Understanding the Self

Sociological Perspective
Self and Social Construct - Through social interaction and active understanding of social reality by
collective actions of people, living together and their relationships

Example:
-Race -Countries
-Money -Gender

The Self and Society

In 1996, Steven found in his literature reviews that Self has been characterized based on its,
Idea society is linked to the individual as they are inherently connected and dependent on each
other.As a result, an individual is capable of seeing through his/her experiences and the larger society
called Sociological Imagination.

A. Sociological
Defined ourselves according how people look at us using the view of others, Cooley denotes
that understanding of self is socially constructed.

1. Imagines how they appear to others.

2. Imagine others’ judgement of that appearance.

B. Theory of Self-Development by George Herbert Mead

Gave emphasis to others’ perspective in view of ones self. Putting yourself into someone
else’s shoes and look at the world through that someone’s perspective.

1. Preparatory Stage - Imitating actions of others

2. Play Stage - Acting out grown up behavior
3. Game Stage - Learn about several roles of others
4. Generalized Other - Develop, understand the common behavioral expectation of the
general society.

Self and Culture

Self should not be seen as a static entity which remains constant through time.

Moi and Personne Self

A result of a process whereby actions of humans is built upon social continuity.

Moi = Self
Personne = Expectation of society towards you