Question

Can you say more about the influence of "particular" others versus "generalized" others? In other words, in what ways is influence different from “particular” others versus “generalized” others? Please provide specific examples to support your main points?

Answer 1

People are the products of their environment such as parenting, family, friends, race, religion, culture, socio-economic factor etc. This would mean that one’s particular others or significant others would be one’s parents, family and friends with whom one holds intimate and dear. They would help one shape one’s personality, attitudes, worldview etc. right from the beginning of one’s birth. This would mean that one would have the strongest influence from them in shaping one’s perception and life in the society. For example, one's parents would help one form secure attachment thus would help one gain trust and confidence which would help one form positive relationships in the society. The generalized others on the other hand are those in the society who come into contact with individuals through various institutions such as, education, employment, culture, religion etc. For example, teachers in an educational institution would influence the thoughts, perceptions and worldview to a great extent. Although generalized others only influence one’s external behaviours in the society, most of the internal process would be governed or influenced by the significant others or particular others.

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