SOCIOLOG

Y
I. THE SELF AS PRODUCT OF
MODERNSOCIETY AMONG OTHERS
THE AUTHENTICITY OF SELF IS THREATENED AS A RESULT OF THE
NEW FOUND FREEDOM.

ACCORDING TO MARX, HUMAN BEINGS ARE BEING HAUNTED AND

GETS ALIENATED TO THEIR OWN SELF AS AN EFFECT TO THE IMAGES
THEY CREATED.

THE OBJECTIFICATION OF THE BODY REMOVES HUMAN QUALITIES

IN MAN.

DEHUMANIZATION OF SELF.
 II. MEAD’S THEORY OF THE
SELF
GEORGE HERBERT MEAD
Theory of the social self
t h e s e l f has t w o sides o f phases:
1.the “ I”
represents the self as subject, and the individual’s
impulse
2.the “me”.
socialized component of the individual that
represents the learned behaviors, expectations and
attitude of others organized into a social self.
T
THREE ACTIVITIES RESULTS IN
THEDEVELOPMENT OF THE
SELF
Languag
e Play
Game
 III. THE LOOKING-GLASS
SELF
Social interaction plays an important role to individual’s
understanding of self; thus, behavior and a person’s self-esteem
may be dictated by how they will predict how others perceived
them.American sociologist Charles Horton Cooley coined the
concept “looking-glass self” as pertaining to an individual’s
development of self-concept based on their observation of how
other people sees them. The social interaction people have are
used as “mirror” to measure their own worth, values, and
behavior.
 LABELING BIAS
SELF-LABELING
occurs when we are
labeled, and others’ views
occur when one take into
and expectations of us
their self-concept those
are affected by that
labels, and evaluation
labeling (Fox & Stinnet,
made by others for them.
1996)
TRUE OR FALSE
1.It provides insight into how social institutions such as family, education, and media
influence our self-concept and sense of identity.

2.The sociological perspective encourages critical thinking about the impact of social
norms and cultural values on individual behaviors and beliefs.

3.It highlights the role of socialization in shaping who we are, emphasizing that we
learn how to be a part of society from a young age.

4.Sociological perspectives on the self contribute to our understanding of social

inequalities, as they reveal how factors like race, class, and gender can influence our
identities and life opportunities.

5.It sheds light on the dynamics of social interactions and relationships, helping
individuals navigate and make sense of their social world.
1.The sociological perspective promotes empathy and a broader understanding of diverse
perspectives and experiences, fostering tolerance and inclusivity.

2.It provides a framework for analyzing social issues and advocating for social change by
uncovering the root causes of societal problems.

3.Understanding the sociological perspective of the self contributes to personal growth

and self-awareness by encouraging individuals to reflect on their roles within larger
social contexts.

4.It deprives individuals to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful social and
political participation by providing a deeper understanding of the social forces that
shape their lives.

5.Understanding the sociological perspective of the self helps individuals recognize that
their identities are not solely determined by their society’s choices but are also shaped
by social forces and structures.
 The sociological perspective is a way of looking at the world that
emphasizes the social, cultural, and structural factors that shape
human behavior, beliefs, and interactions.

 It is a fundamental approach within sociology, a field of study that

examines how society influences individuals and how individuals,
in turn, shape society.

 The sociological perspective is essential in understanding the self

because it helps us recognize that our identities, behaviors, and
experiences are not solely determined by individual characteristics
but are profoundly influenced by the larger social context in which
we live.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to understand
and compare the perspectives of Henri de Saint-Simon, Herbert
Spencer, and David Emile Durkheim on the sociological
perspective of the self.
Background and
Contributions:
Henri de Saint-Simon was born into an aristocratic
family but experienced a tumultuous life marked
by political and social change. He served as a
soldier during the American Revolutionary War
and later participated in the French Revolution.

Saint-Simon is often considered one of the founders

of positivism, a school of thought that emphasizes
empirical observation and the scientific method as
the basis for understanding society.

He played a crucial role in introducing the idea that

society should be studied scientifically and that Henri de Saint-Simon
social organization should be based on rational
principles rather than tradition.
Saint-Simon's Perspective on the Self: Saint-Simon's perspective on the self was
deeply influenced by the changing social and economic landscape of his time. He
believed that industrialization and the rise of the industrial class (bourgeoisie)
would fundamentally transform society and individual identity. Here are some key
aspects of his views:
 Industrialization and Progress: Saint-Simon believed that industrialization and technological
progress were central to human development. He saw the shift from an agrarian society to an
industrial one as a pivotal moment in history. He famously stated, "In the industrial order,
the administration of man's affairs by man, which was identified with the idea of despotism,
is replaced by the administration of things."

