What is the Self?

Question 1

Duality of the self (James, 1890)

Answer 1

Self as observable object - "Me". 
 - Self-concept, content of the self
Self as agent - "I"
 - Self-awareness of thoughts/actions. 
 - Metacognitive
Book vs reader of book

Question 2

Levels of the self (Brewer & Gardner, 1996)

Answer 2

Personal self - Beliefs of private self. Characteristics that make me distinct from others
Relational self - Self within interpersonal relationships (family, friends, social networks)
Collective self - Self in relation to group memberships (e.g. Australian, musician)

Question 3

Cultural differences in defining self

Answer 3

Western: Independent view of self
- Values individualism & uniqueness
- Defined as separate from others
Eastern: Interdependent view of self
- Values collectiveness/connectedness to others
- Defined by relationship to others
Note: Biculturals can have different aspects of self made salient within different contexts

Question 4

Gender differences in defining interdependent self

Answer 4

Women: Relational - Focus on close relationships (e.g. spouse, child)
Men: Collectivist - Focus on larger group memberships (e.g. Australian, cricket)