The Self as Social Construction
TL;DR: In this article, an alternative to traditional conceptions of self, one that emerges distinctly from social constructionist theory, is presented, and an analysis of the issues in the social construction of the self is provided.
Abstract: The paper begins with the articulation of key assumptions central to contemporary constructionist scholarship. This is followed by an analysis of the issues in the social construction of the self. To this end several major lines of inquiry along with their socio-political implications are brought into focus. Finally, an alternative to traditional conceptions of self, one that emerges distinctly from social constructionist theory is presented.
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TL;DR: In their new Introduction, the authors relate the argument of their book both to the current realities of American society and to the growing debate about the country's future as mentioned in this paper, which is a new immediacy.
Abstract: Meanwhile, the authors' antidote to the American sicknessa quest for democratic community that draws on our diverse civic and religious traditionshas contributed to a vigorous scholarly and popular debate. Attention has been focused on forms of social organization, be it civil society, democratic communitarianism, or associative democracy, that can humanize the market and the administrative state. In their new Introduction the authors relate the argument of their book both to the current realities of American society and to the growing debate about the country's future. With this new edition one of the most influential books of recent times takes on a new immediacy.\
2,940 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore situated social and relational practices using a qualitative framework that relied on primary data gathering through semi-structured interviews in an anonymous Qatari public shareholding company.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to contribute to the discussion about how SIEs articulate narratives as cognitive efforts to expand, restrict or adapt their repertoire of identities in highly regulated environments.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from a social constructivist positioning, the paper explores situated social and relational practices using a qualitative framework that relied on primary data gathering through semi‐structured interviews. Qatar is a context of particular interest for exploring identity narratives of SIEs given the highly regulated environment and the large numbers of non‐nationals within the overall workforce. The study was conducted in an anonymous Qatari public shareholding company.Findings – Findings suggest that narratives of self are framed in relation to structural constraints and patterns of adaptation. These reveal the interplay between identity, careers and self‐initiated expatriation at macro‐country and micro‐individual levels. As part of these themes, narratives of mo...
65 citations
TL;DR: Overall burnout in physicians was associated with an almost four times decrease in job satisfaction compared with increased job satisfaction, and career choice regret increased by more than threefold compared with being satisfied with their career choice.
Abstract: Abstract Objective To examine the association of physician burnout with the career engagement and the quality of patient care globally. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL were searched from database inception until May 2021. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Observational studies assessing the association of physician burnout (including a feeling of overwhelming emotional exhaustion, feelings of cynicism and detachment from job defined as depersonalisation, and a sense of ineffectiveness and little personal accomplishment) with career engagement (job satisfaction, career choice regret, turnover intention, career development, and productivity loss) and the quality of patient care (patient safety incidents, low professionalism, and patient satisfaction). Data were double extracted by independent reviewers and checked through contacting all authors, 84 (49%) of 170 of whom confirmed their data. Random-effect models were used to calculate the pooled odds ratio, prediction intervals expressed the amount of heterogeneity, and meta-regressions assessed for potential moderators with significance set using a conservative level of P<0.10. Results 4732 articles were identified, of which 170 observational studies of 239 246 physicians were included in the meta-analysis. Overall burnout in physicians was associated with an almost four times decrease in job satisfaction compared with increased job satisfaction (odds ratio 3.79, 95% confidence interval 3.24 to 4.43, I2=97%, k=73 studies, n=146 980 physicians). Career choice regret increased by more than threefold compared with being satisfied with their career choice (3.49, 2.43 to 5.00, I2=97%, k=16, n=33 871). Turnover intention also increased by more than threefold compared with retention (3.10, 2.30 to 4.17, I2=97%, k=25, n=32 271). Productivity had a small but significant effect (1.82, 1.08 to 