Beyond Institutional and Impulsive Conceptions of Self: Family Structure and the Socially Anchored Real Self

Ralph Turner (see SA 24:3/76H9511) argues that people recognize their true selves either in acting out institutional roles or in experiencing inner impulses. He neglects to consider a conception of real self rooted in adherence to changing, situational social pressures. Here, this self-conception is...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ethos (Berkeley, Calif.) Calif.), 1992-09, Vol.20 (3), p.259-288
Main Author: Derne, Steve
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brothers
Child Development
Cognitive Dissonance
Family Structure
Fathers
Group pressure
Hindus
India
Males
Men
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Parents
Self
Self Concept
Social Influence
Social Pressure
Social structures
The 1991 Stirling Award Essay
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Summary:Ralph Turner (see SA 24:3/76H9511) argues that people recognize their true selves either in acting out institutional roles or in experiencing inner impulses. He neglects to consider a conception of real self rooted in adherence to changing, situational social pressures. Here, this self-conception is described, based on interviews with 49 north Indian males (Ms) conducted 1986/87. Explored is how conscience & cognitive dissonance work for people with a socially anchored real self. Sociologists often link self-conceptions to economic changes & urbanization. Using Durkheimian & psychoanalytic analyses, it is suggested that self-conceptions are shaped by family structure. The surprising similarity between the family experiences & self-conceptions of US females & Indian Ms supports the contention that family structure is important in shaping self-conceptions, & suggests that the institutional-impulsive dichotomy is biased toward M & Western experience. 37 References.
ISSN:0091-2131
1548-1352
DOI:10.1525/eth.1992.20.3.02a00010