What does the 'Me' component in Mead's theory represent?

In Mead's theory of the self, the 'Me' component represents the socialized aspect of an individual, reflecting the internalized attitudes, beliefs, and expectations from society and others. This part of the self is shaped through social interaction and is responsible for how one perceives themselves in relation to others. It encompasses the social norms and roles that individuals adopt based on their experiences and interactions within a community.

The 'Me' contrasts with the 'I', which is the spontaneous and instinctive part of the self. While the 'I' is about personal impulses and immediate reactions to situations, the 'Me' is more about conformity to societal expectations and the influence of the environment on the individual. This distinction illustrates how individuals navigate their personal identity in a social context, emphasizing that one's self-concept is not just about unique traits or individual experiences but is also fundamentally informed by the social world.