Symbolic Interaction

Question 1

George Herbert Mead

Answer 1

• believed that the Self- is the ability to take the role of the other and the ability to view oneself as an object
• Mead saw we aren’t born with a SELF but its constructed through the process of socialization

Question 2

Mead believed SELF is socially constructed and it arises as a result of what 2 factors?

Answer 2

1. The response of others toward oneself
2. An individual’s ability to respond to oneself as an object (ability to step outside oneself and view one’s self and actions objectively)

Question 3

Mead discusses 4 stages of the Self but we focus on 2 of the 4. What are they?

Answer 3

Play Stage and Game Stage

Question 4

Play Stage (2-5 Y/O)

Answer 4

The child can assume the perspective of another but only one other at a time. Play is an individual affair and rules are not necessary as they can’t be followed

Question 5

The Game Stage (5-7 Y/O)

Answer 5

Represents organization and the necessity of assuming several others simultaneously

• Rules are necessary and can be followed
• the Game Stage is based on cooperation and knowing one’s position in relation to a complex set of other’s
• the Generalized Other emerges

Question 6

Generalized Other

Answer 6

The incorporation of all of one’s significant others into a whole

• the internalization of society; it’s rules, perspectives, & its definition of SELF
• a societal conscience
• Self is a PROCESS and everyone has a self that is constantly in the process of emerging

Question 7

Who is Peter Berger?

Answer 7

• Author of ‘Invitation to Sociology’

- responsible for Debunking

Question 8

Debunking

Answer 8

Looking beyond the facade that people put up and what they want us to see

(Looking in the medicine cabinet or behind a shower curtain)