The Self, Society and Culture

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts from the lecture notes on the self, society, and culture.

Self

The evolving sense of who one is, shaped by social context, relationships, and changing circumstances.

Culture

Shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices that influence behavior and identity within a society.

Language

A system of symbols used for communication that reflects a society’s values and helps shape individual identity and social relationships.

Identity

A person’s understanding of themselves as a member of social groups, formed through culture, language, and interaction.

Internal dialogue

The ongoing inner conversations used to process information and reason through moral dilemmas.

Social development

Growth and change in individuals arising from interaction with others and participation in social life.

Role-playing

Acting out social roles to learn acceptable behavior and develop a sense of self.

Mead

George Herbert Mead, sociologist who argued the self develops through social interaction and taking others’ roles.

Vygotsky

Lev Vygotsky, theorist who emphasized that cognitive development arises from social interaction and language.

Family

The central institution shaping the self by providing environment, resources, and guidance for growth.

Gender

A social construct of roles and identities that can change and develop over time.

Gender identity

An individual’s deeply felt sense of their own gender.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power in family and society.

Feminism

A movement challenging gender inequalities and advocating for women's rights and broader gender equality.

Nancy Chodorow

Feminist scholar who argued that mothers as primary caregivers influence daughters' gender socialization.

Self-image

How a person perceives themselves, which can be affected by experiences such as pregnancy and social roles.

Pregnancy and self-image (Tolstoy example)

An illustration of how pregnancy can alter self-perception and social roles.

Gender expectations in the Philippines

Cultural norms that men should be providers and eldest men dominant, with patriarchy persisting despite feminism.

Circumcision and manhood

A Philippine practice associated with entering manhood, reflecting gender socialization.

tapat ko, linis ko

A Filipino expression meaning 'my area is my responsibility,' reflecting tying territory to self.

Self in families

The family’s central role in shaping the self through environment, resources, and guidance.

Role of media in child development

Children imitate behaviors seen in cartoons and other media; language and role-play help distinguish self from others.