 Class Struggle: Saint-Simon recognized the emergence of a new dominant class, the industrial
capitalists, which he believed would replace the traditional aristocracy. He predicted that the
struggle for power and influence in society would shift from the aristocracy to the
bourgeoisie. He wrote, "The ruling class in the industrial order is composed of the capitalists,
the bankers, the manufacturers, and the merchants." This perspective foreshadowed Marx's
ideas on class struggle.
Role of Social Order: Saint-Simon argued that social order and stability were crucial for individual
well-being. He believed that a rational and organized social system, guided by experts and
technocrats, would lead to greater social harmony and individual fulfillment. He said, "The
reorganization of society on a scientific basis will remove class conflicts, restore social harmony,
and promote the welfare of all."
Individual Identity: Saint-Simon's view of individual identity was closely tied to an individual's
role in society. He believed that individuals would find meaning and purpose through their
contributions to the industrial and social order. In this sense, individual identity was linked to one's
social function and role within the emerging industrial society.
In summary, Henri de Saint-Simon was an early sociological thinker whose ideas were shaped by
the profound changes of his time, including industrialization and class struggle. He emphasized
the importance of industrial progress, the rise of the bourgeoisie, the role of social order, and the
connection between individual identity and one's place in society. His ideas laid the groundwork
for later sociological thought and the study of how social structures and economic systems shape
individual lives.
Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)
Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) was a British philosopher, biologist, and sociologist who made
significant contributions to the field of sociology, particularly during the 19th century. He is
best known for his evolutionary perspective on society and his ideas about social Darwinism,
individualism, and the role of competition in shaping both society and the self. Here's an
overview of Herbert Spencer's significance in the field of sociology and an exploration of his
key ideas:
Significance in Sociology:

 Herbert Spencer is often considered one of the founding figures of sociology, alongside
Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim. He applied evolutionary principles to the study of
society, offering a comprehensive sociological framework that was influential in the 19th
century.

 Spencer's work laid the foundation for the study of social evolution, emphasizing the idea that
societies evolve and change over time in response to environmental and social pressures.

 His ideas on social Darwinism had a lasting impact on political and economic thought, and
they played a role in shaping discussions on individualism and competition in society.
Evolutionary Perspective on Society and the Self:
 Spencer applied Charles Darwin's theory of biological evolution to society, coining
the phrase "survival of the fittest" before Darwin himself used it. Spencer believed
that societies, like species, evolve over time through a process of adaptation and
natural selection.
 He argued that societies progress from simple, undifferentiated states to complex,
specialized forms as they adapt to changing conditions. This perspective is often
referred to as "social evolution."
 Spencer saw parallels between the evolution of societies and the development of
individuals. He believed that individuals and societies both evolve from simple to
complex forms as they adapt to their environments.
Social Darwinism:
 Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Spencer's work is his concept of social
Darwinism, which applied the principles of natural selection to human society.
He argued that competition and the struggle for existence were natural and
necessary processes in society, and that government intervention to alleviate
suffering was misguided.

 Spencer famously wrote, "The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects
of folly is to fill the world with fools." This quote encapsulates his belief that
allowing competition and natural consequences to operate would lead to the
betterment of society.

 Social Darwinism was used to justify laissez-faire capitalism and limited

government intervention in the economy during the late 19th century. Critics,
however, pointed out that it could be used to justify social inequalities and neglect
of the disadvantaged.
Individualism and Competition:
 Spencer was a strong advocate of individualism, arguing that
individuals should have the freedom to pursue their own interests
and that government interference hindered the development of self-
reliance.

 He believed that competition was a fundamental force in both

society and the self. He thought that competition among individuals
and groups would lead to progress and the advancement of society.

 Spencer saw competition as a mechanism for weeding out the less fit
and promoting the survival and success of the most capable
individuals and ideas.
In summary, Herbert Spencer was a pioneering figure in sociology who
applied evolutionary principles to the study of society. His ideas about
social Darwinism, individualism, and competition had a significant
impact on political and economic thought, influencing discussions
about government intervention, social progress, and the role of
competition in shaping both society and the self. While his work
remains influential, it has also been critiqued for its potential to justify
social inequalities and neglect of vulnerable populations.
David Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) was a French sociologist
who is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of
modern sociology. His work was instrumental in establishing
sociology as a distinct and legitimate academic discipline.
Here's an introduction to Durkheim and his significance in
sociology:
Significance in Sociology:
• Durkheim is often credited with laying the foundation for the structural-functional perspective in
sociology. He was concerned with understanding the role of social institutions and how they maintain
social order and stability.

