Sociology of the Self

A detailed set of vocabulary flashcards covering the sociological perspectives of self, modernity characteristics, social groups, Mead's developmental theory, and Bronfenbrenner's ecological model.

Sociology

The study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior, as well as formed norms, beliefs, and values that shape identity (Elwell, 2003).

The Looking-Glass Self

A concept by C.H. Cooley stating that self-identity develops through three steps: imagining how we appear to others, imagining their judgment, and developing self-feelings based on that perceived judgment.

Dramaturgical Approach

Erving Goffman's framework analyzing self-presentation through a Front Stage (performance, roles, impression management) and a Back Stage (preparation).

Premodern Society

A society centered on survival where individuals behaved strictly according to traditional social rules and communal traditions.

Delocalization

The process described by Mannheim (1950) where the self is released from time-honored traditions and communal attachments, freeing it to seek its own identity.

Industrialism

A key characteristic of modernity referring to the social relations implied in the extensive use of material power and machinery in all processes of production.

Capitalism

A key characteristic of modernity defining a production system that involves competitive product markets and the commodification of labor power.

Institutions of Surveillance

A key characteristic of modernity marked by a massive increase in the power and reach of governing and state institutions.

Dynamism

The most evident characteristic of modern society, marked by vigorous activity, progress, and constant change where nothing is permanent.

Social Group

A collection of two or more people who interact with one another, share similar characteristics, and identify themselves as members of the group.

Organic Groups

Naturally occurring social groups formed in traditional societies, heavily influenced by family connection and organic motivation.

Rational Groups

Social groups in modern societies formed out of shared self-interests and rational motivation, which members join of their own free will.

Social Network

The specific ties or connections (such as blood relations or friendship) that link an individual to their social group.

Play Level (Mead)

The development stage where individuals role-play or assume the perspective of others to internalize their viewpoints.

Game Level (Mead)

The development stage where an individual internalizes multiple perspectives simultaneously and adheres to societal rules to succeed in an activity.

The 'I' (Mead)

The unsocialized, spontaneous, and creative component of the self that represents an individual's personal response to societal attitudes.

The 'Me' (Mead)

The socialized, objective self that internalizes community attitudes, societal norms, expectations, and the Generalized Other.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

A theory focusing on the impact of different environmental systems on the overall growth and development of an individual.

Microsystem

The immediate environment in which an individual lives and directly interacts with, including family, peers, school, and neighborhood.

Mesosystem

The layer of Bronfenbrenner's theory encompassing the interactions and relationships between an individual's different microsystems.

Exosystem

A social setting in which the individual plays no direct role, but which still produces experiences that directly affect their microsystem.

Macrosystem

The overarching cultural and societal context, encompassing dominant belief systems, cultural values, customs, and legal structures.

Chronosystem

The pattern of environmental events, cumulative experiences, and major life transitions occurring over the course of an individual's lifetime.