SOC 2109 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Social Forces, Impression Management, Impression Formation
Document Summary
The self is the individual viewed as both the source and the object of reflexive behaviour. The self is active (initiates reflexive behaviour) and passive (object towards whom reflexive behaviour is directed) The active aspect of the self is the i and the object of self-action is the me. The self is the source of action when we plan, observe and control our own behaviour. The self is the object of action when we think about who we are. Mead portrays action as guided by an internal dialogue. People engage in conversations in their minds as they regulate their behaviour. They use words and images to symbolize their ideas about themselves, others their actions and other"s responses to them. A conception of attitudes and expectations held in common by the members of the groups. When we imagine what the group expects of us, we are taking the role of the generalized other.
