In Mead's theory, what does 'I' represent?

In Mead's theory of the self, the 'I' represents the individual impulses and the self as subject. It is the aspect of a person's self that responds to the immediate experiences and feelings, reflecting spontaneity and individuality. This component is characterized by unfiltered expressions of the self, driven by personal desires, instincts, and instinctual reactions.

Mead posits that the 'I' is formed through a process of interaction with society, but it remains distinct from the socialized self perception, which he refers to as the 'Me.' The 'Me' represents the social self that is shaped by societal expectations and collective norms. This distinction is crucial for understanding how individuals navigate their identity between personal impulses and societal influences.

The other options focus more on the influence of society and collective dynamics, which are important but do not capture the essence of the 'I' as Mead describes it. Thus, recognizing the 'I' as the core of individual identity helps clarify the distinction between personal agency and social conditioning in Mead's concept of self-development.