Sociology: Social Self Theory

philosophy
The original meaning of the word philosophy comes from the Greek roots philo- meaning "love" and -
sophos, or "wisdom." When someone studies philosophy they want to understand how and why people
do certain things and how to live a good life. In other words, they want to know the meaning of life.
Philosophy (from Greek , philosophia, literally "love of wisdom") is the study of general and
fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction and culture of
everyday life. It is a social science that uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical
analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, acceptance, and change or social
evolution.
Social Self Theory

George Herbert Mead, a sociologist from the late 1800s, is well known for his theory of the social
self, which includes the concepts of 'self,' 'me,' and 'I.' In this lesson, we will explore Mead's theory
and gain a better understanding of what is meant by the terms 'me' and 'I.' We will also discuss the
concept, derived out of Mead's work, of the looking-glass self.
Mead's work focuses on the way in which the self is developed. Mead's theory of the social self is
based on the perspective that the self emerges from social interactions, such as observing and
interacting with others, responding to others' opinions about oneself, and internalizing external
opinions and internal feelings about oneself. The social aspect of self is an important distinction
because other sociologists and psychologists of Mead's time felt that the self was based on
biological factors and inherited traits. According to Mead, the self is not there from birth, but it is
developed over time from social experiences and activities.
Development of Self
According to Mead, three activities develop the self: language, play, and games.
Language develops self by allowing individuals to respond to each other through symbols, gestures,
words, and sounds. Language conveys others' attitudes and opinions toward a subject or the person.
Emotions, such as anger, happiness, and confusion, are conveyed through language.
Play develops self by allowing individuals to take on different roles, pretend, and express expectation
of others. Play develops one's self-consciousness through role-playing. During role-play, a person is
able to internalize the perspective of others and develop an understanding of how others feel about
themselves and others in a variety of social situations.
Games develop self by allowing individuals to understand and adhere to the rules of the activity. Self
is developed by understanding that there are rules in which one must abide by in order to win the
game or be successful at an activity.
Two Sides of Self: Me & I

According to Mead's theory, the self has two sides or phases: 'me' and 'I.'
The 'me' is considered the socialized aspect of the individual. The 'me' represents learned behaviors,
attitudes, and expectations of others and of society. This is sometimes referred to as the generalized
other. The 'me' is considered a phase of the self that is in the past. The 'me' has been developed by
the knowledge of society and social interactions that the individual has gained.
The 'I', therefore, can be considered the present and future phase of the self. The 'I' represents the
individual's identity based on response to the 'me.' The 'I' says, 'Okay. Society says I should behave
and socially interact one way, and I think I should act the same (or perhaps different),' and that
notion becomes self.
The 'me' and the 'I' have a didactic relationship, like a system of checks and balances. The 'me'
exercises societal control over one's self. The 'me' is what prevents someone from breaking the rules
or boundaries of societal expectations. The 'I' allows the individual to still express creativity and
individualism and understand when to possibly bend and stretch the rules that govern social
interactions. The 'I' and the 'me' make up the self.
Psychology is the science of behavior and mind. Psychology includes the study
of conscious and unconsciousphenomena, as well as feeling and thought. It is an academic
discipline of immense scope. Psychologists seek an understanding of the emergent properties of
brains, and all the variety of phenomena linked to those emergent properties, joining this way the
broader neuroscientific group of researchers.
Definition of psychology
1: the science of mind and behavior
2a: the mental or behavioral characteristics of an individual or group
b: the study of mind and behavior in relation to a particular field of knowledge or activity
The main differences between the school of thought or the philosophies of
the East and West are the West’s Individualism and the East’s
Collectivism. The Eastern philosophy is drawn much more into groups or
society or people’s actions and thoughts as one in order to find meaning in
life as they try to get rid of the false “me” concept and find meaning in
discovering the true “me” in relation to everything around them, or as part
of a bigger scheme. In contrast, the Western civilization is more
individualistic, trying to find the meaning of life here and now with self at
the center as it is already given and part of the divine.
Let us take a deeper look into more of the aspects or problems or issues
these two philosophies try to make sense of. The main principle of the
Eastern philosophy is unity. This cosmological unity is the main point in
the journey of life as it goes towards the eternal realities. Life is round, and
the recurrence with everything around it is important. Ethics is based on
behavior, and dependence is from the inside to the outside. In order to be
liberated, the inner self must be freed first in accordance to the world
around it.
Western philosophy, on the other hand, is based on self-dedication to be of

service to others. Life is service to God, money, community, and so
on. Due to its Christian influence, there has to be a beginning and end to
find meaning. Linear as it seems, Western philosophy is logical, scientific,
and rational compared to the East’s concept of eternal and recurring.
Eastern philosophy also thrives on virtues. This would be explained with

the selfless approach to life. Satisfaction with what one has is the key.
Meanwhile, Western philosophy focuses on ethics. As individuals, one must
do what is supposed to be done without causing ill to others. Success is
based on how much one walks his path without hurting others. Eastern
philosophy is also more about the spiritual while Western philosophy is
more of a hands-on style. The difference is the “I” of the West, and the
“We” of the East, as one focuses on finding truth and meaning.

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philosophy

Social Self Theory

Two Sides of Self: Me & I

2a: the mental or behavioral characteristics of an individual or group

Western philosophy, on the other hand, is based on self-dedication to be of

Eastern philosophy also thrives on virtues. This would be explained with

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