John Borge Sayson 24/03/2021

S2MA BSMAR-E
What is the Self?
Commonly defined by the following characteristics: “separate, self-contained,
independent, consistent, unitary, and private by Stevens,1996. By separate, it is meant
that the self is distinct from other selves. The self is always unique and has its own
identity. Self is also self-contained and independent because in itself it can exist. It is
consistent because it has a personality that is enduring and therefore can be expected
to persist for quite some time. Self is unitary in that it is the center of all experiences
and thoughts that run through a certain person. The self is private. Each person sorts
out information, feelings, and emotions, and thought processes within the self. This
whole process is never accessible to anyone but the self. This suggests that the self is
isolated from the external world. It lives within its own world. However, we also see
that this potential clash between the self and the external reality is the reason for the
self to have a clear understanding of what it might be, what it can be, and what it will
be. Social Constructionist argue that the self should not be seen as a static entity that
stays constant through and through. Rather, the self has to be seen as something that is
in unceasing flux, in a constant struggle with external reality and is malleable in its
dealings with society. The self is always in participation with social life and its
identity subjected to influences here and there.