Sociology Monday 2/26
Understanding the Concept of the Self
The self, or social self, refers to the distinct ways individuals perceive themselves through their interactions within various cultures and social settings.
Everyone possesses multiple facets of the social self, influenced by contexts such as friendships, family, and work environments.
Examples of Social Selves
Many people have different friendship groups that may not overlap.
Example: A person might have friends from a dormitory and another group from a sorority.
Changes in behavior and self-perception can occur when in different social groups or settings.
A work persona can differ significantly from one's personal self.
Individuals may put on a 'fake work smile' or alter their behavior to fit workplace culture.
Interaction and Self-Perception
Self-perception is largely developed through social interactions.
People learn to see themselves through how they believe others see them, a process referred to by George Herbert Mead as "taking the role of the other."
This reflexive process allows individuals to become aware of their social identities depending on the context.
Importance of Context
The way one behaves can vary greatly depending on who they are with:
Formality and behavior expectations shift when interacting with family versus friends or colleagues.
An individual might use inappropriate language or jokes in one setting but not in another, particularly around authority figures or older relatives.
Development of Social Selves Through Life Stages
Socialization begins from infancy, with children mimicking adults shortly after birth.
As children grow, their understanding of social roles expands, highlighting the influence of significant others (specific people who shape one's understanding of social expectations).
Differences Across Age Groups
Young children (e.g., two-year-olds) display rudimentary understanding of rules with a strong attachment to one significant figure (like a parent or caregiver).
As they grow (around six years old), children begin to understand more structured social contexts, leading to complex interactions with a broader group of significant others.
Generalized Other: A Broader Understanding
The generalized other concept emerges when children can abstractly understand roles and expectations, not tied to any single individual.
This capacity allows for adapting to new situations based on previous experiences, like knowing how to behave at a new school or workplace.
Symbolic Interactionism Theory
Symbolic Interactionism focuses on how meaning is created through social interactions.
Symbols (like words, gestures, and colors) are used to communicate and shape perceptions.
Meanings Assigned to Symbols
Different colors hold different meanings based on cultural contexts:
Example: Black can symbolize mourning in Western cultures or formality in dress codes.
Red can evoke anger or masculinity, while Pink represents softness and femininity.
Role of Symbols in Communication
The use of symbols helps individuals navigate social encounters:
Weddings: The choice of bridal color signifies tradition and societal expectations.
Job Interviews: Dress codes can signal social status and expectations for behavior during professional encounters.
Reflection and Self-Identity
The looking glass self, a concept by Erving Goffman, emphasizes the social performance we engage in when interacting with others.
Each interaction allows individuals to reflect on and refine their identities according to social feedback.
Active Reflection and Adaptation
Engaging with different social contexts leads to ongoing self-expression and identity development.
Awareness of how others perceive us guides how we present ourselves in future interactions.