Sociological Perspective PDF

The Self from Various Perspectives Sociological Perspective Comparisons of different societies on how people viewed self: Pre-modern Society Centered on survival for people behaved according to social rules and traditions while the family and environment provided supervision....

The Self from Various Perspectives Sociological Perspective Comparisons of different societies on how people viewed self: Pre-modern Society Centered on survival for people behaved according to social rules and traditions while the family and environment provided supervision. Choosing where to live, what line of work to do, and even who to marry was very limited. Modern Period Individualism is dominant; Development of one’ self-identity is central; A person is free to choose where to live, what to do and whom to be with. Effects of Modernization Affects how an individual builds and develops his/her self-identity. Improved people’s living conditions. Decreased stability in tradition and traditional support systems. Key Characteristics of Modernity Industrialism A social or economic system built on manufacturing industries. Capitalism A production system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state. Institutions of surveillance Functions, in part, because of the extensive collection, recording, storage, analysis and application of information on individuals and groups in those societies as they go about their lives. Dynamism The quality of being characterized by vigorous activity and progress. Georg Simmel A sociologist, philosopher, and a critic. “People create social networks by joining social groups” Social networks Ties or connections that link you to your social groups Social group Having 2 or more people interacting with one another, sharing similar characteristics, and whose members identify themselves as part of the group. Georg Simmel Organic Social Group Naturally occurring and highly influenced by the family. Organic motivation Joining groups because your family is also a part of it. Rootedness A positive effect of organic group. Rational Social Group Occurs in modern societies formed as a matter of shared interest. Rational Motivation Joining rational social groups out of their free will. George Herbert Mead A philosopher, sociologist and psychologist. Well-known for his “Theory of Social Self” Self A product of social interactions and internalizing the external views along with one’s personal view about oneself. Not present from birth rather it is developed over time through social experiences and activities. George Herbert Mead 3 stages in self development Language Gives the individual the capacity to express himself/herself. Play Enables the individual to internalize others’ perspectives Game Enables them to take into account societal rules and adheres to it. George Herbert Mead 2 sides of the Self “Me” The product of what the person has learned while interacting with others and with the environment “I” The part of the self that is unsocialized and spontaneous. The individual’s response to the community’s attitude toward the person Represents impulses and drives, does not follow rules Constructs a response based on what has been learned by the “me.” Charles Horton Cooley A sociologist best known for his concept of the looking-glass self Self Grows out of society’s interpersonal interactions and the perceptions of others.