GE 113: Understanding the Self

Abstraction:

How is one influenced by the society he/she lives? Who are the person that
influences him/her? Were the influences positive or negative?
Social constructivists argue that the self should not be seen as a static entity
that stays constant through and through. It has to be seen as something that is
unceasing flux, in a constant struggle with external reality and is malleable in its
dealings with society. The self is multi-faceted.

I. The Modernized Society

Modernization has significantly changed society, and this has
affected how an individual builds and develops his or her self-identity.
Pre-modern society was centered on survival. People behaved
according to social rules and traditions while the family and immediate
environment provided supervision on how to get through life.
a. Key characteristics of modernity (Giddens, 1991)
i. Industrialism- extensive use of material power and machinery
in all processes of production;
ii. Capitalism- involving competitive product markets and the
commodification of labor power;
iii. Institution of surveillance- massive increase of power and
reach by institutions, especially in government, and;
iv. Dynamism- having vigorous activity and progress.

II. Differences between social groups and social networks

a. Social groups- are described as having two or more people
interacting with one another, sharing similar characteristics, and
whose members identify themselves as part of the group. They can
be organic or rational groups. The former is highly influenced by
family. Organic motivation is runs deep giving the person a sense of
belongingness. The downside implies less freedom and greater
social conformity. The latter occurs in modern societies. They are
 GE 113: Understanding the Self

formed as a matter of shared self-interests. They join based on free

will. They are called rational motivation.
b. Social Networks- refers to the ties or connections that link you to your
social group. Examples of these are: what links you to family is blood
relation; to barkada is friendship; classmates common interest to
learn. Other self-influences to external adaptation:
i. Culture – adopting to social situation and social norms- being
a father, husband, worker, friend, OFW, and among others
ii. Language- regional dialects; pop culture dialects; for Mead
and Vygotsky persons develop these and it affects interaction
iii. Gender- is the role we portray and adapt or adopt; sex is the
physiological makeup of the person.