Explorations

Future Paths of Phenomenology

1st OPHEN Summer Meeting

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181449

The self

Alicia D. Cast Jan E. Stets

pp. 343-365

Abstract

We discuss the concept of self with a focus on understanding it from a micro, meso, and macro level of analysis. At the micro level, we focus on the self in interaction, emphasizing role-taking, self-presentation, and self-esteem. At the meso level, we address how the self is embedded within various groups including corporate and categorical structures. At the macro level, we discuss how the organization of society facilitates the development of particular "kinds" of selves, focusing on postmodernist and cultural perspectives on the self. We propose avenues for future research at each of these different levels of social interaction and organization. This approach allows us to advance a view that acknowledges the self as reflexive, cognitive and affective, rational and emotional, and, more importantly, reveals how the self is inextricably linked to micro and macro level processes.

Publication details

Published in:

Abrutyn Seth (2016) Handbook of contemporary sociological theory. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 343-365

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-32250-6_17

Full citation:

Cast Alicia D., Stets Jan E. (2016) „The self“, In: S. Abrutyn (ed.), Handbook of contemporary sociological theory, Dordrecht, Springer, 343–365.