Discuss George Herbert Mead’s concept of socialization using course theories such as Freud’s notions of the Ego, Id and Superego, Victor Turner’s 3 stages of child development involving rites of passage, and try to tie these all together into a general discussion of the ‘Self’. What does Cooley mean by the “Looking Glass Self”? (include here the idea about how others serve as a mirror for the developing self).
George Herbert Mead’s concept of socialization
The id is the primitive part of the personality that is driven by basic needs and desires. The ego is the rational part of the personality that mediates between the id and the superego. The superego is the moralistic part of the personality that internalizes the values and norms of society.
Freud's theory of personality can be helpful in understanding the process of socialization. For example, the ego can be seen as the part of the personality that is responsible for learning the norms and values of society. The superego can be seen as the part of the personality that internalizes these norms and values and becomes our conscience.
Victor Turner's 3 stages of child development involving rites of passage
Victor Turner's theory of social drama is a helpful framework for understanding the process of socialization. Turner argued that all societies have a set of norms and values that they use to regulate behavior. These norms and values are often communicated through rituals and ceremonies.
Turner identified three stages of child development involving rites of passage:
- Separation: In the separation phase, the child is separated from their primary caregivers. This can be a traumatic experience for the child, but it is necessary for the child to develop their own identity.
- Liminality: In the liminal phase, the child is in a state of transition. They are no longer a child, but they are not yet an adult. During this phase, the child learns the norms and values of society.
- Reintegration: In the reintegration phase, the child is welcomed back into society as an adult. This often involves a ritual or ceremony that marks the child's transition to adulthood.
Tying these all together into a general discussion of the ‘Self’
Mead's concept of socialization, Freud's theory of personality, and Turner's theory of social drama can all be used to understand the development of the self.
The self is a social construct that is created through our interactions with others. We learn who we are by seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. This is what Cooley meant by the "Looking Glass Self."
Our self-concept is also influenced by the norms and values of society. We internalize these norms and values through the process of socialization.
Finally, our self-concept is shaped by our experiences in life. For example, a child who is praised for their intelligence may develop a strong self-concept as an intelligent person.
Conclusion
Socialization is a complex process that is influenced by a variety of factors. Mead's concept of the self, Freud's theory of personality, and Turner's theory of social drama can all be used to understand the development of the self.
The self is a social construct that is created through our interactions with others. We learn who we are by seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. Our self-concept is also influenced by the norms and values of society, as well as our experiences in life.
George Herbert Mead's concept of socialization is a process by which individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors of their society. This process begins at a very young age and continues throughout our lives.
Mead believed that socialization is essential for the development of the self. He argued that the self is not something that we are born with, but rather something that we construct through our interactions with others.
Freud's notions of the Ego, Id, and Superego
Sigmund Freud's theory of personality is based on three main components: the id, the ego, and the superego.