Notes on Self Identity Lecture

Introduction

• Topic: Concept of Self Identity
• Importance of defining key terms before discussing self-identity.

Key Terms

Self-Concept

• Definition: How an individual thinks about, perceives, or evaluates themselves.
• Self-awareness is linked to self-concept.
• Two aspects of self-concept:
  1. Existential Self:
     • Basic understanding of being separate and distinct from others.
     • Awareness of a constant self that does not change over time.
     • Example: A child realizes they are separate from others as early as 2-3 months old.
  2. Categorical Self:
     • Emerges after understanding existential self.
     • Awareness of existing in the world with properties (like age, gender).
     • Early categorization by toddlers is often concrete (e.g., "I'm three" or "I'm a girl").
     • As individuals grow, they categorize based on internal traits (e.g., personality, career aspirations).

Carl Rogers' Components of Self-Concept

1. Self-Image:
   • The view we have of ourselves.
2. Self-Esteem:
   • Value we place on ourselves; related to self-worth and self-love.
3. Ideal Self:
   • What we wish to be or aspire to become.

Social Identity Theory

• Defines self-concept in terms of personal identity and social identity.

Components of Social Identity Theory

1. Personal Identity:
   • Unique traits and characteristics of an individual.
2. Social Identity:
   • Groups and communities to which an individual belongs.

Mental Process in Social Identity Theory

1. Categorization:
   • Identifying and categorizing ourselves and others into groups (e.g., race, occupation).
   • This helps in understanding and defining individuals based on categorical terms.
2. Identification:
   • Adopting the identity of the categorized group.
   • Behavior and norms of the group influence self-perception and actions.
3. Social Comparison:
   • Comparing ourselves with others to maintain self-esteem.
   • Critical in understanding prejudice and rivalry between groups.

Conclusion

• Understanding self-concept, social identity, and their components is essential for comprehending how we perceive ourselves and relate to others.