Self-Concept

Question 1

Cooley (1902) introduced what concept to account for the development of the self-concept?

Answer 1

The concept of the Looking-Glass Self.

Question 2

Name and define the three types of self distinguished by Cooley.

Answer 2

• Social Self : what others actually think of us
• Reflected Self : what we think others think of us
• Self-Concept : what we think of ourselves.

Question 3

Our actual self-concept is closer to which of these three?

Answer 3

It is closer to the imagined reflected self than to the actual social self

Question 4

How does Mead distinguish between role-taking and role-playing?

Answer 4

• Role-taking : taking the perspective of others
• Role-playing : acting out roles

Question 5

How does the emphasis of Cooley differ from the emphasis of Mead?

Answer 5

• Cooley emphasized feelings about the self
• Mead emphasized cognitions about the self

Question 6

What is meant by Theory of Mind?

Answer 6

It is the realization that others have a mind too, with thoughts, feelings, and desires

Question 7

What does it allow us to develop?

Answer 7

Empathy

Question 8

According to Striker’ Identity Theory, how do we learn the names and meanings of objects?

Answer 8

We learn names and meanings of objects through interaction (e.g., using a toothbrush).

Question 9

Positions in social structures are called what?

Answer 9

They are called “roles”

Question 10

The hierarchy of role-identities is determined by what two kinds of commitment?

Answer 10

• Personal Commitment : importance to you, and (b)
• Structural Commitment : number, depth, and overlap of relationships affected by the role.

Question 11

Identities are claimed and sustained through what?

Answer 11

Identities are claimed and sustained by our relationships with others

Question 12

What is the difference between ascribed and achieved roles?

Answer 12

• Role-identities are ascribed, which means that they are assigned by others, generally at birth.
  
  • Examples are age, race or ethnicity, son or daughter,
    etc.
• Role-identities are achieved, such as spouse, parent, occupation, retiree, etc.

Question 13

What is the difference between inter-role conflict and intra-role conflict?

Answer 13

• Inter-Role Conflict : the role expectations for behavior conflict between identities
• Intra-Role Conflict : the role expectations for behavior conflict within identities