Symbolic interactionism revisited: Potential liabilities for the self constructed in the crucible of interpersonal relationships

Journal/Book: Merrill Palmer Quart J Devel. 1999; 45: 4809 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201-1309, USA. Wayne State Univ Press. 677-703.

Abstract: The contributions are reviewed of three symbolic interactionists, Baldwin, Cooley, and Mead, for whom the self was primarily a social construction, crafted through the linguistic exchanges (i.e., symbolic interactions) with significant others. Although the symbolic interactionists pointed to critical processes in the normative construction of the self, they did not alert us to the fact that self development dependent upon social interactions could go awry. Four potential liabilities of developing a self so dependent upon social processes are discussed: (a) the incorporation of unfavorable opinions about the self, (b) failure to internalize the opinions of others, (c) conflict between socially-constructed multiple selves, and (d) the promotion of false-self behavior.

Note: Article Harter S, Univ Denver, Dept Psychol, 2155 S Race St, Denver,CO 80208 USA

Keyword(s): YOUNG ADOLESCENTS; BEHAVIOR; WORTH; MODEL

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