3.07, I2=83%, k=7, n=9581) and burnout also affected career development from a pooled association of two studies (3.77, 2.77 to 5.14, I2=0%, n=3411). Overall physician burnout doubled patient safety incidents compared with no patient safety incidents (2.04, 1.69 to 2.45, I2=87%, k=35, n=41 059). Low professionalism was twice as likely compared with maintained professionalism (2.33, 1.96 to 2.70, I2=96%, k=40, n=32 321), as was patient dissatisfaction compared with patient satisfaction (2.22, 1.38 to 3.57, I2=75%, k=8, n=1002). Burnout and poorer job satisfaction was greatest in hospital settings (1.88, 0.91 to 3.86, P=0.09), physicians aged 31-50 years (2.41, 1.02 to 5.64, P=0.04), and working in emergency medicine and intensive care (2.16, 0.98 to 4.76, P=0.06); burnout was lowest in general practitioners (0.16, 0.03 to 0.88, P=0.04). However, these associations did not remain significant in the multivariable regressions. Burnout and patient safety incidents were greatest in physicians aged 20-30 years (1.88, 1.07 to 3.29, P=0.03), and people working in emergency medicine (2.10, 1.09 to 3.56, P=0.02). The association of burnout with low professionalism was smallest in physicians older than 50 years (0.36, 0.19 to 0.69, P=0.003) and greatest in physicians still in training or residency (2.27, 1.45 to 3.60, P=0.001), in those who worked in a hospital (2.16, 1.46 to 3.19, P<0.001), specifically in emergency medicine specialty (1.48, 1.01 to 2.34, P=0.042), or situated in a low to middle income country (1.68, 0.94 to 2.97, P=0.08). Conclusions This meta-analysis provides compelling evidence that physician burnout is associated with poor function and sustainability of healthcare organisations primarily by contributing to the career disengagement and turnover of physicians and secondarily by reducing the quality of patient care. Healthcare organisations should invest more time and effort in implementing evidence-based strategies to mitigate physician burnout across specialties, and particularly in emergency medicine and for physicians in training or residency. Systematic review registration PROSPERO number CRD42021249492.
60 citations
TL;DR: To recover from anorexia nervosa, participants had to discover the real self, by accepting the fear of the unknown and separating the self from AN.
Abstract: Objectives
The aim of this study was to explore the nature of the relationship between the self and the eating disorder in individuals with a lifetime history of anorexia nervosa (AN).
Design
A qualitative design was used, given the exploratory nature of the study and the need to gain rich and in‐depth data regarding the topic under investigation.
Method
Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 women with a lifetime history of AN. Interview transcripts were analysed using constructivist grounded theory methodology.
Results
A theoretical framework of the nature of the relationship between the self and AN was developed, which included five related categories: AN taking over the self, AN protecting the self, sharing the self with AN, being no one without AN, and discovering the real me (accepting the fear).
Conclusion
Participants described a process of the self being taken over by AN to the point where it was shared with the eating disorder. This led participants to fear being no one without AN and to be unable to let go of the disorder, appreciating AN's ability to protect the self. To recover from AN, participants had to discover the real self, by accepting the fear of the unknown and separating the self from AN. The findings have important implications for the target of therapeutic interventions to improve recovery rates.
41 citations
Dissertation•
01 Nov 2017
TL;DR: The Belonging Trilogy as discussed by the authors is a set of three plays, including Home, Eve and He Dreamed a Train, written by the same authors. But the focus of this work is on the notion of home and belonging in the arts.
Abstract: This arts-based thesis focuses on notions of mapping a home of belonging. By investigating
creative ways to re-story our past, present, and future, it considers what we might do to
satisfy this basic human longing and necessity. Born out of a personal need, the study could
be seen as a response to the growing social problem of loneliness and anxiety throughout the
Western world and, more particularly, in the arts industry.
Underpinned by a social constructionist paradigm, the research has engaged with a range of
ideas and methods from Theatre, Postmodern Therapies, and the Human Potential Movement,
as well as studies in Home culture and mythology. This interdisciplinary approach has been
driven by my own arts practice, which was deployed to devise and stage three original
performances—Home (2012, 2015), Eve (2012, 2017), and He Dreamed a Train (2014,
2017)—collectively entitled The Belonging Trilogy. These shows, generated over six years,
became a way of writing new personal mythologies to create, and re-create, my own personal
map of belonging in my world as a social artist. An outcome of this process was the
development of the “Relational Impulse Cultural” (RIC) Process, a method that can enrich
artists’ professional and personal lives.
