Sociological Perspectives - Essay Example

Sociological Perspectives Compare Perspectives Charles Horton Cooley mentions that the development of our sense of self lies in the reflection of others. Herbert Mead shares a similar opinion because he says that the socialization process involves “role taking’, in which we make assumptions on the perceptions the society has about the self. These assumptions guide human behavior in the societal context. On the other hand, Erving Goffman emphasizes on the need for self-image to enhance the socialization process.

Sigmund Freud sees the self as the most primitive part of a person’s personality, which the conscience guides. All the four philosophers agree on the influence and perception from society members on the self. Impression management is considerably evident in the society in the quest to maintain self-image. Social Issues Social issues vary across societies because they mainly define behaviors inherited through generations. Culture determines the existing social issues that shape human behavior.

An ethnocentric attitude persuades a person to believe that their culture is superior to other cultures while relativism allows one to appreciate the uniqueness of other cultures. Social issues arise because of an unclear definition or contradictions in status and roles. Status characterizes the positions we assume while roles are the behavioral expectations that associate with a certain status. A social structure arises from recurrent, predictable, and stable patterns that define people’s interactions and relationship.

Deviation from the social structure results in social issues because of a disrupted socialization process. Society judges people and expect people to adjust their self in accordance to societal norms through a process of socialization and re-socialization.