George Herbert Mead and the Generalized Other

George Herbert Mead was an American psychologist, sociologist, and philosopher who practiced in the beginning of the 20^th century. He was mainly affiliated with the University of Chicago, where he worked until he passed away in 1931. Mead’s studies involve what has come to be known as the ‘generalized other.’ His work says that during childhood, we must experiment with role-playing. This, according to Mead, helps us form a mature sense of self. By putting ourselves in another person’s shoes, we can begin to understand their perspective. From there we may “eventually be able to visualize the intentions and expectations of others and see [ourselves] from not just another’s point of view but from groups of others” (Wikipedia). This is where our perception of the ‘generalized other’ comes from. We act according to what we feel the common standpoint of this imaginative ‘generalized other’ would approve of. Often we find ourselves trying to impress or project a certain image to this ‘generalized other’ in order to find self worth. According to Mead, the ‘generalized other’ is the “vehicle by which we are linked to society” (Ibid).

As we grow older, we begin to worry about what this ‘generalized other’ thinks of us. The problem is that we do not know exactly who ‘they’ are; therefore it is extremely difficult to know what they are thinking. Mead studied this topic and many others concerning the human mind and social activity in depth.

In class we discussed how we should not find our self worth in what others say about us or by what they think of us. We should find our worth in God alone, who values us very high. He does not value any one person higher than another. He values us equally. Therefore the only “other’s” opinion and view of us we should head is the Lord’s.

Luke 16:15

He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.