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GEC1-LESSON 2

Understanding the Self

Characteristics of the Self

  • The self is defined by characteristics such as being separate, self-contained, independent, unitary, and private.

  • It exists distinct from other selves, with its own thoughts, characteristics, and volition.

  • The self is unitary, consistent, and private, with an enduring personality that persists over time.

  • Each person processes information, feelings, emotions, and thoughts uniquely, contributing to their distinct self.

Characteristic

Description

Separate

Distinct from other selves

Consistent

Enduring personality

Private

Not accessible to others

Independent

Itself can exist

Self-contained

Contain thoughts and volitions to the self

Unitary

Center of all experiences and thoughts

Social Constructivist Perspective

  • Social constructivists view the self as malleable and in constant interaction with external reality.

  • The self's identity is influenced by social contexts and is subject to change based on societal interactions.

  • Individuals like Stephen adapt their behaviors and language based on social situations, showcasing the self's ability to morph.

"The self is always in participation with social life and its identity subjected to influence here and there."

The Self and Culture

  • Marcel Mauss distinguishes between "moi" (basic identity) and "personne" (social concepts shaping identity).

  • Individuals may shift their "personne" to adapt to different social contexts, while retaining their core "moi".

  • Culture influences how individuals perceive themselves and behave in various situations.

  • Examples of shifting "personne" include adjusting to different cultures, roles in relationships, and language use.

Example

Description

Adjusting culture

Adapting to different cultural norms

Man courting a woman

Adapting tone and mood in different roles

When in church

Behaving according to religious norms

Social World Development

Active Production of Social Worlds

  • Individuals actively shape their social worlds through interactions and language acquisition.

  • Mead and Vygotsky emphasize the role of language and social interactions in human development.

  • Internal dialogues play a crucial role in moral decision-making and self-construction.

  • Children internalize values, norms, and beliefs through interactions with others, shaping their sense of self.

"Human mind is constituted through language experienced in the external world."

Family and Gender Influence

  • Families play a significant role in shaping an individual's development and understanding of self.

  • Gender identity is subject to change and development, influenced by societal expectations and activism.

  • Patriarchy continues to influence gender roles, although changes have been observed due to LGBTQ activism.

  • Learning and relationships within the family contribute to a child's growth and realization of their potential.

GEC1-LESSON 2

Understanding the Self

Characteristics of the Self

  • The self is defined by characteristics such as being separate, self-contained, independent, unitary, and private.

  • It exists distinct from other selves, with its own thoughts, characteristics, and volition.

  • The self is unitary, consistent, and private, with an enduring personality that persists over time.

  • Each person processes information, feelings, emotions, and thoughts uniquely, contributing to their distinct self.

Characteristic

Description

Separate

Distinct from other selves

Consistent

Enduring personality

Private

Not accessible to others

Independent

Itself can exist

Self-contained

Contain thoughts and volitions to the self

Unitary

Center of all experiences and thoughts

Social Constructivist Perspective

  • Social constructivists view the self as malleable and in constant interaction with external reality.

  • The self's identity is influenced by social contexts and is subject to change based on societal interactions.

  • Individuals like Stephen adapt their behaviors and language based on social situations, showcasing the self's ability to morph.

"The self is always in participation with social life and its identity subjected to influence here and there."

The Self and Culture

  • Marcel Mauss distinguishes between "moi" (basic identity) and "personne" (social concepts shaping identity).

  • Individuals may shift their "personne" to adapt to different social contexts, while retaining their core "moi".

  • Culture influences how individuals perceive themselves and behave in various situations.

  • Examples of shifting "personne" include adjusting to different cultures, roles in relationships, and language use.

Example

Description

Adjusting culture

Adapting to different cultural norms

Man courting a woman

Adapting tone and mood in different roles

When in church

Behaving according to religious norms

Social World Development

Active Production of Social Worlds

  • Individuals actively shape their social worlds through interactions and language acquisition.

  • Mead and Vygotsky emphasize the role of language and social interactions in human development.

  • Internal dialogues play a crucial role in moral decision-making and self-construction.

  • Children internalize values, norms, and beliefs through interactions with others, shaping their sense of self.

"Human mind is constituted through language experienced in the external world."

Family and Gender Influence

  • Families play a significant role in shaping an individual's development and understanding of self.

  • Gender identity is subject to change and development, influenced by societal expectations and activism.

  • Patriarchy continues to influence gender roles, although changes have been observed due to LGBTQ activism.

  • Learning and relationships within the family contribute to a child's growth and realization of their potential.