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The Self and a Relational Explanation of Morality in Practice

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The Self, Relational Sociology, and Morality in Practice

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Relational Sociology ((PSRS))

Abstract

Abbott compellingly argues for using George Herbert Mead’s work as a basis for a relational sociology of morality. The chapter outlines why Bourdieu’s theory of habitus struggles to provide a basis for a sociology of moral practice. This is argued on the grounds that Mead’s theory of the self is firstly better equipped to explain moral habituation, which Bourdieu neglects. Secondly, because Mead emphasised the role of reflexivity in interaction, his work is able to account for the role of ‘mundane reflexivity’ in interactionally situated moral conduct. Finally, Mead’s theory of reflexive individuation is able to provide a relational account of the dialogic capacities of the individual to engage with their own moral articulations in relation to the perspectives of others.

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  1. University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Owen Abbott

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Abbott, O. (2020). The Self and a Relational Explanation of Morality in Practice. In: The Self, Relational Sociology, and Morality in Practice. Palgrave Studies in Relational Sociology. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31822-2_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31822-2_6

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