Socialization is the continuous, lifelong process through which individuals learn the values, attitudes, and behaviors that are appropriate and expected in their culture and community. It involves internalizing societal norms, shaping beliefs, actions, and behaviors, and helping form one’s self-image.
Example: A child practicing pagmamano as a sign of respect in Filipino culture demonstrates socialization.
The Debate: Nature vs. Social Experiences
Is the self determined by inherited traits and biological factors? Or Does the self develop over time through social experiences and activities?
George Herbert Mead (1863–1931)
Mead argued that the self does not exist at birth; it arises through social experiences and interactions.
The biological self is distinct from the sociological self.
The self develops as individuals interact with society and engage in social activities.
"The self is something which has a development; it is not initially there at birth but arises in the process of social experience and activity."
The Role of Others in Self-Development
Other people significantly influence how we perceive ourselves, but this influence is primarily from significant others during key life stages.
Young children are less concerned about others' perceptions, focusing on their immediate world.
As socialization progresses, societal expectations (referred to as the "generalized other") begin to shape behavior.
Individuals act based on personal beliefs and societal norms.
Mead's Concept of the "I" and the "Me"
"Me": Represents the conventional self that conforms to societal expectations. A personality dominated by the "me" is overly focused on external opinions.
"I": Represents the spontaneous and creative aspect of the self, responding uniquely to societal attitudes.
A balance of "I" and "Me" fosters a well-rounded personality.
Charles Horton Cooley (1864–1929)
Who was Charles Cooley? Cooley was influenced by his father, a renowned legal scholar, but pursued sociology, focusing on human behavior and societal interactions. His introspective nature often led him to test theories on himself and his family.
The Looking-Glass Self Theory Cooley introduced the idea that our self-image is shaped by how we think others perceive us.
Three Steps in the Formation of the Looking-Glass Self:
We imagine how we appear to others.
We imagine how others judge our appearance.
We develop feelings about these judgments and respond accordingly.
Example: An instructor notices students talking or dozing during class and imagines they think he is ineffective. He may:
Accept this judgment and conclude he is a poor instructor.
Reject this judgment, believing the students lack focus.
Key Insights on Self-Image
We are not directly influenced by others' opinions but by our interpretations of how others view us.
These interpretations are shaped by past experiences and active self-reflection.
Our self-concept depends on how we believe others perceive us:
Acceptance and value by others: Leads to higher self-esteem.
Rejection: May result in lower self-esteem.
Ultimately, the self is a dynamic construct influenced by our social environment and personal interpretation of interactions.
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