PSYCH031: Sociological Perspective (1)

What is Sociology?

The study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture in everyday life.

What is the Sociological Perspective of the self?

It is the view that human beings cannot form a self or personal identity without social contact with others.

What shapes a person according to Sociology?

Norms, beliefs, and values that exist within the person through interaction with others.

What are the guiding questions in studying the sociological self?

• How does the society influence you?

• How do you affect the society?

• Who are you as a person in the community?

GEORGE HERBERT MEAD – “The Social Self”
How does Mead view the self?

The self is a social entity created through social interaction.

GEORGE HERBERT MEAD – “The Social Self”
When does the self begin to develop?

In childhood, as children begin to develop a sense of self through interaction.

GEORGE HERBERT MEAD – “The Social Self”
What does Mead say about the origin of the self?

The self emerges from social experience and does not exist at birth.

GEORGE HERBERT MEAD – “The Social Self”
What does social experience involve?

Communication and exchange of meaning between people.

GEORGE HERBERT MEAD – “The Social Self”
What is understanding intention?

Imagining the situation from another person’s point of view—taking their role (reflective and reflexive thinking).

What happens in the Preparation Stage? STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SELF

The child imitates or mimics actions from people around them.

What happens in the Play Stage? STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SELF

The child role-plays and pretends to be other people (important for developing self-awareness).

What happens in the Game Stage? STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SELF

The child grasps not only their own social position but also the roles of others around them—understanding a network of expectations.

What is learned in the Game Stage? STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SELF

The child learns the “generalized other” — perspectives and expectations of society.

What are the two parts of the self according to Mead?

• “I” – The unique self, free from social expectations.

• “Me” – The self based on societal expectations and norms.

CHARLES HORTON COOLEY – “The Looking-Glass Self”
How does Cooley explain the development of self?

The self develops through our perceptions of others’ evaluations and appraisals of us.

CHARLES HORTON COOLEY – “The Looking-Glass Self”
What is the “Looking-Glass Self”?

The image people have of themselves based on how they believe others perceive them.

CHARLES HORTON COOLEY – “The Looking-Glass Self”
What happens when perceptions are internalized?

They create a person’s self-perception.

CHARLES HORTON COOLEY – “The Looking-Glass Self”
What are the results of different appraisals?

• Favorable appraisal → Positive self-concept

• Unfavorable appraisal → Negative self-concept

ERVING GOFFMAN – “Constructing Identity and Dramaturgy”
How is the self viewed by Goffman?

The self is a theatrical performance constructed through interaction with others.

ERVING GOFFMAN – “Constructing Identity and Dramaturgy”
What is “Dramaturgy”?

A concept explaining how individuals take on roles and act them out to present a favorable impression to others.

ERVING GOFFMAN – “Constructing Identity and Dramaturgy”
What is “Impression Management”?

The process of controlling how others view us by managing the image we present.

COMPONENTS OF IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT: What is the Front Stage? 

The area where people perform roles depending on the place, time, and audience.

COMPONENTS OF IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT: What is the Back Stage?

A space where individuals are free from expectations and norms, showing their true selves.

What does Goffman say about the self overall?

The self is a social construction, dependent on the situation.