George Herbert Mead

Definition

George Herbert Mead was an American philosopher and sociologist, best known for his work in social psychology and the development of the self. He introduced the concept of the 'social self,' emphasizing that our self-concept is shaped through social interactions and communication with others. This idea connects deeply with how perception influences our communication behavior, highlighting that our understanding of ourselves evolves through our relationships and interactions with society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mead believed that the self is not inherent but rather developed through social experiences, particularly through communication with others.
2. He emphasized the importance of language and symbols in forming our identities, arguing that these elements are crucial for effective social interaction.
3. Mead's concept of the 'I' and 'me' distinguishes between the spontaneous self (the 'I') and the socialized self (the 'me'), which together form a complete self-concept.
4. He argued that understanding others' perspectives is vital for effective communication, as it helps us navigate social situations and respond appropriately.
5. Mead's work laid the foundation for many contemporary theories in sociology and psychology, influencing how we study self-perception and interpersonal communication.

Review Questions

• How does George Herbert Mead's concept of the 'social self' influence our understanding of self-concept in communication?
  • Mead's concept of the 'social self' highlights that our self-concept is not an isolated entity but is instead formed through interactions with others. This means that how we perceive ourselves is heavily influenced by social feedback and communication. The way we see ourselves can change depending on our relationships and the reactions we receive from those around us, showcasing that identity is dynamic rather than static.
• Evaluate the significance of symbolic interactionism in relation to Mead's theories on self-development.
  • Symbolic interactionism, which focuses on how people create meaning through social interactions, is closely linked to Mead's theories about self-development. Mead emphasized that our identities are shaped through communication and symbols, such as language. This perspective is significant because it shows that understanding ourselves involves interpreting the meanings behind social cues, helping to establish a framework for how we relate to others within society.
• Assess how Mead's ideas about the 'I' and 'me' contribute to contemporary discussions on identity formation and perception in communication.
  • Mead's differentiation between the 'I' (the spontaneous aspect of self) and the 'me' (the socially constructed aspect) provides a useful lens for analyzing identity formation today. His ideas suggest that individuals are constantly negotiating their identities based on social interactions while maintaining a core sense of self. This duality contributes to contemporary discussions on identity by illustrating how personal perception can be influenced by external factors such as societal expectations and relationships, making identity a complex interplay between personal authenticity and social context.

Related terms

Symbolic Interactionism: A sociological perspective that emphasizes the role of symbols and language in the formation of self and social life, focusing on how individuals interact through shared meanings.

The Looking-Glass Self: A concept by Charles Horton Cooley that suggests individuals develop their self-image based on how they believe others perceive them.

Socialization: The lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their culture, shaping their identity and social behavior.