Sociological Perspectives on Self and Moral Development

Flashcards covering key concepts related to sociological perspectives on self and moral development as discussed in the lecture.

What concept did Charles Cooley introduce related to self-understanding?

The looking glass self, which asserts that self understanding is constructed through perceptions of how others view us.

Who is credited with the development of the concept of 'self' in sociology?

George Herbert Mead.

What are the three stages of self-development according to Mead?

Preparatory stage, play stage, and game stage.

What occurs during the preparatory stage of Mead's theory?

Children imitate others without understanding their perspectives.

What is the significance of the play stage in Mead's theory?

Children begin to take on the role of one other person and understand individual perspectives.

What do children learn during the game stage according to Mead?

They learn to consider multiple roles and how they interact with each other.

What does the concept of the 'generalized other' represent?

The common behavioral expectations of society that form the individual’s understanding of self.

Who developed a theory of moral development and what are the three levels?

Lawrence Kohlberg, with the levels being preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.

What characterizes the preconventional stage of moral development?

Young children make moral decisions based on their sensory experiences.

At what stage do individuals begin to think of morality in abstract terms?

The postconventional stage.

What was Carol Gilligan's criticism of Kohlberg's theory?

She suggested it showed gender bias due to its focus on male subjects.

What two perspectives of morality did Gilligan identify between boys and girls?

Boys emphasized justice, while girls focused on care and responsibility.

What was one major critique of Gilligan's research on moral development?

Her study had a small sample size and results have not been replicated.

How did Gilligan view the justice and care perspectives?

She theorized that neither perspective was better; they serve different purposes.

What societal norms does Gilligan suggest boys and girls are socialized into?

Boys are socialized for a work environment; girls are socialized for a home environment.