Revisiting the Generalized Other: An Exploration

In examining transcripts of interviews conducted as part of an investigation of the process of leaving the parental home, we were frequently reminded of Mead's idea of 'the generalized other'. This article explores the usefulness of this somewhat neglected idea. After examining the possible range of meanings suggested by this idea and affinities with other concepts (especially Bourdieu's notion of'habitus') we develop this idea through the use of three case studies taken from interviews in three different cities. We consider normative points of comparison, reflexivity and the generalized other and judgements about other people. We conclude that Mead's idea continues to have considerable usefulness, in particular in relation to what might be turned a recent ' ethical turn' in social enquiry.