Understanding the Self
Capitalism – production system involving both
Social Environmental and other Life Factors
LESSON 2: THE SELF FROM VARIOUS PERSPECTIVE:
SOCIOLOGY
Learning objectives:
At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
 Discuss the different presentation and
conceptualization of the self from various disciplinal
perspective
 Compare and Contrast how the self has been
represented across different disciplines and
perspectives
 Examine the different influences, factors, and forces
that shape the self
 Demonstrate critical and reflective thought in
analyzing the development of oneself and identity by
developing a theory of the self.
Sociology
“Not only is the ‘self’ entwined in society; it owes in society its
existence in the most literal sense”
-Theodor Adorno
The Self as a product of Modern Society Among Other
Constructions
Sociology – posits that socially formed norms, beliefs and
values come to exist within the person’s self-identity.
Pre-modern society
- Centered on survival – people behaved according to
social rules and traditions while the family and the
immediate environment provided supervision on how
to get through life.
Modernization
- Improved living conditions. Free to choose where to
live, what to do, who to be with.
- Stability decreased as traditions and traditional
support systems have decreased.
- Individualism is dominant and developing self-identity
is central.
Key Characteristics of Modernity (Giddens, 1991)
1. Industrialism – extensive use of material power and
machinery in all processes of production
2.
competitive product markets and the commodification
of labor power
3. Institutions of Surveillance – massive increase of
power and reach by institutions, especially in
government
4. Dynamism – most evident. Characterized by having
vigorous activity and progress. Changes happen
much more rapidly than ever before.
Social Groups and Social Networks
Social Group
- Two or more people interacting with one another,
sharing similar characteristics, and whose members
identify themselves as part of the group
-
o Organic – naturally occurring, highly
influenced by family (Organic Motivation);
traditional
o Rational – modern societies; formed as a
matter of share self-interest; free will of
joining (Rational Motivation)
Social Network
- Ties and connections that link you to your social
group. Blood relation – family; Friendship – peers;
Common Interest – classmates
Mead and the Social Self
“A multiple personality is in a certain sense normal”
-George Herbert Mead
Theory of the Social Self
- George Herbert Mead
- Focus on how self is developed – self is a product of
social interactions and internalizing the external views
along with one’s personal view about oneself.
- Self is not present at birth; rather it develops over time
through social experiences and activities.
Developing the Self
Mead developed a concept – Different stages of self-
development: language, play and game
1st Stage: Language
- Self-development and language are intimately tied.
Through shared understanding of language gives the
individual the capacity to express himself while
comprehending other people.
- Sets the stage for self-development
2nd Stage: Play
- Individuals role-play or assume the perspective of
others
- Enables the person to internalize other people’s
perspectives hence he develops an understanding of
how other people feel
3rd Stage: Game
- Internalizes and consider societal rules and adheres
to it.
- Self is developed by understanding the rule and must
abide by it to win the game or be successful at an
activity.
Two Side of Self: I and Me
Mead: Person – Active Process not just a mere reflection of
Society
Two interactive facets of the self: Me and I
- Me – product of what was learned while interacting
with others and with the environment. Sees that rules
are not broken
- I – is that part of the self that is unsocialized and
spontaneous. Understands when to possibly bend or
stretch the rules that govern the social interactions.