This document discusses the sociological concepts of self and other, and how group boundaries are perceived and constructed. It outlines an activity where participants will play an "imitation game" to test their ability to determine if someone belongs to a social group or is pretending. It also includes a minds-on discussion about how categorization can lead to stereotyping and reductionism, but also provides cognitive benefits. The goals are to think critically about strategies for determining social group membership and to promote mutual understanding between groups.
2. Outline
Sociology of self and other
The Imitation Game
Hands–on: can you cross the boundary?
Minds–on: import for social cohesion
3. Other as a mirror
SELF is not material — it is performed to
and is shaped by
OTHERS
Goffman 1959
The looking–glass self — we form self–concepts from reactions
Cooley 1902
The generalized other — common expectations in a group
Mead 1962
5. Social order
Externalization – we create cultural objects
Objectification – these cultural objects obtain the status of facts
Internalization – they become the lens to interpret the world
Berger & Luckman 1966
8. Categorization: pros
Order and cognitive economy
A primary cognitive mechanism for understanding the world
Self and other as members of social groups
– fundamental to construction of identity
10. Categorization: more cons
Not designed to be accurate
Exaggerated in–group similarities, inter–group differences;
Self–favoritizm
Intersectionality challenging for Us, unthinkable for Them
Similar to children: from one role to granularity,
perspective of the other
11. Identity as caleidoscope
Roles are subject to mechanisms of relevance
1. Rank:
2. Social network, situational opportunities, audience
3. Need for ID support: challenge à compensation
• self–esteem
• resources invested
• intrinsic and extrinsic rewards
4. Personal characteristics and preferences
5. Consistency
12. Consistency
A: I noticed that all Russians read subtitles when they watch movies
B: Oh but I don’t
A: This is because you are sort of a non–Russian, that’s why!
C: Yeah, get out of here, you are not a true Russian!
5–y–o: I do not want to have children, I want to be a teacher!
Ethnic identities with clear boundaries versus reality
13. Mental schemas
Abstract ideas or mental structures that simplify the world
Granularity
From imagined certainty to acknowledged complexity
Participatory practices for mutual understanding
Common ground
14. Imitation Game
→
Group formation and maintenance
Judge – ask Qs to assess belonging
Non–pretender – display
Pretender – imitate
Interactional expertise
Collins & Evans 2002
16. Russian speaker from Estonia
Judge: How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve?
What do you eat and drink, watch on TV and get as a present?
1: The whole family gets together. 2: I eat ’olivie’, drink sparkling wine or
A lot of food and noise. Kids are vodka. Watch the Russian president’s
happy. There are humorous TV speech at 11pm. Presents are plentiful.
shows. People drink sparkling
wine and shoot fireworks. Judge’s verdict:
Typical of a Russian speaker.
Judge’s verdict:
Description is too general.
A Russian would never say ’noise’ – it’s their natural state of being!
17. Culture–specific knowledge 12 // 11
Values and norms 12 // 10
Lifestyle and daily activities 6 // 15
Traditions 6 // 8
Mass media, pop culture 5 // 5
Political opinions 8 // 2
Childhood memories and experiences 6 // 2
Other 2 // 0
Topics for judgement
by ethnic Estonians // Russian speakers
Est/All +
Rus +
All –
All –
All +
All +
All +
28. Correct guesses by audience:
52,07%
47,93%
*excludes missed or undecided answers
29. Correct guesses by audience:
Questions about ethnic Estonians:
48% guessed
animal sounds 86%
religion 31%
Questions about Russian Estonians:
38% guessed
president & party habits 67%
same-sex marriage 20%
30. Think about reliable strategies for judgement
Think about unreliable strategies for judgement
Minds–on practice
Formulate a question
NB! Values-based questions were
NOT reliable during our workshop!
31. Identity relevance
1. Rank:
2. Social network, situational opportunities, audience
3. Need for ID support: challenge à compensation
• self–esteem
• resources invested
• intrinsic and extrinsic rewards
4. Personal characteristics and preferences
5. Consistency
Targets for social programs
33. Imitation Game and Society
A distinct social group in Estonia with rigid borders?
Yes, unless the ’imitators’ are well–integrated
The undistinguishable other: integration, not assimilation
Anyone who appreciates our language, customs and values can be an Estonian.
Thus, they, as well as we, can consider them Estonian.
No multichrome mosaic with monochrome blocks!
34. Food for Thought
Self is a sea boundless and measureless.
Say not, "I have found the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."
The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself like a lotus of countless petals.
Kahlil Gibran
The Prophet
