Chapter 2: The Self in a Social World

Part 1: Jan. 25, 2013

Self-Concept• Beliefs we have about ourselves– Self-schemas are part of this:

– Recognize images of ourselves betw 18-24 mos.• How is the ‘mark test’ used?

• 5 main sources of forming the self-concept:– Roles, Social comparisons, Success/Failure, Other

people, & Culture

Sources

1. Role playing –Bem’s self-perception theory: what is it?

2. Social comparisons -Who is chosen as ‘comparison other’?

Downward comparisons –

Influence of context -

3. Success/Failure –Motivations for future behavior

4. Other people –‘Looking glass self’ – what is it?

Perceptions vs. reality -

5. Culture & self-concept:– Individualism (I) vs. collectivism (C)• What is the focus of self-definitions in these cultures?

• I cultures = • C cultures =

• Markus’ research on the self as part of a group: