Identity Flashcards
Give some interactionist theories on identity.
Cooley - The looking glass self is the theory that our self-identity is reflected back to us in the views of others - how others see us changes how we see ourselves.
Goffman - The presentation of self in everyday life describes the way people ‘act out’ their sense of self using symbols in order to influence how they are viewed (impression management).
Becker - Labelling theory describes the way people in society are given labels in accordance to how others expect them to act - specifically in the case of behaviour (and therefore people) seen as deviant.
What are the stages of Becker’s labelling theory?
Labelling - An authority figure labels an individual as deviant.
Master status - That label becomes the main part of their identity due to being treated differently by others.
Internalisation - The individual comes to see themself as deviant so associates with others who have been labelled as deviant.
Deviant Career - Their sense of self has changed and they become more deviant (self-fulfilling prophecy).
What does Cicourel say about labelling?
He argues that labels can be negotiated and the ability to ‘shake off’ a label is a privilege of the middle and upper classes.
What is a stigmatized identity?
Someone who has an attribute or trait seen as negative by society so is therefore spoiled or tainted in the eyes of others e.g. a disabled person.
What are the three types of social stigma according to Goffman?
- Physical defects e.g. limb difference.
- Poor personal traits e.g. criminal record.
- Tribal stigma e.g. religion.
How may an individual respond to stigma?
They may attempt to hide or correct the stigma, admit the stigma and seek professional help or protest against the label.