• His groundbreaking study, "The Division of Labor in Society" (1893), explored how the division of labor
in industrial societies led to changes in social integration and solidarity. This work helped shape our
understanding of the relationship between social structure and individual behavior.

• Durkheim's emphasis on empirical research and the scientific study of social phenomena contributed to
the development of sociology as a discipline distinct from philosophy and psychology.

• He also made significant contributions to the study of suicide, religion, and morality, examining how
social forces influence individual behavior and beliefs.

Durkheim's work had a profound and lasting impact on the field of sociology, and his ideas continue to be
influential in the study of social phenomena and human behavior.
ANTHROPOLOGY
is the study of all aspects of the human
condition. This includes human history, the
present human condition and even future
possibilities.
Anthropology is also considered as “the science
of humanity,” which studies human beings in
aspects ranging from the biology and
evolutionary history of Homo sapiens to the
features of society and culture that decisively
distinguish humans from other animal species.
THE CULTURAL CONSTRUCTION OF SELF AND
IDENTITY
CULTURAL
IDENTITY
Cultural Identity is self-identification, Cultural identity is dynamic and
a sense of belonging to a group that constantly evolving. It covers the
reaffirms itself. It is the extent to entire life span of a human being and
which one is a representative of a changes every moment based on
given culture behaviorally, social context. It is the constantly
communicatively, psychologically and shifting understanding of one’s
sociologically. It consists of values, identity in relation to others. A person
meanings, customs and beliefs used might identity himself/herself as
Filipino because he/she embodies
to relate to the world. It reflects the
Filipino cultural ways and traditions o
common historical experiences and
which he/she has been exposed to
shared cultural codes which give us
while growing up.
as one entity a stable, unchanging,
continuing frame of reference and
meaning.
 T O AYS HICH THE CONCEPT OF SELF IS ED
IN THE
VIEDIFFERENT IN
SOCIETIES.

1. EGOCENTRIC VIEW.
self is seen as an autonomous and distant individual

SOCIOCENTRIC VIEW.
The self is contingent on a situation or social setting.
 Three-phased rite of passage by Arnold Van Gennep

• Separation phase. People detach from their former identity to another. Examples
is in a wedding where the bride walking down the aisle to be “given away” by the
parents to the groom implies the separation from one’s family to become part of
a new one.

• Liminality phase. A person transitions from one identity to another. Example, the
wedding ceremony itself is the process of transition of the bride and groom from
singlehood to married life.

• Incorporation phase. The change in one’s status is officially incorporated.

Example, the wedding reception and parties that celebrate the wedding serve as
the marker that officially recognize the bride and groom’s change towards being
husband and wife.
 PROPERTIES OF CULTURAL
IDENTITY
1. Avowal and Ascription.
2. Modes of Expression
3. Individual, Relational and Communal Identity.
4. Enduring and Changing Aspects of Identity.
5. Affective, Cognitive and Behavioral Aspects of Identity.
6. Content and Relationship Levels
7. Salience or Prominence.
 THE SELF EMBEDDED IN
CULTURE
The claim of the self as embedded in culture can only be
embraced when the self recognizes its relation to everything. The
complexity of culture identities of people, things, and events shall
be recognized and respected by the self. The individual must
remain reflective of the similarities and unique differences of
everything around it. This shows that the self should not maintain
the individualistic, independent and autonomous entity but that
the self should be able to maintain his or her solid culturally
reflexive identity in relation to everything and everyone else.
 THE CONCEPT OF CULTURE HAS ITS
IMPACT ON THE CONCEPT OF MAN. IN
HIS ATTEMPT TO ILLUSTRATE THIS
ACCURATE IMAGE OF MAN, GEERTZ
SUGGEST T O IMPORTANT IDEAS:
 1 2
Man is precisely the
Culture should not be
animal most
perceived only as “complexes
desperately dependent
of concrete behavior patterns
– customs, usages, traditions, upon such
habit clusters- for the extragenetic, outside-
governing behaviour the-skin control
mechanisms, such
cultural programs, for
ordering his behavior.
 PSYCHOLOGICAL
ASPECT OF THE SELF
 The Self As A Cognitive Construction
Three basic components to Piaget’s cognitive theory:

• Schemas/schemes. These are mental organizations that individuals use to understand

their environments and designate action. The knowledge children acquire is organized into
schemas (scheme) or groupings of similar actions or thoughts.

• Adaptation. It involves the child’s learning process to meet situational demand-

assimilation which is the application of previous concepts to new concepts; and
accommodation which happens when people encounter completely new information or
when existing ideas are challenged.

