The Socialisation of the Self

How has sociology contributed to an understanding of the socialisation of the self? Discuss the processes of identity formation that contribute to a sense of self.

“I'll wipe away all trivial fond records, all saws of books, all forms, all pressures past... And thy commandment all alone shall live within the book and volume of my brain, unmixed with baser matter.”

Shakespeare’s treatment of Hamlet in the quote above shows a preference for internal thoughts over externalities. However, as I will show through my essay, it is the relationship between external institutions and an internal dialogue that helps contribute to a sense of self. Richard Jenkins’ distinction between “internal-external dialectics of identification” is a useful language to help explicate the socialisation of the self in contemporary society. Whilst the socialisation of the self is thoroughly subjective, we often internally consider external factors such as embodiement, gender, race, consumerism and many other dynamic factors. This single process is becoming increasingly transparent in the modern world. This is may be due to an increased volume in sociological study; however, I will argue that it is also due to the increasingly fluid and one-dimensional roles we play in the world.

One way we internally construct a sense of self is our interaction with our own body. Part of this internal dialogue is how we construct ourselves as external other people see us. Holmes argues that our unique knowledge of our own selves is indivisible from embodiment. Linking myself to a body gives continuity in my sense of self. For instance, my recollection of childhood memories has a firmly placed “I” in a child’s body, and thus this conception of youth has had an impact on who I consider myself to be now. So, the limitations of our bodies also limits our construction of self. Whilst identity is widely viewed as a cultural product, we can conclude that (due to the inherent link between identity and the...