Sociological Perspectives of Self (GE USELF Understanding the Self) (Lecture Video 2 of 10)

Education [and] Psychology Stuff


Summary

This lecture delves into sociological perspectives on self and identity formation, emphasizing the impact of societal influences on an individual's sense of self. It covers classical sociological theories by key theorists like Durkheim and Mead, and introduces concepts such as structural functionalism, socialization, and symbolic interactionism. The discussion also includes the Looking Glass self theory, dramaturgy, and social constructionism, offering a comprehensive overview of how society shapes individual behavior and perceptions.


Introduction to Sociological Perspectives

Introduction to the lecture video discussing sociological perspectives on the self and identity formation.

Factors Shaping Identity

Discussion on factors influencing one's identity, societal roles, and perceptions of self.

Role of Society in Self-Perception

Exploring the influence of society and social interactions in shaping an individual's sense of self.

Classical Theories in Sociology

Overview of classical sociological theories by prominent theorists like Emil Durkheim, George Herbert Mead, Irving Goffman, and Peter Berger.

Structural Functionalism

Explanation of structural functionalism as a perspective that views society as a complex system with various interrelated parts that work together for stability and order.

Institutions and Norms

Discussion on the role of institutions, norms, values, and roles in shaping individual behavior within a society.

Conformity and Social Order

Emphasis on conformity and social order within structural functionalism, highlighting the importance of adhering to societal norms and expectations.

Socialization Process

Explanation of socialization as the process of teaching and learning societal norms, values, and roles to actively participate in society.

Symbolic Interactionism

Exploration of symbolic interactionism focusing on shared symbols, meanings, and the role of language and gestures in social interactions.

Looking Glass Self

Discussion on Charles Horton Cooley's concept of the Looking Glass self and how self-concept is shaped by perceptions of others.

Dramaturgy by Irving Goffman

Explanation of dramaturgy by Irving Goffman, likening social life to a theater stage where individuals perform roles and manage impressions.

Social Constructionism

Overview of social constructionism where individuals actively shape reality through social interactions and collective definition of norms and practices.


FAQ

Q: What is structural functionalism?

A: Structural functionalism is a perspective that views society as a complex system with various interrelated parts that work together for stability and order.

Q: Who are some of the prominent theorists associated with classical sociological theories?

A: Some of the prominent theorists associated with classical sociological theories are Emil Durkheim, George Herbert Mead, Irving Goffman, and Peter Berger.

Q: What is socialization?

A: Socialization is the process of teaching and learning societal norms, values, and roles to actively participate in society.

Q: What is symbolic interactionism?

A: Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective focusing on shared symbols, meanings, and the role of language and gestures in social interactions.

Q: What is the Looking Glass self?

A: The Looking Glass self is a concept introduced by Charles Horton Cooley, which refers to how self-concept is shaped by perceptions of others.

Q: What is dramaturgy in the context of social interactions?

A: Dramaturgy, as explained by Irving Goffman, likens social life to a theater stage where individuals perform roles and manage impressions.

Q: What is social constructionism?

A: Social constructionism is a theory where individuals actively shape reality through social interactions and the collective definition of norms and practices.

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