The 'I,' the 'Me,' and the 'It': Moving Beyond the Meadian Conception of Self

Canadian Journal of Sociology, 13(4): 435-448.

15 Pages Posted: 2 Sep 2016

See all articles by Michael Petrunik

Michael Petrunik

Independent

Clifford Shearing

University of Cape Town; University of Montreal, School of Criminology; University of New South Wales; University of Toronto

Date Written: September 1, 1988

Abstract

While the structure of subjective experience has been a topic of considerable theoretical discussion within symbolic interactionism and phenomenological sociology, until recently little empirical work has been done on this topic. We examine the experience of stuttering as the basis for a conception of the stutterer's self as an interaction between an "I," a "Me," and an "It." The "It" is conceived as both the basis for a stutterer's identity and as an autonomous source of action which interrupts speech. This suggests that the locus of action or agency within the self be reconceived and that greater attention be given to the dialectical process through which lived experience and culture shape each other. Besides stuttering, this formulation can potentially shed light on experiences of self associated with phenomena such as addiction, neurological disorders, multiple personalities, and "spirit" possession.

Suggested Citation

Petrunik, Michael and Shearing, Clifford D, The 'I,' the 'Me,' and the 'It': Moving Beyond the Meadian Conception of Self (September 1, 1988). Canadian Journal of Sociology, 13(4): 435-448., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2833197 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2833197

Michael Petrunik

Independent

Clifford D Shearing (Contact Author)

University of Cape Town ( email )

Private Bag X3
Rondebosch, Western Cape 7701
South Africa

HOME PAGE: http://www.publiclaw.uct.ac.za/pbl/staff/cshearing

University of Montreal, School of Criminology ( email )

C.P. 6128 succursale Centre-ville
Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7
Canada

University of New South Wales ( email )

Sydney
Australia

University of Toronto ( email )

Robarts Library
130 St. George Street, Room 8001
Toronto, ON M5S 1A5
Canada
416-978-3720 Ext. 234 (Phone)
416-978-4195 (Fax)

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