RESOURCE FILES

Chapter 5

Building Identity: Socialization

Micro-Macro Connection

 


Self

The self is a key element in individual identity. But what is the self? Many have theorized an answer, but one explanation useful to sociology was set out by George Herbert Mead.

The philosopher William James labeled the active source of behavior the "I" and the passive object of behavior the "me": "I perceive me," or "I talk to me."1 Mead went one step further and described the "I" and the "me" as alternating phases of every action that involves the self.2

Mead felt that the "I" is the part of the self that responds directly to outside events. It is impulsive and not subject to control at first. The "I" can be seen in situations where we react spontaneously without assessing possible consequences of our actions. You may have told yourself, for example, "It's such a beautiful day . . . the heck with studying for this stupid sociology exam. I'm going to the beach!"

The "me," on the other hand, represents society within the individual. It is the self-reflective, conventional aspect of the self that incorporates society's values, norms, ideals, and expectations. The "me" represents the internalization of the attitudes and group standards of others. If you reconsider your beach trip in light of its possible outcome, you are invoking the "me": "No, I'd better not go to the beach. I may fail the exam and the course."

According to Mead, the "I" and the "me" are alternating elements of a constant process of thought and action. One moment we are responding directly to environmental stimuli. The next moment we direct our conscious attention inward and become aware of our conduct: "Wow, I can't believe how angry I am at Tom." This process allows us to alter our behavior to bring it in line with social conventions ("I shouldn't be so angry at him . . . I'll apologize and act like everything's OK"). Then this behavior becomes the object of our own scrutiny ("I wonder if he thinks I'm still angry").

The ability to carry on this internal dialogue lets us incorporate the perceptions and expectations of other people. Sociologically, the crucial aspect of the self is that it allows us to transform, modify, and control our behavior when we interact with people in various circumstances. As we become aware that different people expect different things, we can tailor our behavior to meet the demands of each situation.

1James, W. 1890. Principles of psychology. New York: Holt.

2Mead, G. H. 1934. Mind, self and society. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
 


[home]

David Newman and Rebecca Smith. (Created October 7, 1999). Copyright Pine Forge Press.
http://www.pineforge.com/newman.