The embodied inquiry has pioneered an artistic and therapeutic method that can be used for
understanding and articulating where and what is “home” and “belonging.” While home is
constantly changing, depending on who one is becoming, the dissertation details how it can
be productively created through the active re-storying of Place/Space, Mythologies/Stories,
and Relationships. This original framework offers a simple yet effective model of personal
and professional transformation. Coupled with the RIC Process, the process moves the social artist into a place of curiosity, vibrancy, and awareness, with an ability to push the
boundaries, knowing that things constantly change. It is no longer a question of “Who am I?”
or “Who are you?” but rather “Who am I becoming?” and “Who are you becoming?”
Relationally, it allows for difference, diversity, and acceptance, improving the social bonds
within our communities, both personally and professionally.
37 citations
References
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Book•
01 Jan 1962
TL;DR: The Structure of Scientific Revolutions as discussed by the authors is a seminal work in the history of science and philosophy of science, and it has been widely cited as a major source of inspiration for the present generation of scientists.
Abstract: A good book may have the power to change the way we see the world, but a great book actually becomes part of our daily consciousness, pervading our thinking to the point that we take it for granted, and we forget how provocative and challenging its ideas once were-and still are. "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" is that kind of book. When it was first published in 1962, it was a landmark event in the history and philosophy of science. And fifty years later, it still has many lessons to teach. With "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions", Kuhn challenged long-standing linear notions of scientific progress, arguing that transformative ideas don't arise from the day-to-day, gradual process of experimentation and data accumulation, but that revolutions in science, those breakthrough moments that disrupt accepted thinking and offer unanticipated ideas, occur outside of "normal science," as he called it. Though Kuhn was writing when physics ruled the sciences, his ideas on how scientific revolutions bring order to the anomalies that amass over time in research experiments are still instructive in our biotech age. This new edition of Kuhn's essential work in the history of science includes an insightful introductory essay by Ian Hacking that clarifies terms popularized by Kuhn, including paradigm and incommensurability, and applies Kuhn's ideas to the science of today. Usefully keyed to the separate sections of the book, Hacking's essay provides important background information as well as a contemporary context. Newly designed, with an expanded index, this edition will be eagerly welcomed by the next generation of readers seeking to understand the history of our perspectives on science.
36,808 citations
34,393 citations
19,485 citations
TL;DR: Theories of the self from both psychology and anthropology are integrated to define in detail the difference between a construal of self as independent and a construpal of the Self as interdependent as discussed by the authors, and these divergent construals should have specific consequences for cognition, emotion, and motivation.
Abstract: People in different cultures have strikingly different construals of the self, of others, and of the interdependence of the 2. These construals can influence, and in many cases determine, the very nature of individual experience, including cognition, emotion, and motivation. Many Asian cultures have distinct conceptions of individuality that insist on the fundamental relatedness of individuals to each other. The emphasis is on attending to others, fitting in, and harmonious interdependence with them. American culture neither assumes nor values such an overt connectedness among individuals. In contrast, individuals seek to maintain their independence from others by attending to the self and by discovering and expressing their unique inner attributes. As proposed herein, these construals are even more powerful than previously imagined. Theories of the self from both psychology and anthropology are integrated to define in detail the difference between a construal of the self as independent and a construal of the self as interdependent. Each of these divergent construals should have a set of specific consequences for cognition, emotion, and motivation; these consequences are proposed and relevant empirical literature is reviewed. Focusing on differences in self-construals enables apparently inconsistent empirical findings to be reconciled, and raises questions about what have been thought to be culture-free aspects of cognition, emotion, and motivation.
18,178 citations
01 Jan 1979
17,729 citations