• Stages of Cognitive Development. They reflect the increasing sophistication of the child’s
thought process.
 PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF THE SELF
The “I” Self and the “Me” Self
– William James

The “I” is the thinking, acting and feeling self . It is also called as the pure ego.
The “Me” is the physical as well as psychological capabilities that makes you who you are. Also
known as the empirical self.
Components of the “Me” Self:
1. Material Self – consists of things that belong to us or we belong to.
2. Social Self – who we are in a given situation
3. Spiritual Self – who we are at our core. (personality, values, conscience)
 Real and Ideal Self Concept

Karen Horney believed that people experience anxiety, and it is through

such experience that they develop strategies to be able to reduce and cope
with the anxiety. Thus, people tend to create an idealized self - an imaginary
picture of self having an unlimited power or qualities which the actual self -
who we actually are, has failed to fulfill. Underlying both the idealized and
actual self is the real self, which is revealed only when a person starts to find
ways to deal and resolve anxiety and conflicts.
 True Self versus False Self

Donald Winnicott

True Self - a sense of self based on spontaneous authentic experience,

and a feeling of being alive, having a real self.

False Self – uses a defensive façade; one which in extreme cases could
leave its holders lacking spontaneity and feeling dead and empty, behind a
mere appearance of being real.
 Self as Proactive and Agentic
People as viewed by the Social Cognitive Theory, are capable of controlling
their own lives. They are proactive, and reflective, and influential to their own
actions to produce desired consequences. The agent self resides over
everything that involves decision making, self-control, taking charge in
situations, and actively responding. As such, a person has the power to
choose which option is to be selected, or what action is to be done. Our
capacity to distinguish those that we are capable of accomplishing, and those
that we are not capable of accomplishing describes the quality of self-efficacy
a person has. Some may manifest high self-efficacy, and some will be
associated with low self-efficacy.
Eastern and Western way
to understanding self
WESTERN CONCEPT OF THE SELF
 Thomas Aquinas, the philosopher and saint in medieval times, believed that the body constitutes
individuality. The individuality was the focus of Renaissance thought, with Rene Descartes’ famous
“I think, therefore I am” as the epitome of the Western idea of self.
 The western tradition is generally imbued with a style of thinking based on dichotomy and binary
opposition, and there is an essential distinction between the notion of the thinking subject (an
observer that stands in natural opposition to observable reality). Frank Johnson (1985), outlined
four categories on how the term “self” is used in contemporary western discussion:

1.Analytical
2.Monotheistic
3.Individualistic
4.Materialistic/rationalistic
 EASTERN CONCEPT OF SELF
1.The Self According to Buddhism
.

The
2. Four Noble Truth

1.Life is suffering.
3.Suffering is caused by craving and aversion
4.Suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained
4. Eight Fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering
 The Self According to Confucianism
• Confucius philosophy of life stand with the idea that life is a living
reality, a blessing, a natural priceless right and opportunity to be with
others to work together for common good to attain happiness. Thus,
the threat for social order is selfishness. In the Confucian philosophy,
the principle of ren characterized the self-possessing compassion for
others. The self for Confucius is the person within the society who
exhibit refinement and compassion (Junzi). Such principle connotes
that this new self or Junzi is formed through education under the
virtuous teacher as the role model.
 The Self According to Taosim
Taoism rejects a hierarchical view of the self, society, or cosmos. It does
not regard the self as an extension of social relationships, rather, the self is but
one of the countless manifestations of the Tao. It is an extension of the
cosmos (or the universe seen as a well ordered whole). According to Chuang-
tzu, “The perfect man has no self; the spiritual man has no achievement; the
true sage has no name”,thus, the ideal self is selflessness. In sum, his
conception of selfhood entails conscious self-transformation leading to the
attributes of a balanced life in harmony with both nature and society.
 The Self in Islamic Tradition

The Arabic word for self is Nafs in the Holy Qur’an. It pertains to the
psyche (the totality of the conscious and unconscious human mind) or the
soul. The nafs/self is to be nurtured and self-regulated so it can progress into
becoming “good” (or “evil”) through its thoughts and actions. The self in
Islamic tradition is used both in the individualistic and collective sense.
 Individualistic vs. Collective Self
Individualism values personal independence. Within individualist cultures,
people are more likely to “see themselves as separate from others, define
themselves based on their personal traits, and see their characteristics as
relatively stable and unchanging.”
Collectivism values personal interdependence. In collectivist cultures,
people are more likely to “see themselves as connected to others, define
themselves in terms of relationships with others, and see their characteristics
as more likely to change across different contexts.”