LESSON 2: SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE SELF || Understanding the Self - Marvin Cabañero

Summary

This lecture explores the sociological perspective of the self, using the 'five monkeys' experiment to illustrate learned behavior. It delves into Charles Cooley's 'looking glass self' concept, emphasizing how societal perceptions shape our self-image. George Herbert Mead's theory of self-development through social interaction is also discussed, highlighting stages like the play and game stages. The lecture further covers impression management and the role of socialization agents like family, school, peers, media, and religion in molding our identities.

Takeaways

• 🐒 The 'Five Monkeys Experiment' illustrates how behaviors can be learned and passed on without the original reason being known.
• 📚 The lecture introduces the sociological perspective of the self, emphasizing how societal interactions shape our self-concept.
• 🤔 The concept of the 'Looking Glass Self' by Charles Cooley suggests that our self-image is formed based on how we believe others perceive us.
• 🔍 Cooley's theory involves three steps: imagining how we appear to others, their judgment of us, and the emotions we feel as a result.
• 🧠 George Herbert Mead's theory posits that the self develops through social interaction and reflection on how others perceive us.
• 🌟 Mead's theory includes the concepts of self-awareness and self-image, with self-awareness being key to understanding and potentially changing oneself.
• 👶 Mead outlines three stages in self development: the preparatory stage, the play stage, and the game stage, each contributing to the formation of the self.
• 👥 The 'Generalized Other' represents the collective perspective and expectations of society that individuals internalize to shape their behavior.
• 🎭 Irving Goffman's theory of 'Dramaturgy' compares everyday social life to a theatrical performance, where individuals manage impressions to fit social roles.
• 🤝 The concept of 'Interaction Order' by Goffman refers to the immediate social behaviors we exhibit in the presence of others.
• 🏠 The family is identified as the most important agent of socialization, teaching children societal norms and values from an early age.
• 🏫 Along with family, school, peers, media, and religion are also significant agents of socialization that influence our development and behavior.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lesson discussed in the transcript?

The main topic of the lesson is the sociological perspective of the self, focusing on how our understanding and perception of ourselves are shaped by societal interactions and the perceptions of others.

What is the 'five monkeys experiment' mentioned in the story?

The 'five monkeys experiment' is a real experiment that demonstrates how behavior can become ingrained in a group, even when the original reason for the behavior is no longer present. It involves five monkeys, a ladder with bananas, and a cold water punishment for those attempting to climb the ladder.

What does the term 'looking glass self' refer to in the context of sociology?

The 'looking glass self' is a concept introduced by Charles Cooley, which suggests that a person's self grows out of society's interpersonal interactions and the perceptions of others. It is the process by which people evaluate themselves based on how they believe others see them.

What are the three steps in the development of the 'looking glass self' according to Charles Cooley?

The three steps are: 1) Imagining how we appear to others, 2) Imagining the judgment of others based on our appearance and presentation, and 3) Feeling a sense of pride, happiness, guilt, or shame based on the imagined judgments of others.

Who is George Herbert Mead and what is his contribution to the understanding of the self?

George Herbert Mead was a sociologist who contributed to the understanding of the self through his theory that the self develops through social interaction and reflection on that interaction. He proposed that the self has two parts: self-awareness and self-image.

What is the concept of 'self-awareness' as described by George Herbert Mead?

Self-awareness, according to Mead, involves being aware of the different aspects of oneself, such as traits, behavior, and feelings. It is about understanding why we feel and behave in certain ways, which can lead to personal growth and change.

What is 'self-image' and why is it important?

Self-image is a mental picture of oneself, both as a physical body and an individual. A healthy self-image means seeing oneself as they truly are and feeling good in one's own skin. It is important because it influences how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world.

What are the stages in the development of the self according to George Herbert Mead?

According to Mead, the stages in the development of the self are the preparatory stage, the play stage, and the game stage. These stages involve language development, role-playing, and understanding and adhering to social rules, respectively.

What is the term 'generalized other' and how does it relate to the development of the self?

The 'generalized other' refers to the perspective and expectations of society as a whole. It is the collective expectations and norms that individuals internalize and use to shape their own behavior, contributing to the social nature of the self.

What is the concept of 'impression management' as described by Irving Goffman?

Impression management is the idea that individuals present themselves to others in a way that they hope to be perceived. Goffman's theory of dramaturgy suggests that people behave like actors on a stage, performing different roles depending on the social situation and the audience present.

What are the major agents of socialization mentioned in the transcript?

The major agents of socialization mentioned are family, school, peers, mass media, and religion. These agents play a crucial role in teaching individuals about social expectations and norms throughout their lives.