The self

Summarise Mead's theory of the social self

This theory focuses on how the “self” is developed

The social aspect of the self is developed via interactions and experiences

Language develops via responses to interactions and experiences

“Me” is the social self, “I” is the response

What is a collective identity?

An identity shared by a group that involves both personal and social identities (e.g. being a fan of a certain football team)

What is a social identity?

A definition of someone based on their relation to other social groups and social roles

Summarise the idea of multiple identities

The idea that we all have more than one identity and that we change which one we assert based on different social contexts

What are stigmatized identities according to Goffman?

An identity that is undesirable to hold as it leads to social exclusion (e.g. disability)

Summarise what Goffman says about the presentation of the self in everyday life

We are all actors on a social stage and we manipulate our identity depending on our current situation.

What does Woodward (2000) say about our conception of our own identity?

It is mainly concerned with our interests and hobbies AKA “who am I”