42. UTS - Social Self P1

Benjamin Franklin’s Quote: "There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know oneself."
Self-concept exploration: Engage the audience to reflect on their self-descriptions to understand personal self-concept, such as beautiful, smart, or confident.

Definition: The self-concept answers "Who am I?" and encompasses beliefs and perceptions about oneself.
Self Schemas: Elements of self-concept that shape and guide individuals' processing of personal information. They are beliefs such as being intelligent or artistic, influencing perception, memory, and behavior.
- Example: An individual who identifies with being artistic will be drawn to creative activities.
- Self schemas shape expectations on how to think, feel, and act based on different contexts.
Influences on Self-Concept: (1) Parenting, (2) Relationships, (3) Societal expectations, and (4) Cultural background.

Definition: Tackles how personal self-concept is shaped through comparison with others.
Impact on Identity: The comparisons can both enhance or threaten self-esteem, especially in environments such as high school vs. college.
- Social media plays a significant role in social comparison, often leading to negative self-perceptions based on perceived failures in comparison to friends.
Research Insights: Studies indicate that social comparisons can create ups and downs in self-esteem.
- Solnick and Hemingway found more money may not equate to happiness, but relative affluence may.

Developed by Charles Horton Cooley, emphasizing how an individual's self-perception is shaped by others’ perspectives.
Summary of Concept: "I am what I think you think I am" illustrates the importance of others’ perceptions in shaping personal self-concept.
George Herbert Mead’s Refinement: The significant point is not how others see us but how we imagine their perception.

Definition: Part of self-concept derived from group memberships; the collective "we" aspect of identity.
Identity Categories: Individuals identify themselves through specific social categories (e.g., nationality, profession).
- Example: Identifying as a woman, Filipina, and student.
Social Identity Theory (Henri Tajfel and John Turner): Stages of categorization, identification, and comparison shape social identities.
- Individuals categorize others (e.g., by nationality or profession), identify with their groups (e.g., friendships boost self-worth), and compare with out-groups to reinforce their own self-esteem.

Belonging to groups provides support and can enhance self-esteem through success or positive self-perception.
Negative experiences from group comparisons can lead to lowered self-esteem, particularly when groups face competition.

Definition: Self-presentation involves managing the impression one makes on others, critical in social contexts.
High vs. Low Self-Monitoring:
- High self-monitors adjust their behavior to fit social circumstances, often at the cost of authenticity.
- Low self-monitors tend to express genuine feelings and beliefs regardless of external influences.
Example: Adjusting one’s behavior to gain approval, such as feigning interest.

Definition: Conformity is the alteration of behavior or beliefs in response to real or imagined social pressure.
Cultural Differences: Individualistic cultures (like the U.S.) discourage conformity, while collectivist cultures (like Japan) promote it as a means to maintain social harmony.
Types of Conformity:
- Acceptance: Conforming and genuinely believing in the group’s actions.
- Compliance: Acting according to group expectations while privately disagreeing.
- Obedience: Following direct orders, such as parental directives.

Conformity can have positive or negative effects depending on the context, whether promoting social cohesion or enabling negative behaviors.
Understanding self-concept and the social influences shaping it is crucial for adult learners as they navigate interpersonal relationships and personal development.