The Self - George Herbert Mead

Flashcards covering key concepts from George Herbert Mead's theories on the self and social interaction.

George Herbert Mead

An American philosopher and sociologist (1863-1931) known for founding Symbolic Interactionism.

Symbolic Interactionism

A micro-sociological perspective emphasizing one-to-one communication and subjective understanding in social interactions.

Society

A large number of people in a set territory sharing a common culture.

Culture

The totality of learned human behavior, including language, values, norms, and social institutions.

Social Structure

Predictable patterns of belief and behavior within society.

Social Institutions

Established and structured systems in society (like family, religion, government) that maintain and reproduce societal patterns.

Self

An identity that is distinct from others, developed through social interaction and experience.

Self-Reflexivity

The ability of individuals to consider themselves as objects in social experiences.

Self-Consciousness

The awareness of oneself as an individual and understanding how others perceive them.

Communication

The means by which individuals express and share meanings, essential for the development of self.

Language

A system of symbols through which thoughts are communicated, central to human interaction.

Status

A socially recognizable position an individual holds within a society.

Social Role

Behavior associated with a status within society.

Different Selves

The various identities individuals express depending on their social relations and contexts.