Key Concepts of the Self in Sociology

Understanding the Concept of the Self

• Student Responses:

  • Majority can complete "I can really be myself when…" in terms of being alone or with close friends/family.

  • Suggests a distinction between self and personality:

  • Self: permanent, private aspect.

  • Personality: public behavior repertoire.

• Definition and History:

  • Self has evolved from a reflexive pronoun to a noun describing intrinsic essence.

  • Referenced by John Locke (1690) as a conscious thinking entity.

  • Old notions like the soul influence contemporary interpretations of self.

• Moral Implications:

  • The self is tied to claims of morality.

  • Represents intrinsic qualities leading to ethical standards.

  • Can be used to critique society or individual behavior regarding self-realization.

• Evolution of the Self's Meaning:

  • Changes influenced by movements like Protestantism (emphasizing character in daily life) and Romanticism (focusing on emotions and inner voice).

  • Freud: Self viewed as hidden feelings and impulses.

  • Twentieth-century thinkers like William James and Erving Goffman challenge the idea of a fixed self.

• Multiplicity and Social Context:

  • Goffman describes self as a performed character, influenced by social interactions.

  • Constructs of self may function as moral tools in evaluating social norms and individuals.

• Current Status in Sociology:

  • Terms like identity and self-concept replacing self due to ambiguity.

  • The term 'self' retains significance in cultural discourse beyond academia, highlighting moral discussions in both high and popular culture.

• Key References:

  • Robert Bellah et al.: Critique of individualism in American moral commitments.

  • Donal Carbaugh: Analysis of self-talk in popular media.

  • Karen Cerulo: Examination of individualism cycles in American culture.

  • Erving Goffman: Influential work on self-presentation and social interactions.