SELF AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM

ACTIVE INDIVIDUAL

Cooley

Looking Glass Theory

One’s sense of self derived from perception of others evaluation

Basis = our “perception” - not necessarily who we are or actual beliefs

Others = mirror by which we evaluate the SELF

Process

How I “think” I appear to others.How I “think” others evaluate that

appearance.My response to the evaluation.

The SELF

Self concept develops in response to our perception of the evaluations.

Mixed messages Self not permanently “fixed.” Self and Society not in conflict –

interactive, feedback loopSelf evaluation continues – though

most stable concepts emerge in childhood

Self fulfilling prophecy

Self Imposed Other Imposed Rosenthal and Jacobson Study

GENERALIZED OTHERSYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM

INDIVIDUAL ACTIVE IN CREATION OF SELF

Mead

Dualism: I ME

Self emerges through social experienceSocial experience = learning symbolic

meanings – interpret communication To understand and interpret (infer) we

need to “take the role of the other.” See ourselves as others see us – anticipate responses – role taking

Self

Emerges over time with social experience

Significant other – key people in our life

Generalized other – all others – the demands and expectations of society – internalization of norms and values

Social self – no biological component

Process

Preparatory stage – imitation, no meaning

Play stage – language and symbols gained, model key people – SG Others One other – one situation

Game stage – roles of many others in one situation

Role Taking – generalized other – many others many situations 123 – Manyness; chart 124