IntrotoSociology.Chapter+5

Theories of the Self

• Definition and Origin

  • "The self" is a product of society and encompasses social phenomena (gender, race, sexuality, class, media, religion).

  • Society plays a crucial role in shaping individual identity, acting as the teacher in socialization.

• Nature vs. Nurture Debate

  • Both nature (biological factors) and nurture (environment and upbringing) are important in understanding human development.

  • The interplay between the two helps explain the complexities of human behavior.

The Process of Socialization

• Definition

  • Socialization is a lifelong, two-part process:

    1. Society teaches individuals to become functional members.

    2. Individuals internalize the values and norms of their group.

  • Begins in infancy, significantly influenced when language is learned.

Theories of the Self: Key Thinking

• René Descartes

  • Famous quote: "I think, therefore I am" underscores self-awareness as central to human experience.

  • The self represents an individual's distinct identity.

• Ervin Goffman (1956)

  • Introduced Dramaturgy: the concept that the self is constructed through interaction in everyday life.

  • Definition of the Situation: W.I. Thomas's principle that perceptions of reality shape consequences.

Interaction and Communication

• Expressions of Behavior

  • Goffman theorizes that expressions consist of:

    • Expressions Given: Verbal communication and responses.

    • Expressions Given Off: Non-verbal cues (e.g., facial expressions, body language) that can be intended or unintended.

  • Both types help define social situations jointly with others.

Theatrical Metaphor in Social Life

• Social Life as Theatre

  • Goffman presents social life as a performance involving:

    • Front Stage: Public persona, how we present ourselves to others.

    • Backstage: Private space for preparation and rehearsal of one's performance.

  • Performance Tactics: Appearance and behavior are influenced by social context (e.g., in a classroom vs. at a bar).

Agents of Socialization

• Family

  • The primary agent, fundamentally shaping identity through emotional bonds, language acquisition, and teaching norms and values.

• Schools

  • Initially focused on academics, now offer holistic development (physical education, meals, emotional support).

  • Teach children how to engage socially and academically.

• Peers

  • Peer groups influence adolescents more as they grow older, allowing for independence and social experimentation.

  • Cliques may form and exclude others.

• Media

  • Mass media serves as a significant socializing force, influencing perceptions and behaviors through various channels (TV, music, social media).

• Adulthood Socialization

  • Goffman discusses resocialization in total institutions where individuals must adapt to new societal roles away from familiar contexts.

Statuses and Roles

• Status

  • Refers to an individual's position within a social hierarchy, carrying expectations (e.g., professor, parent).

  • Individuals can hold multiple statuses simultaneously.

• Types of Statuses

  • Ascribed Status: Inborn traits unlikely to change (e.g., gender, race).

  • Embodied Status: Based on physical characteristics (e.g., beauty, disability).

  • Achieved Status: Earned through action or imposed by circumstances (e.g., occupation).

  • Master Status: The dominant status that influences other identities (e.g., key defining trait in social context).

• Status Set and Role Sets

  • Status Set: All statuses held by an individual at a given time.

  • Role Set: The collection of roles attached to those statuses which define behaviors and expectations in society (e.g., being both a mother and a professor).