“The Social Self,” written by Charles Horton Cooley focuses on how an individual defines him/herself. According to the text we define our selves based on three principle elements. These elements are: the imagination of our appearance to the other person, the imagination of his judgment of that appearance, and self-feeling such as pride or mortification. How we define ourselves in the end is not as simple as what we see in our reflection. It is our imagined perception of how others will view us, which determines our opinion of ourselves.
“Primary and Secondary Deviation,” written by Edwin Lemert attempts to explain and expose the causal factors behind an individuals deviant behavior. Primary deviation focuses on the extent one is willing to go in order to dissociate his/her sociopathic tendencies so that they are nothing more than troublesome adjuncts of normal roles. Secondary deviation occurs when a person begins to employ his deviant behavior as a means of attack, defense, or adjustment to the overt and convert problems created by the consequent societal reaction to him/her.
“Stigma and Social Identity,” written by Erving Goffman addresses the complexities of how one becomes labeled or stigmatized and what the implications of stigmatization are.
The author speaks of three forms of stigmatization. The first is an abomination of the body- physical deformity. The second form of stigmatization is a blemish of character. These include, weak will, domineering or unnatural passions, treacherous and rigid beliefs, and dishonesty. The last form of stigmatization includes race, religion, and nation. This type of stigma is based on from generation to generation and equally affects all members of a family.