Understanding Self and Others
This presentation explores various perspectives on the concept of the self and its importance in
understanding society. The speaker delves into 10 different conceptions of the self, highlighting
how these perspectives can be used to make sense of our own identity and our role in the larger
social context.
The Importance of Understanding the Self
(00:41 - 01:03, 04:04 - 04:15)
● The self is formed in relation to other people
● Understanding the self is crucial for understanding one's own society and vice versa
● Sociological imagination allows us to connect personal problems to public issues
Perspectives on the Self
(06:05 - 06:30, 06:26 - 06:41)
1. The Self as an Essential Part of Being
○ The self automatically comes with the individual, without the need for a long
process of interaction with others
○ Babies are seen as having personalities
2. The True and Unified Self
○ There is a true and unified self that one must strive to find and be true to
3. The Self as Defined by Roles
○ The roles people occupy define who they are
○ We often introduce ourselves based on the roles we hold (e.g., "I'm an
engineering student")
4. The Self as a Performance
○ The self is a performance, with a front stage where we present a curated version
of ourselves and a backstage where we can relax and be ourselves
○ Social media profiles can be seen as a front stage performance
5. The Self as a Combination of Known and Unknown
○ The self is composed of what the person knows about themselves and what
others know about them
○ There are blind spots, or unknown areas, that others may be aware of but the
person is not
6. The Self as an "I" and a "Me"
○ The self consists of an "I" (the active, intentional self) and a "Me" (the conformist,
rule-following self)
○ We use both the "I" and the "Me" in varying degrees, and one is not necessarily
better than the other
7. The Self as Dependent on Others' Perceptions
○ Who we are is defined by how we think others perceive us
○ The self is maintained through capitalist activities, as we define ourselves
through consumption
8. The Self as a Product of Hegemonic Discourse
○ The self is shaped by dominant categories and discourses, such as gender and
class
○ These dominant discourses afford certain privileges and impose expectations
9. The Self as Inherently Connected to Others
○ The self is seen as inherently connected to other people, with our sense of self
varying depending on our relationships
Implications for Nation Building
(31:12 - 32:38, 32:50 - 34:07)
1. Recognize the Variability of the Self
○ Understand that your sense of self is shaped by your background and privileges
○ Recognize that others may have different opportunities for self-expression
2. Be Intentional About Your Actions
○ Be mindful and intentional in your use of social media and other self-expression
○ Uphold your identity as a scholar and citizen
3. Maximize University Resources
○ Take advantage of university resources, such as journal subscriptions, to further
your education
○ Consider how you can give back to those who have helped you get the education
you're receiving
4. Serve the People
○ Understand your role and contributions in uplifting the conditions of the country
○ Use your privileges and resources to serve the people and work towards
nation-building
(36:16 - 36:29)
End of Notes
