Plattsburgh State University of New York

Self in Society
Robert Harsh

Glossary of Course Terms and Concepts

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   Included on this page are important terms and concepts from each of the four course units: socialization, individuation, and transformation. These are crucial ideas in the overall structure of the course, and you may want to print off the list and note definitions for informed, knowledgeable use of the terms in class discussions, course papers, and exams. Also, you can use your annotated glossary as a study sheet for exams.

Units 1 and 2

SOCIALIZATION

SYMBOLIC INTERACTION

THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE SELF

social/symbolic interactionist perspective

ethnomethodology (Goffman)

SOCIALIZATION

    primary socialization

    anticipatory socialization

    developmental socialization

    reverse socialization

    re-socialization (and college as a total institution)

ELEMENTS OF ROLE-PLAYING

    role performance

    a role-set

    role expectations

    role strain (within one role)

    role conflict (among two or more roles)

    role expectations

COMPONENTS OF COMMUNICATION

    meaning, content symbolized in words

    paralinguistic elements of speech: rhythm, loudness (dynamics), emphasis, tone

    body language

    behavior, actions (Mead's conversation of gestures)

"MORAL" IMPLICATIONS OF MEAD'S AND GOFFMAN'S SYMBOLIC                     INTERACTIONIST PERSPECTIVES

    knowing energes out of sharing, interaction

    quality of interaction counts

    sincerity bespeaks integrity (congruence between Goffman's performer and character)

    openness leaves room for personal growth through role-taking

    significance, meaning are constructed out of relatedness, shared symbols

    diversity of actors, experience broaden both content and perspective

    curiosity energizes active intelligence (Mead)

    "consciousness is active, not substantive" (Mead-emphasis added)

alter egos (see socialization unit guide)

Mead Vocabulary

    You can use the Mead Recitation handout (click here for a copy) to find defintions for the following terms as Mead uses them in the reading:

language

parallelism

consciousness

significant symbol/gesture

body/self

meaning

(active) intelligence

mentality

mind

reflexiveness

Goffman Terms

   The glossary terms for the Goffman readings are listed in the Goffman recitation (click here for a copy of the recitation).

Unit 3

INDIVIDUATION

Individuation Course Unit Terms

   The glossary terms for the individuation course unit are listed in the individuation unit guide (click here for a copy), which also serves as an outline for the lectures that include the terms. Be sure to review this guide since this unit covers an especially broad range of topics and concepts.

Unit 4

TRANSFORMATION

Transformation Course Unit Terms

    The glossary terms for the transformation course unit are listed in the transformation unit guide (click here for a copy), which also serves as an outline for the lectures and class sessions that include the terms. Be sure to review this guide since this unit covers a broad range of topics and concepts.

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This page last modified 07/05/2002

Copyright 1999 Robert Harsh
Address e-mail to robert.harsh@plattsburgh.edu.