Sociocentric Thinking: Sociocentric Thinking: Impediments to Impediments to

Intellectual DevelopmentIntellectual Development

Our purpose:Our purpose:

To better understand our sociocentric To better understand our sociocentric nature.nature.

To begin to see its pervasiveness in To begin to see its pervasiveness in human life.human life.

To consider some of the important To consider some of the important implications of this human tendency, implications of this human tendency, including implications for teaching including implications for teaching and learning.and learning.

Key QuestionsKey Questions What is sociocentricity?What is sociocentricity? How does sociocentric thought impede How does sociocentric thought impede

human rationality and keep us from human rationality and keep us from developing as reasonable persons?developing as reasonable persons?

How can we begin to emancipate our How can we begin to emancipate our minds from sociocentric forces and live as minds from sociocentric forces and live as persons of free will?persons of free will?

How can we help our students gain How can we help our students gain command of their sociocentric nature?command of their sociocentric nature?

Sociocentric thought is the native human Sociocentric thought is the native human tendency to see the world from a narrow tendency to see the world from a narrow and biased group-centered perspective, to and biased group-centered perspective, to operate within the world through subjective operate within the world through subjective and partial group beliefs, group influences, and partial group beliefs, group influences, group rules, group think, group interests. group rules, group think, group interests.

Sociocentric Thought is intricately connected Sociocentric Thought is intricately connected with egocentric thought, the native with egocentric thought, the native tendency to see the world from a narrow, tendency to see the world from a narrow, self-centered perspective.self-centered perspective.

Though the mind is by nature egocentric Though the mind is by nature egocentric and sociocentric, it also has the and sociocentric, it also has the capacity to reason rationally and capacity to reason rationally and reasonably.reasonably.

To develop as rational persons, we must To develop as rational persons, we must take command of our native egocentric take command of our native egocentric and sociocentric natures.and sociocentric natures.

Beginning at a very young age humans Beginning at a very young age humans begin to internalize the mores and begin to internalize the mores and folkways of the groups to which they folkways of the groups to which they belong. They begin “fitting in” to groups, belong. They begin “fitting in” to groups, from no choice of their own, but out of from no choice of their own, but out of instinct and in order to survive. instinct and in order to survive.

Due to an innate need to be accepted and Due to an innate need to be accepted and esteemed by others, to be esteemed by others, to be validatedvalidated, , humans operate largely as members of humans operate largely as members of various groups through the whole of their various groups through the whole of their lives.lives.

At the same time, humans do not naturally At the same time, humans do not naturally develop skills of group critique – the ability develop skills of group critique – the ability to determine group practices that make to determine group practices that make sense to accept, those that need sense to accept, those that need modification, and those that should be modification, and those that should be wholeheartedly rejected. wholeheartedly rejected.

Due to the credulity of the uncultivated mind, Due to the credulity of the uncultivated mind, from a very young age, humans largely from a very young age, humans largely uncritically accept the beliefs of family, uncritically accept the beliefs of family, school, religion, peers, government, clubs school, religion, peers, government, clubs and organizations, indeed any group in and organizations, indeed any group in which they become members.which they become members.

And then they largely defend and build And then they largely defend and build on those views they have uncritically on those views they have uncritically accepted.accepted.

Most of these group-held beliefs lie at Most of these group-held beliefs lie at the unconscious level of thought, not the unconscious level of thought, not explicitly recognized by the mind, explicitly recognized by the mind, nevertheless guiding much of our nevertheless guiding much of our behavior.behavior.

Native sociocentric thought is at the root of Native sociocentric thought is at the root of many human problems and countless many human problems and countless injustices.injustices.

Only when each of us takes command of this Only when each of us takes command of this hidden part of our nature, can we begin to hidden part of our nature, can we begin to extricate ourselves from dogmatic and extricate ourselves from dogmatic and dangerous group ideologies, from group dangerous group ideologies, from group rules, taboos and conventions arbitrarily rules, taboos and conventions arbitrarily formed and strictly imposed, from formed and strictly imposed, from unwarranted group righteousness that leads unwarranted group righteousness that leads to untold pain and suffering, from group to untold pain and suffering, from group agendas and actions that undermine the agendas and actions that undermine the cultivation of critical societies.cultivation of critical societies.

