Sigmund Freud

• Unlike Cooley and Mead, Freud viewed the self and society as being in conflict, not in harmony.
• Freud explained socialization through his three-part theory of the mind: Id, Ego, and Superego.
• The Id represents instinctive desires and untamed passions – it says, “I want to do that.”
• The Superego reflects societal expectations, morals, and ideals – it says, “You can’t do that.”
• The Ego acts as a rational mediator between the Id and Superego, balancing instinct and social norms.
• In children, all three components are active; they must learn to follow the reality principle, delaying gratification.
• This creates an inner conflict between natural drives (Id) and social rules (Superego).
• The Superego rewards or punishes the Ego with feelings like pride or guilt.
• In strict environments, the Superego dominates; in freer environments, the Id plays a larger role.
• The Ego’s main role is to maintain balance and resolve the internal conflicts between the Id and Superego.