SAS 1 - Self and Society

1.0 Conceptualizing ‘Self and Society’

Key points for discussion:

1) The term ‘self and society’ may refer to the interaction of two distinct elements, where each of the
elements — self and society — possess essential characteristics, which affect and specify social behavior.

2) But ‘self and society’ may also refer to the process of continuously ongoing social interaction from
which social behavior is performed.

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Activity 1

Read McVittie, Chris and Andy McKinlay (2017). “The Self in Part V Social Identities/Relations/Conflicts”
in Gough, Brendan (ed.). The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Social Psychology. Pp. 389-408.

Use the study questions below as a guide to understanding key points made in this reading material.

1. In William James’ conceptualization, what are the two elements of the self?

2. What do the authors mean when they aver that James’ conceptualization lead to a dualist and
essentialist understanding of the self?

3. In what the authors describe as a more critical approach to understanding the self, how are individual
and social action conceptualized?

4. Goffman’s work show how the self is performed through social interaction at the micro level. How is
this understanding of the self different from William James’ conceptualization of the self?
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2.0 Comparing Essentialist and Social Constructionist Perspectives about the Self

Key points for discussion:

1) Both biological perspectives and cultural perspectives about the self may have essentialist
assumptions that gloss over differences.

2) Social constructionism is helpful in understanding observable differences but is not helpful in

formulating universally acceptable theories about the self.

3) This course elaborates on social constructionist and interactionist perspectives about the self

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Activity 2

Read DeLamater, John and Janet Shibley Hyde. 1998. Essentialism vs. Social Constructionism in the Study
of Human Sexuality. The Journal of Sex Research Vol 35, No. 1, pp. 10-18.

Use the study questions below as a guide to understanding key points made in this reading material.
1. What is essentialism? What examples of essentialist frameworks, both biological and cultural, were
discussed in the article?

2. Why is essentialism not useful in understanding the self, as exemplified in the study of human
sexuality as discussed in the article?

3. What is social constructionism? What are its strengths and weaknesses as a framework in
understanding the self?