II. Social Perspective

Learning Outcomes

  • Recognize what sociology says about understanding the self and others.

  • Understand the self as a product of socialization.

  • Explain theories of the social self.

  • Discuss the self in modern and post-modern societies.

  • Appreciate personal social experiences that aid in understanding the self.

Key Concepts

Nelson Mandela's Insight

  • People learn to hate and can be taught to love; love is natural to the human heart.

Interdependence and Reciprocity

  • Emphasizes the need for co-existence and mutual reliance.

Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological System Theory

  • Explains the interaction between children's inherent qualities and their environments, influencing growth and development.

Levels of the Ecological Systems:

  • Microsystem: Immediate environments like home, school, and peer groups.

  • Mesosystem: Interconnections between different microsystems (e.g., family and school).

  • Exosystem: Linkages to settings that do not directly involve children but influence them (e.g., parent's workplace).

  • Macrosystem: Broader cultural and societal influences.

  • Chronosystem: The dimension of time and its effect on children's experiences and environments.

Theories of the Social Self

George Herbert Mead's Theory

  • Individuals develop self-images through social interactions.

Self Composition

  • Self: Composed of "I" (authentic self) and "Me" (socialized self).

Stages of Self Development

  1. Preparatory Stage (0-3 years): No developed self.

  2. Play Stage (3-5 years): Self begins to develop.

  3. Game Stage: Self is present and defined.

Charles Horton Cooley's Looking Glass Self

  • Social self depends on how one perceives their appearance to others.

Prevalent Issues of Self

Duality of Nature vs Nurture

  • Nature: Genetics influence behavior and self.

  • Nurture: Social environment affects self post-conception.

  • Eclectic Point: Self is a result of both factors.

Identity vs Self

  • Self: Total characteristics of an individual.

  • Identity: Unique traits distinguishing one from another.

Dimensionalities of Self/Identity

  • Physical Attributes: Height, appearance, etc.

  • Social Factors: Family dynamics, peer influences, school, and community impacts.

  • Environmental Factors: Surroundings affecting behavior and norms.

  • Hereditary Factors: Traits passed a generation; include physical and cognitive attributes.

  • Person-Volition Factors: Individual inclination to form a unique identity; can lead to noteworthy societal contributions.

The Self in Modern and Postmodern Societies

  • Examines how societal changes affect personal identity.

Conclusion

  • Recognition of these concepts enhances understanding of the self in a sociocultural context.