AAMC FL Practice Exam

What aspect of the self is formed through interaction and the general social environment, according to Mead?

1. Id

2. Ego

3. Me

4. Superego

The correct answer is: Me

The concept of the "Me" in George Herbert Mead's theory of the self refers to the part of an individual’s identity that is shaped significantly through social interaction and the surrounding environment. This aspect of the self emerges through the understanding and internalization of societal norms, values, and attitudes. Mead proposed that the self is divided into two parts: the "I" and the "Me." The "Me" embodies the socialized aspect and reflects societal expectations, while the "I" represents the individual's spontaneous and unique responses. The "Me" is formed through engagement with others and comprises the knowledge of how one is perceived in society. It is the reflective and organized component of the self that is built through interactions with others and through various social experiences. This socialization process allows individuals to adapt to their social environment and develop a coherent sense of identity. In contrast, the other options refer to concepts from psychoanalytic theory - such as the Id, Ego, and Superego - introduced by Sigmund Freud. These concepts focus on unconscious motivations and internal conflicts rather than the social process of self-development emphasized in Mead's work.