THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

SOCIOLOGY

Coined by Auguste Comte in 1838

SOCIOLOGY

The scientific study of society, including patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture.

SOCIUS AND LOGOS

ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD SOCIOLOGY

SOCIUS

This means: Companion ; Associate

LOGOS

This means: Study

SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE SELF

• The self is a product of social interaction

• It develops only with social experience

• Assumes that human behavior is influenced by group life.

LOOKING-GLASS SELF THEORY

The ideas and feelings that people have about themselves - their self-concept - are developed in response to their perception and internalization of how others perceive and evaluate them.

SELF-CONCEPT

These are developed in response to their perception and internalization of how others perceive and evaluate them.

CHARLES COOLEY

He theorized the: “Looking-Glass Self Theory”

GEORGE HERBERT MEAD

He states that a person’s thought, experience, and conduct are the products of his/her interaction in society.

ROLE-TAKING

This involves the ability to understand others’ perspectives and expectations, allowing individuals to adjust their behavior and develop a sense of self.

PREPARATORY STAGE, PLAY STAGE, GAME STAGE

These are the three (3) main stages in the development of the self in the childhood according to George Herbert Mead.

PREPARATORY STAGE

• Birth to 2 years

• Imitation without understanding

• Little understanding of the roles or the social norms

PLAY STAGE

• 2 to 6 years old

• Role-taking and understanding specific roles.

• They imitate behaviors of people they are familiar with and begin to understand these roles.

GAME STAGE

• 7 years and up

• They participate in structured activities, like team sports or group games, that require them to take into account not only their role but also the roles of others.

• Adhering to rules and policies.

“I“

• Subjective and active element of the self

• Allows you to express your individualistic creativity

“ME”

• Objective and reflective element of the self

• Must follow social norms