6. (a ) According to mead the idea of self develops when the individual becomes self conscious. Explain. (2022/P1/20/Mead)

According to Mead, the development of self occurs through a process that involves taking on the perspectives of others, a concept he referred to as "taking the role of the other." The self, for Mead, is not a fixed entity but a dynamic and evolving product of social interaction.
Here is an explanation of Mead's ideas on how self develops when the individual becomes self-conscious:
Imitation (Preparatory Stage):
In the early stages of development, children engage in simple imitation. They mimic the behaviors and gestures of those around them without a full understanding of the meaning behind these actions. This stage is known as the preparatory stage.
Play Stage:
As children grow, they enter the play stage. During this stage, individuals start to engage in role-playing activities, taking on the perspective of specific others. Through imaginative play, they learn to understand the roles of different people in society.
Game Stage:
The game stage is a more advanced level of social interaction. Children not only understand their roles but also the roles of others within a broader social context. They grasp the rules and expectations associated with these roles, fostering a more complex understanding of social relationships.
Generalized Other:
Through these stages, individuals develop a concept known as the "generalized other." The generalized other represents the internalized sense of societal expectations and norms. It is an amalgamation of various perspectives and societal values, shaping an individual's understanding of how they fit into the broader social framework.
Emergence of Self-Consciousness:
The crucial point in Mead's theory is the emergence of self-consciousness. This occurs when individuals can take the role of the generalized other and, in doing so, become aware of how they are perceived by society. Self-consciousness involves seeing oneself from the perspective of others and being aware of the judgments and expectations of the generalized other.
I and Me:
Mead distinguished between the "I" and the "Me" components of the self. The "I" represents the spontaneous and creative aspect of the self, while the "Me" reflects the internalized societal expectations. Self-consciousness involves a dynamic interplay between these two components.
In summary, according to Mead, the idea of self develops when individuals progress through stages of social interaction, moving from simple imitation to role-playing, and eventually reaching a stage of self-consciousness. Self-consciousness emerges when individuals can take the perspective of the generalized other, becoming aware of how they are perceived within the broader social context. The development of self, for Mead, is intricately tied to social interactions and the internalization of societal norms and expectations.

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