UTS - Chap. 3 | The Self, Society, and Culture

Socialization

It is the lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize values, norms, customs, beliefs, and behaviors that are necessary for participating effectively in society.

This process begins in early childhood and continues as we interact in different agents of socialization such as family, peers, schools, media, and religious expectations.

1. Symbolic Interactionalism

What theoretical approach focuses on how people create and interpret meanings on things, actions, and social roles through interaction with others where symbols (gestures, words, and objects) are used in communication?

Example: Smile and wave 👋😊

2. Culture and Personality

According to Ruth Benedict, “The culture we grew up in shapes our personality and behaviors”.

• Each culture is unique, some are more competitive and some are more peaceful)

• Personalities are not something we're born into, it is shapes by our cultural environment.

“The Looking Glass Self”

A concept introduced by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley.

It explains how we develop a sense of self based on how we believe others see us.

Charles Horton Cooley

Who introduced the concept of “The Looking Glass Self”?

Imagination

The first step in “The Looking Glass Self” process where we imagine how we appear to others.

Judgment

The 2nd step of “The Looking Glass Self” process where we imagine how people judge us based on that appearance.

Feelings

3rd step in “The Looking Glass Self” process wherein we develop feelings based on those perceived and imagined judgments.

Labelling Theory

Labels or classifications society assigns to individuals influence their behavior and identity.

Social Comparison Theory

Proposed by psychologist Leon Festinger.

We compare ourselves to others to assess our abilities, opinions, and emotions. These comparisons help us understand where we stand in different aspects of life (career, skills, and social status).

Upward Comparison and Downward Comparison

What are the two types of social comparison?

Upward Comparison

We compare ourselves to someone we perceive as better than us. Can motivate or lead to a feeling of inadequacy.

Downward Comparison

We compare ourselves to someone who we perceive as worse off. This can boost our self-esteem by making us feel better about our own situation.

Impression Management

A sociological theory exploring how people try to control the way others perceive them. Goffman likened social interaction to a theatrical play wherein individuals are actors.

Front Stage and Back Stage

• Front Stage is where we perform for others in a way that aligns with society’s expectations.

• Back Stage is where we can relax and be ourselves.

Role Performance

We play different roles depending on situations and people we interact with.

Props and Settings

We use props (clothing and objects) and settings (physical or social environments) to enhance our performance and make it convincing.

Audience Reactions

The way people respond to our performance can affect how we continue to present ourselves.

Face

Positive social value we try to claim and maintain. We avoid losing face which mean looking foolish and incompetent.

Goffman

Who introduced the psychological theory of Impression Management?

3 Main Steps in The Looking Glass Self Theory

1. Imagination - we imagine how we appear to others

2. Judgment - we imagine how others judge us based on that appearance

3. Feelings - we develop feelings based on these imagined judgments.