Understanding the Self PDF

GE 1: UNDERSTANDING THE SELF Mead and the Social Self - George Herbert Mead (1863–1931) introduced What is the Self in Sociology? the idea that the self emerges from s...

GE 1: UNDERSTANDING THE SELF Mead and the Social Self - George Herbert Mead (1863–1931) introduced What is the Self in Sociology? the idea that the self emerges from social - The self refers to an individual's awareness of interaction. their personal identity. - Mead's theory emphasizes that the self is - In sociology, the self is considered a product of developed through communication, role-taking, social interactions and structures. and understanding others' perspectives. The Self as a Product of Modern Society Mead's 3 Stages of Self-Development - The self is shaped by the demands and norms of 1. Preparatory Stage: modern society. - Children imitate others without - Examples include how social institutions like understanding roles or social expectations. education, media, and technology influence 2. Play Stage: individual identity. - Children start taking on specific roles (e.g., - Modern society often emphasizes individualism, "teacher" or "parent") and begin to but social structures guide how individuals form understand role-playing. their self-concept. 3. Game Stage: The Self as a Necessary Fiction - Children learn to understand and anticipate - The concept of the self can be viewed as a others' roles and internalize the "generalized "necessary fiction" created by society. other" (society's expectations). - Individuals define themselves through societal expectations, roles, and narratives. Charles Horton Cooley and the Looking Glass Self - These roles and behaviors are essential for - Charles Horton Cooley (1864–1929) developed functioning in society and are often "scripted." the concept of the Looking Glass Self, which explains that our self-concept is shaped through Post-Modern View of the Self our perception of how others view us. - Postmodernists argue that the self is fragmented - Cooley emphasized the interconnection between and fluid rather than singular. personal identity and society. - Individuals may exhibit multiple identities The Looking Glass Self Process depending on the context, such as work, home, 1. We imagine how others see us: or social media. - In social interactions, we construct an image - This view rejects the traditional notion of a of how others perceive us (e.g., confident, unified self, challenging previous ideas about shy, or friendly). identity. 2. We imagine how others judge us: - After imagining others' perceptions, we try to Rewriting the Self as an Artistic Creation interpret their judgment (e.g., competent, - The self can be seen as an ongoing, creative attractive, or unattractive). project shaped by personal choices and 3. We develop self-feelings: experiences. - Based on these judgments, we feel - Individuals have the ability to "rewrite" their emotions such as pride or shame (e.g., if identity based on new values or changing we think others see us positively, we feel circumstances. confident). - Identity is fluid and dynamic, similar to an evolving work of art. Leon Festinger and Social Comparison Theory - Leon Festinger (1919–1989) developed Social Self-Creation and Collective Identity Comparison Theory, which explains that we - While self-creation is a personal process, it is evaluate our own abilities and opinions by also influenced by collective identity, such as comparing ourselves to others. cultural groups and social norms. - Festinger also created the theory of Cognitive - Parts of our identity are formed based on Dissonance. membership in social groups, including Social Comparison Theory nationality, gender, and religion. 1. Upward Comparison: - There is a continuous negotiation between - Comparing ourselves to someone better individual identity and collective belonging. than us can be motivating but may also lead to dissatisfaction. Self-Creation and the Struggle for Cultural 2. Downward Comparison: Recognition - Comparing ourselves to someone worse off - People often struggle to have their unique boosts self-esteem. identities recognized in a diverse society. - Cultural recognition validates an individual's self- This theory helps explain how social environments identity. shape self-evaluation and behavior. - This struggle is connected to broader issues of power, social justice, and equality.