callero

Annual Reviews and JSTOR

• Annual Reviews collaborates with JSTOR for digital preservation and access.

• The article "The Sociology of the Self" by Peter L. Callero is published in Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 29 (2003).

• DOI: 10.1146/annurev.soc.29.010202.100057

• Accessed information and references available on JSTOR with the provided stable URL.

Introduction to the Sociology of the Self

• Key Themes: identity, social construction, power, reflexivity.

• New scholarly approaches emphasize power in shaping the self, influenced by Foucault.

• Critiques traditional perspectives from thinkers like Mead and those in symbolic interactionism.

• Reflexivity is vital to understanding agency and political action absent in some contemporary scholarship.

• Social construction principles are foundational for both new and traditional sociological examinations of the self.

Contextual Developments

• The last two decades of the 20th century witnessed self and identity taking center stage in social science debate.

• The rise of poststructuralism, feminism, and queer theory influences sociological understanding.

• External sociological forces contribute to concerns about selfhood.

• Globalization impacts individualization, resulting in diverse roles and emphasized personal identity projects.

Multidisciplinarity in the Study of Self

• New scholarship approaches the self from various disciplines, including anthropology, communications, and history.

• A notable lack of influence from symbolic interactionism is observed in much of the emerging research.

• Charles Lemert critiques symbolic interaction’s relevance to postmodern theory.

• Despite some connection, there remains a tension between pragmatism and postmodern theoretical frameworks.

Power Dynamics of the Self

• Influential thinkers like Foucault challenge traditional views of a singular, rational self.

• Foucault posits that power structures give rise to the self through disciplinary practices.

• Self-understanding is historically contingent on discourse and power relations.

• Critics of postmodern challenges maintain that a perspective integrating pragmatism offers insights into the dynamic understanding of the self.

Reflexivity and Social Interaction

• The notion of the self as a reflexive process emerges from social interactions.

• Mead’s principle of reflexivity highlights the individual’s ability to reflect upon oneself, guiding social action.

• The critique of postmodern views often fails to account for historical theories emphasizing reflexive agency.

• Symbolic interactionists recognize the self as being socially constructed but also emphasize the capacity for agency and creativity.

Social Construction of Selfhood

• The self is both socially constructed and a social force, functioning as a joint accomplishment.

• Integral to the concept of self are social products and public interpretations of identity.

• Cahill’s framework promotes understanding collective conceptions of public self.

• Historical context is crucial; the emergence of modern identities is tied to cultural and structural shifts.

Globalization and Self-Construction

• Globalization influences self-construction through disruptions and transformations of identities.

• Identity confusion is noted among adolescents as traditional practices are challenged.

• Hybrid identities form as individuals negotiate local and global meanings in identity construction.

Resources for Self-Construction

• Various resources and symbols facilitate the construction of self-meanings, including storytelling and cultural narratives.

• Collective actions bolster individual narratives and notions of self, exemplifying interdependence in social construction.

• The corporal body plays a significant role in defining self, impacted by societal discourses and norms.

Perspective on Nonhuman Objects

• Objects within a postsocial environment aid in constructing identities.

• New communication technologies modify how individuals engage in self-construction, favoring online interactions.

• There’s a dual influence where technologies both empower and exert control over identities.

Conclusion: The Dynamic Nature of the Self

• The concept of the self continues to be a significant sociological tool despite claims from postmodern theorists declaring its demise.

• Acknowledging the self's social construction and its historical and political context enhances understanding.

• The evolving conceptualization of self bridges traditional sociology with contemporary discussions around identity and power.

1. Power and the Self

   • Our identities are shaped by power and social influences.

   • Michel Foucault: Argues that power is not just held by individuals but is everywhere in society, shaping how we see ourselves. He suggests that self-understanding is influenced by the discourse and power dynamics in society.

2. Context Matters

   • Changes in society, like globalization and new theories, affect how we see ourselves.

   • The rise of poststructuralism, feminism, and queer theory influences how we understand identity, challenging traditional views.

   • Globalization creates diverse roles and emphasizes personal identity projects.

3. Multidisciplinary Approaches

   • Understanding the self benefits from insights across various fields, not just sociology.

   • Charles Lemert critiques symbolic interactionism, suggesting it struggles with relevance in postmodern discussions and highlights tensions between pragmatism and postmodern theory.

4. Reflexivity

   • People think about themselves through social interactions, shaping their identities based on feedback from others.

   • George Herbert Mead: His principle of reflexivity emphasizes the ability of individuals to reflect on themselves and navigate their identities through social contexts.

5. Social Construction

   • Our identities are built together with others and influenced by societal norms and expectations.

   • Cahill’s framework highlights the importance of collective conceptions of identity and suggests that selfhood is a joint endeavor.

6. Modern Influences

   • New technologies and globalization change how we build and understand our identities.

   • Identity confusion can occur as traditional practices are challenged, leading to hybrid identities.

   • Resources like storytelling and cultural narratives help us in constructing our identities.

7. Influence of Technology

   • Communication technologies modify how we engage in self-construction, favoring online self-presentation.

   • There is a dual influence where new technologies can empower individuals but may also exert control over their identities.

8. Historical Context

   • The emergence of modern identities is tied to cultural and structural shifts in society.

   • Understanding identity also requires looking at historical developments and how they shape contemporary selfhood.