GED 101 – Understanding the Self Reviewer PDF

CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL GED 101 – UNDERSTANDING THE SELF REVIEWER FOR DEPARTMENTAL EXAMINATIONS 1. Theories of the Self Mead’s Theory of the Self Stages of Development:...

CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL GED 101 – UNDERSTANDING THE SELF REVIEWER FOR DEPARTMENTAL EXAMINATIONS 1. Theories of the Self Mead’s Theory of the Self Stages of Development: Preparatory Stage: Children (typically under 3 years) mimic the actions of others without understanding. For example, a child may imitate adults talking on the phone. Play Stage: Children (ages 3 to 6) start to engage in role-playing. They take on roles, such as "teacher" or "doctor," which helps them understand social roles and expectations. Game Stage: In this stage (ages 7 and up), children learn to understand the perspectives of multiple others at once. They can engage in games that require teamwork and strategy, understanding that their actions aHect others. Individualism vs. Collectivism Individualist Cultures: Emphasize personal achievement and autonomy. For example, in the United States, success is often defined by personal accomplishments and career advancements. Collectivist Cultures: Focus on group success and collaboration. In countries like Japan, group harmony and collective achievements are prioritized, influencing how individuals perceive their identity and worth. Social Identity Theory This theory posits that a person's self-concept is derived from their group memberships (e.g., nationality, ethnicity, gender). For instance, someone may identify strongly as a member of a particular cultural group, influencing their values and behavior. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL Possible Selves Theory This concept refers to individuals' beliefs about what they might become in the future, motivating their present behavior. For example, a student might envision themselves as a doctor, which motivates them to excel in their science classes. 2. Digital Citizenship and Online Behavior Gen Z and Digital Natives Definition: Generation Z is the first cohort to grow up with easy access to digital technology and the internet. This has shaped their social interactions and identity formation, making them more adept at navigating online spaces. Cancel Culture Cancel culture refers to the social phenomenon of withdrawing support for public figures or companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable. For example, a celebrity may face backlash and lose sponsorships due to controversial statements made on social media, aHecting their public image and career. Sherry Turkle’s Post-Modern Identity Turkle argues that identities in the digital age are fluid and constructed through interactions on social media. For instance, a person may present diHerent aspects of themselves across platforms (e.g., professional on LinkedIn, casual on Instagram), illustrating the multiplicity of modern identity. Online Disinhibition This concept explains how anonymity and distance in online communication can lead to behavior that individuals might not exhibit in face-to-face interactions. For example, someone might post hurtful comments online they would never say in person because they feel hidden behind a screen. 3. Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Maturity Characteristics of Emotional Intelligence Self-Awareness: Understanding one's own emotions and their impact on thoughts and behavior. Empathy: The ability to recognize and understand the emotions of others. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL Emotional Regulation: Managing one's emotions in healthy ways, such as calming oneself down when angry. Social Skills: Building and maintaining healthy relationships. Reappraisal in Emotional Regulation This involves changing one’s interpretation of a situation to alter its emotional impact. For example, viewing a job loss as an opportunity for personal growth rather than solely a failure can foster resilience. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Leaders with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle team dynamics and conflicts. For instance, a manager who recognizes when employees are stressed can provide support or adjust workloads, improving overall team morale. 4. Social and Cultural Influences on Identity Socialization Agents Key influences in shaping identity include: Family: Primary source of values and norms. Peers: Influence social behaviors and acceptance. School: Provides educational experiences and social interactions. Religious Institutions: Shape moral values and community belonging. Impact of Collectivist vs. Individualist Cultures on Identity In collectivist cultures, individuals often see themselves as part of a larger group, leading to a communal sense of identity. In contrast, individualist cultures foster a sense of self based on personal achievements and independence. Locus of Control Internal Locus of Control: Belief that one's eHorts directly influence outcomes (e.g., a student attributes their academic success to hard work). External Locus of Control: Belief that external forces dictate outcomes (e.g., attributing failure to luck or circumstances). CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL 5. Philosophical Perspectives on the Self Plato’s Ideal and Physical Realms Plato posits that truth exists in two realms: the ideal (unchanging forms) and the physical (the material world). Understanding truth requires transcending sensory experience to grasp the ideal forms. Aristotle’s Essence and Matter Unlike Plato, Aristotle believed that essence (the nature of a thing) and matter (the substance of a thing) are interdependent. For instance, the essence of a chair is its purpose (to provide seating), and its matter is the physical materials (wood, metal). Descartes’ Dualism Descartes argued for a clear distinction between mind and body. His famous statement, "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"), emphasizes that self- awareness and thought are the foundations of existence. Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology This philosophy suggests that the self emerges from embodied experiences, meaning that our identity is shaped through our interactions with the world around us, such as physical movements and sensory experiences. Problem of Personal Identity This philosophical question examines what makes an individual the same person over time, despite changes. For example, if a person undergoes significant life changes (like losing memories), are they still the same person? 6. Cognitive and Developmental Theories Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development Erikson identified eight stages of development, each characterized by a specific conflict. Key stages include: Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence): Teens explore their identity, leading to a coherent sense of self or confusion. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood): Individuals seek to form intimate relationships or risk social isolation. Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) ZPD describes the diHerence between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with assistance. EHective teaching occurs within this zone, where learners receive support to achieve tasks slightly beyond their current capabilities. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs This model outlines a five-tier hierarchy of human needs, from basic physiological needs to self-actualization at the top. After meeting physiological needs (food, shelter), individuals seek safety, love/belonging, esteem, and ultimately, self- actualization. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Gardner proposed that intelligence is multifaceted, encompassing various types beyond traditional IQ. For example, someone might excel in musical intelligence while having lower linguistic intelligence. 7. Learning Theories and Mindsets Bandura’s Social Learning Theory Bandura emphasized that people learn behaviors through observation and imitation, known as modeling. For instance, a child who sees their parent handling conflict calmly may adopt similar strategies. Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset Dweck's research shows that individuals with a growth mindset believe they can improve through eHort and learning, fostering resilience and persistence. In contrast, a fixed mindset may discourage eHort because of the belief that abilities are innate and unchangeable. Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory Freud's theory includes the id (instinctual desires), ego (reality-oriented mediator), and superego (moral conscience). Defense mechanisms, such as repression or denial, help individuals manage anxiety stemming from internal conflicts. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL 8. Ethical and Civic Responsibilities Active Citizenship Active citizenship involves being engaged in community and political processes, advocating for rights, and understanding civic duties. For example, participating in local government meetings or volunteering for social causes demonstrates active citizenship. Digital Citizenship This concept encompasses responsible online behavior, including respecting others and understanding the implications of one's actions on digital platforms. Ethical considerations include maintaining privacy and combating cyberbullying. Principles of Democracy Democracy allows citizens the freedom to make informed choices about governance and societal rules. Engaging in discussions about policies, voting in elections, and holding representatives accountable are key democratic actions.