Midterm 1 Theories of Self-Identity

Question 1

MEAD - I and ME

Answer 1

I = one’s sense of agency (authentic / responsive)
ME = internalized other’s perception of you (conforming, developed thru childhood)

Question 2

MEAD - Preperatory Stage

Answer 2

(1) recognizing the other (imitation as a child w/o understanding)

Question 3

MEAD - Play Stage

Answer 3

(2) understanding the other (playing as certain roles w/ expectations)

Question 4

MEAD - Game Stage

Answer 4

(3) internalizing / generalizing the other (social norms and expectations)

Question 5

COOLEY - define “Looking Glass Self”

Answer 5

• “self” emerges from interactive social process
• self-identity shaped by how they believe others perceive them (“i am who you think I am”)

Question 6

COOLEY - steps of “Looking Glass”

Answer 6

• imagine how we appear to others
• imagine how other judge our appearence
• develop a self-feeling (pride, shame, etc.)

Question 7

GOFFMAN - define “Dramaturgy”

Answer 7

• ppl present themselves in different ways depending on social context; like actors performing on stage

Question 8

GOFFMAN - “Frontstage”

Answer 8

• public self we present to others in social settings
• “perform” according to social norms and expectations

Question 9

GOFFMAN - “Backstage”

Answer 9

• private, more relaxed part of ourselves, no “social pressures” of performing

Question 10

GOFFMAN - Dramaturgical definition of “Self”

Answer 10

• fluid, ever-changing portrayal of an individual (influenced by social context - impression mgmt)

Question 11

GOFFMAN - “impression managment”

Answer 11

• self-portrayal changes thru using “tools” (scripts, costumes, sets, appearance)
• maintains social order
• ppl benefit from playing their role best they can