.
• The "me" (objective/socialized part) is developed through interactions with others, internalizing societal norms and values.
• The "me" reflects upon the self in relation to societal expectations.

Mead and Control of Impulses

• Children learn to control impulses to respond to outside stimuli due to societal expectations.
• The "me" aspect gradually dominates the "I", signifying successful human development.

Mead and Role Taking

• Mead emphasizes play's significance in self-development.
• Role-taking involves mentally assuming the perspective of another and responding from that imagined viewpoint.

This quiz explores the theory of symbolic interactionism and Charles Cooley's contributions to understanding self-development. It covers key concepts such as the looking-glass self and the importance of primary groups in shaping an individual's self-concept. Engage with these ideas to deepen your understanding of social psychology.