2.3- 2.5
2.3 Self by Mead
The Self is Socially Constructed. Mead argued that the self doesn’t exist in isolation—it emerges from social interactions. We develop a sense of self only through communication and relationships with others
Me -Is the attitude or expectation of the society for us- to who and how they see us
I- it is the spontaneous and unpredictable part of the self.
The self is different from the Body. The body cannot experience itself as a whole, while the self can become an object.
Consciousness in some way can have the capacity to become an object to oneself.
The apparatus of reason would not be complete unless it swept itself into its own analysis of the field of experience, or unless the individual brought himself into the same experiential field as that of the other individual selves in relation to whom he acts in any given social situation.
Reason cannot become impersonal unless it takes an objective, non-effective attitude toward itself; otherwise, we have just consciousness, not self-consciousness.
The self sensation is not self itself rather it is allowing self to experience self.
Thinking becomes preparatory to social action.
1. The Self is Social, Not Biological
Mead emphasizes that the self is not the same as the body.
The self arises through social interaction, not from birth—it develops through communication and shared experiences.
2. The Self as an Object to Itself
A unique feature of the self is its ability to view itself as both subject and object.
This reflexivity allows individuals to evaluate and regulate their own behavior.
3. Role of Communication
Significant communication (using symbols and language) is essential for self-awareness.
Through dialogue—both with others and internally—we become objects to ourselves.
4. Play and Game Stages
Play: Children imitate roles (e.g., parent, teacher), helping them understand others’ perspectives.
Game: Requires understanding multiple roles and rules, leading to a more organized and complete self.
5. The Generalized Other
Represents the attitudes and expectations of the broader community.
Internalizing this helps individuals act in socially acceptable ways and develop moral character.
6. Multiple Selves and Social Roles
Individuals have different “selves” depending on social context (e.g., friend, student, sibling).
These selves reflect the structure of the social groups we belong to.
7. Thinking as Internal Dialogue
Thought is a conversation with the generalized other.
Abstract thinking involves responding to societal norms and values, even without direct interaction.
Mead’s central message: We become who we are through others. The self is not isolated—it’s a dynamic, evolving reflection of our social world.
2.4 The Presentation of Self
1. Life as a Dramatic Performance
Goffman compares everyday social interaction to a theatrical performance.
People are like actors on a stage, presenting themselves in ways that influence how others perceive them.
2. Expressions Given vs. Given Off
Expressions Given: Deliberate verbal and nonverbal cues (e.g., speech, gestures).
Expressions Given Off: Unintentional cues (e.g., body language, tone) that reveal true feelings or intentions.
3. Impression Management
Individuals actively manage the impressions they make on others.
This involves controlling both what they say and how they behave to fit social expectations.
4. Front Stage vs. Back Stage Behavior
Front Stage: Where individuals perform and follow social norms (e.g., at work, in public).
Back Stage: Where people can relax and be themselves, away from the audience (e.g., at home).
5. Definition of the Situation
People work together to define the context of an interaction.
Misalignment in definitions can lead to embarrassment or social disruption.
6. Role of Tact and Social Rituals
Social actors use tact to help others maintain their desired image.
Rituals and routines help preserve harmony and avoid awkwardness.
7. The Moral Dimension of Self-Presentation
Presenting oneself falsely can be seen as a moral violation.
Society expects individuals to be consistent with the roles they claim to occupy.
Goffman’s work reveals how much of our identity is shaped by the social “stage” we’re on and the audience we’re performing for.
“To summarize, then, I assume that when an in dividual appears before others he will have many motives for trying to control the impression they receive of the situation.”
2.5 Looking Glass-Self
It's main argument is that, the self act or do something to produce and effect upon others and based from their reaction is the manifestation of self.
One self concept was based on how they perception of others.
It involves three steps: imagining one's appearance to others, imagining the judgments others make of that appearance, and developing feelings about oneself based on these imagined judgments, similar to seeing one's reflection in a mirror.
1. We imagine how we appear to others . This is the initial step where you picture how you look or behave in front of someone else.
2. We imagine the judgment of that appearance. You then interpret the imagined appearance, considering how you believe others are evaluating you.
3. We develop our self through the judgments of others. Based on these imagined evaluations, you form feelings about yourself, such as pride or shame, which contribute to your overall self-concept.