Examples of Mead's I and Me: Dr. Maples Five Minute Sociology #13

Summary

In this episode of Five Minute Sociology, Dr. Maples explores George Herbert Mead's concepts of 'I' and 'Me', illustrating how individuals are shaped by societal expectations. The 'I' represents our unfiltered self, while the 'Me' is the socialized self that conforms to societal norms. Dr. Maples explains how the interaction between these two aspects, influenced by the 'generalized other', forms our self-identity. Using relatable examples, he demonstrates the decision-making process and its impact on personal growth, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Mead's ideas across disciplines.

Takeaways

• 📚 George Herbert Mead's concept of 'I' and 'Me' explores the construction of the self and how individuals are shaped by their environment.
• 🕵️‍♂️ 'I' represents the unfiltered, individualistic aspect of the self, while 'Me' is the socialized, curated version influenced by societal expectations.
• 🔄 The interaction between 'I' and 'Me' is a dynamic process that helps in understanding one's identity.
• 👥 The 'Generalized Other' is a sociological concept that encapsulates societal expectations and influences decision-making.
• 💭 Mead suggests that decisions are made based on what the 'Generalized Other' expects of an individual.
• 🎓 In the context of a student facing legal trouble, the 'I' must decide how to react, which affects the 'Me' and subsequent situations.
• 🎓 The choice of a college major is influenced by the 'Generalized Other' but ultimately decided by the 'I', affecting the 'Me'.
• 🔄 The decision-making process involving 'I' and 'Me' is cyclical, with new decisions creating new versions of the 'Me'.
• 🌐 Mead's ideas on 'I' and 'Me' are foundational in sociology and have applications in psychology and philosophy.
• 📈 These concepts remain relevant today in understanding the individual's relationship with society and its expectations.

Q & A

Who is George Herbert Mead and what is his main focus?

George Herbert Mead was a sociologist and philosopher who was fascinated with the construction of the self and how the individual was shaped by the situations happening around them.

What are the two extreme poles of the self according to Mead?

Mead saw the self as having two extreme poles: the 'I', which is the unfiltered version of the self, and the 'Me', which is the socialized version of the self.

What does the 'I' represent in Mead's theory?

The 'I' represents the unfiltered, spontaneous, and emotional aspects of the self that may not be expected to be found in the 'Me'.

What does the 'Me' represent in Mead's theory?

The 'Me' represents the social self, the curated and filtered version of the self that aligns with societal expectations.

What is the role of the 'I' in decision-making according to the script?

The 'I' makes decisions based on the situations that the 'Me' is facing, which in turn shapes how we understand who we are.

What is the 'generalized other' in Mead's theory?

The 'generalized other' encapsulates all the expectations placed on us by society, other people, and even ourselves.

How does the 'generalized other' influence the 'Me'?

The 'Me' is put into situations based on what the generalized other expects of it, influencing how the 'I' makes decisions.

What is the sentence that helps remember the sequence of Mead's ideas?

The sentence is 'I make decisions based on what generalized others expect of me.'

Can you provide an example from the script where the 'I' makes a decision based on the situation of the 'Me'?

Yes, one example is a student who has to go to court for breaking the law. The 'Me' understands societal expectations, but the 'I' decides how to react, which could lead to different outcomes such as going to jail or being let off the charges.

How does the concept of choosing a major illustrate the 'I' and 'Me' in action?

The 'Me' considers the generalized other's expectations, like parental wishes or job market needs, but the 'I' makes the final decision, possibly choosing a major based on personal interest rather than social expectations.

Why are Mead's ideas on the 'I' and 'Me' still important today?

These ideas are still important because they help us understand the relationship between the individual and societal expectations, which is a cornerstone of sociological study.

In what disciplines do Mead's ideas on the 'I' and 'Me' appear?

Mead's ideas appear in multiple disciplines including psychology, philosophy, and sociology.