Sociological Perspective

Jiddu Krishnamurti

He believed that understanding of the self only arises in relationship, in watching yourself in relationship to people, ideas, and things; to trees, the Earth, and the world around you and within you.

Relationship

It is the mirror in which the self is revealed.

True

(T/F) Without self-knowledge, there is no basis for right thought and action.

Sociology

It is a scientific study of social groups and human relationships that generates new insights into the interconnectedness between the self and others.

Sociological Approach

It studies how social environments influence individual behavior and self-perception.

Self

This is shaped by social norms, values, roles, and relationships.

Charles Horton Cooley

He argued that the self is shaped by how we think others perceive us. He also introduced the concept of the "Looking-Glass Self"

Imagination of appearance, Imagination of judgment, Self-feeling

3 Components of the Looking-Glass Self+

Imagination of appearance

How we think we appear to others.

Imagination of judgment

How we think others judge that appearance.

Self-feeling

Our emotional response to perceived judgments (e.g., pride or shame)

Looking-Glass Self

Imagine your mind is a mirror, and in that mirror, you see the way other people view you.

George Herbert Mead

He argued that the self emerges from social interactions and communications from the "Theory of Social Self."

Self

This emerges from social interactions and communications.

I, Me

The two parts of the social self

I

The spontaneous, unpredictable part of the self.

Me

The socialized, reflective aspect that conforms to societal expectations.

Role-Taking

We learn to see ourselves from the perspective of others.

Preparatory, Play, Game

Mead suggested 3 stages of development of our sense of self. What are these?

Preparatory

• Early childhood (0 - 3 years old)

• Imitation of others without understanding roles

• Example: A toddler mimics their parent talking on the phone.

Play

• 3 - 5 years old

• Children being role-playing and taking on the perspective of significant others.

• Example: A child plays "doctor" and imagines what it's like to be one.

Game

• Begins in the early school years; about 8 - 9 years old

• Children understand multiple roles and the concept of the "generalized other."

• Example: In team sports, a child knows how their roles fit within the group dynamic.

Gerry Lanuza

He argued the self as a product of modern and postmodern societies.

Modern Society

In this society, the self is shaped by stable institutions like family, education, and work.

Modern Society

People have a more fixed identity tied to their social roles.

Postmodern Society

In this society, the self becomes more fluid and fragmented.

Hyperconsumerism, Media

and _ contribute to identity formation.

Postmodern Society

In this society, there is greater freedom, but also instability in defining oneself.

Jean Baudrillard

He proposed the ideas of "Hyperreality" and "Consumer Society."

Hyperreality

The self is influenced by simulated realities (e.g., media, technology, advertisements) that blur the line between real and fake.

Consumer Society

Identity is constructed through consumption of symbols and signs, not through deep, personal experiences.

False

(T/F) A person might not feel pressure to wear trendy clothes or adopt a certain lifestyle because of what they see on social media, even if it doesn't reflect their true self.