The Human Animal as the The Human Animal as the Sociocentric AnimalSociocentric Animal

Sociocentric Thinking is Linked with Sociocentric Thinking is Linked with Egocentric ThinkingEgocentric Thinking

Consider these definitions:Consider these definitions: Human egocentrismHuman egocentrism, the natural human tendency , the natural human tendency

“to view everything within the world in “to view everything within the world in relationship to oneself, to be self-centered” relationship to oneself, to be self-centered” ((Webster’s New World DictionaryWebster’s New World Dictionary); and); and

Human sociocentrismHuman sociocentrism, most simply , most simply conceptualized as conceptualized as group egocentricitygroup egocentricity. To define . To define sociocentricity, we might take Webster’s sociocentricity, we might take Webster’s definition of egocentricity (above), substituting definition of egocentricity (above), substituting groupgroup for for selfself. Thus, s. Thus, sociocentric thinking is the ociocentric thinking is the natural human tendency to view everything natural human tendency to view everything within the world in relationship to one’s group, to within the world in relationship to one’s group, to be group-centered.be group-centered.

Just as all humans are egocentric by nature, Just as all humans are egocentric by nature, we are sociocentric as well. we are sociocentric as well.

SSociocentric thinking ociocentric thinking is egocentric thinking is egocentric thinking raised to the level of the group. And it can raised to the level of the group. And it can be even more destructive than egocentric be even more destructive than egocentric thinking, since it carries with it the sanction thinking, since it carries with it the sanction of a social group. of a social group.

Note the following parallels for Note the following parallels for egocentric and sociocentric patterns egocentric and sociocentric patterns of thought:of thought:

Egocentric standard: “It’s true because I believe Egocentric standard: “It’s true because I believe it.”it.”

Related sociocentric standard: “It’s true because Related sociocentric standard: “It’s true because we believe it.”we believe it.”

Egocentric standard: “It’s true because I want to Egocentric standard: “It’s true because I want to believe it.”believe it.”

Related sociocentric standard: “It’s true because Related sociocentric standard: “It’s true because we want to believe it.”we want to believe it.”

Egocentric standard: “It’s true because it’s in my Egocentric standard: “It’s true because it’s in my vested interest to believe it.”vested interest to believe it.”

Related sociocentric standard: “It’s true because Related sociocentric standard: “It’s true because it’s in our vested interest to believe it.”it’s in our vested interest to believe it.”

Egocentric standard: “It’s true because I have Egocentric standard: “It’s true because I have always believed it.”always believed it.”

Related sociocentric standard: “It’s true because Related sociocentric standard: “It’s true because we have always believed it.”we have always believed it.”

What do all human groups What do all human groups have in common?have in common?

In every human group, there are In every human group, there are three existing realities:three existing realities:

1.1. Things you must do (requirements).Things you must do (requirements).

2.2. Things you cannot do (taboos).Things you cannot do (taboos).

3.3. Things you are permitted to do but Things you are permitted to do but are not required to do.are not required to do.

This conception is the heart of This conception is the heart of sociological thinking.sociological thinking.

Consider your country as “group,” Consider your country as “group,” for example.for example.

Working in groups, make a list of the Working in groups, make a list of the following:following:

1.1. Things you must do (requirements) Things you must do (requirements) in your country.in your country.

2.2. Things you cannot do (taboos) in Things you cannot do (taboos) in your country.your country.

3.3. Things you are permitted to do but Things you are permitted to do but are not required to do.are not required to do.

Make a list of the groups you belong to (or have Make a list of the groups you belong to (or have belonged to in the past). Then choose the group belonged to in the past). Then choose the group you think has influenced you the most in your you think has influenced you the most in your beliefs, values, and behavior. Complete the beliefs, values, and behavior. Complete the following statements:following statements:

1.1. The group that has influenced me the most is The group that has influenced me the most is probably . . .probably . . .

2.2. This group’s main function or agenda is . . This group’s main function or agenda is . .

3.3. Comment on as many of the following variables Comment on as many of the following variables as you can identify with, with respect to the as you can identify with, with respect to the group you have chosen to analyze.group you have chosen to analyze.

