Social Indifference, Alienation And The Theory of Self Within A Symbolic
Interactionist Theoretical Framework
Vessela Misheva
Department of Sociology, Uppsala University
Abstract
The discussion begins with a presentation and analysis of two sociological theories: the
theory of social indifference (Rudolf Stichweh) and the theory of alienation. The two theories
are compared and their observation positions analyzed. The implications of this analysis are
then discussed from a symbolic interactionist perspective, with a focus on the theory of self
and socialization. It is argued that (1) the two theories have shared shortcomings that can be
overcome in a symbolic interactionist theoretical framework; (2) a symbolic interactionist
perspective concerning one of the least explored concepts of alienation theory, namely,
alienation from self, not only adds to its explanatory power, but also opens up new
possibilities for advances in symbolic interactionist theory itself.
From the perspective proposed here, these advances paradoxically demand a return to a
forgotten theoretical heritage and an exploration of the paths not taken when Cooley’s
theory of self was subsumed under that of Blumer’s presentation of Mead. It is argued that
Cooley’s model of “looking-glass self” is a model of self in its own rights, and not an inferior
version of Mead’s model of self. This approach is also encouraged by more recent
developments in psychoanalysis (Anzieu), which locate the theory of self on the agenda of
modern symbolic interactionist research beyond both Freud and Mead.
Three major implications of the suggested here Cooley/Mead symbolic interactionist model
of self are highlighted: (1) the possibility of symbolic interactionist theory of self-conscious
emotions ; (2) the possibility of sociologically meaningful discussion of the body; (3) the
possibility of more profound analyses of the phenomena of indifference and alienation. The
more specific intent of this examination is to cast light on problems adolescents encounter
today in making the transition from primary to secondary socialization as well as on various
ways in which they endeavor to resolve them.