To what extent does your membership in this group To what extent does your membership in this group involve:involve:

a name that defines who and what they are;a name that defines who and what they are; a way of talking;a way of talking; a set of friends and enemies;a set of friends and enemies; group rituals in which you must participate;group rituals in which you must participate; expected behaviors involving fellow members;expected behaviors involving fellow members; expected behaviors when around the “enemies” of expected behaviors when around the “enemies” of

the group;the group; a hierarchy of power within the group;a hierarchy of power within the group; a way of dressing and speaking;a way of dressing and speaking; social requirements to which you must conform;social requirements to which you must conform; a set of taboos—forbidden acts, whose violation is a set of taboos—forbidden acts, whose violation is

punished.punished.

One of the key “requirements” of this group is . . .One of the key “requirements” of this group is . . .One of the key “taboos” (what I am forbidden to One of the key “taboos” (what I am forbidden to

do) is . . .do) is . . .A group that my group would look down upon is . . A group that my group would look down upon is . . We think of this group as beneath us because . . .We think of this group as beneath us because . . .

Social Stratification as a Social Stratification as a Manifestation of Sociocentric Manifestation of Sociocentric ThoughtThought

Sociocentric systems are used in complex Sociocentric systems are used in complex societies to justify differential treatment and societies to justify differential treatment and injustices within a society, nation, or culture. injustices within a society, nation, or culture.

This feature of complex social systems has been This feature of complex social systems has been documented by sociologists who have documented by sociologists who have specialized in the phenomenon of social specialized in the phenomenon of social stratification. stratification.

As virtually all modern societies today are As virtually all modern societies today are complex, the following characteristics of complex, the following characteristics of stratification presumably can be found in all of stratification presumably can be found in all of them. them.

According to Plotnicov and Tuden (1970)…According to Plotnicov and Tuden (1970)…

Every modern society has social groups thatEvery modern society has social groups that1.1. are ranked hierarchically,are ranked hierarchically,2.2. maintain relatively permanent positions in maintain relatively permanent positions in

the hierarchy,the hierarchy,3.3. have differential control of the sources of have differential control of the sources of

power, primarily economic and political,power, primarily economic and political,4.4. are separated by cultural and invidious are separated by cultural and invidious

distinctions that also serve to maintain the distinctions that also serve to maintain the social distances between the groups, andsocial distances between the groups, and

5.5. are articulated by an overarching ideology are articulated by an overarching ideology which provides a rationale for the which provides a rationale for the established hierarchical arrangements. (pp. established hierarchical arrangements. (pp. 4–5).4–5).

Given this phenomenon, we should be able to Given this phenomenon, we should be able to identify, for any given group in our society, identify, for any given group in our society,

1.1. where approximately it stands in the where approximately it stands in the hierarchy of power, hierarchy of power,

2.2. what the sources of power and control are,what the sources of power and control are,3.3. how the distinctions that indicate status how the distinctions that indicate status

are formulated, are formulated, 4.4. how social distances are maintained how social distances are maintained

between the groups, and between the groups, and 5.5. the overarching ideology that provides the the overarching ideology that provides the

rationale for the way things are.rationale for the way things are.

Try to construct a hierarchy of the social Try to construct a hierarchy of the social groups within the culture with which you are groups within the culture with which you are most knowledgeable.most knowledgeable.

First identify the groups with the most power and prestige.

What characteristics do these groups have? Then identify the groups with less and less power

until you reach the groups with the least amount of power.

How do the groups with the most power keep their power?

To what extent is it possible for groups with the least power to increase their power?

To what extent do they seem to accept their limited power?

To the extent that they accept their limited power, why do you think they do?

What are some important implications of social What are some important implications of social stratification?stratification?

How does it stand in the way of human How does it stand in the way of human emancipation?emancipation?

How does it affect our students’ thinking and their How does it affect our students’ thinking and their lives?lives?

Identifying Some of Your Identifying Some of Your Sociocentric Beliefs…Sociocentric Beliefs…

Identify at least one belief your “group” holds in Identify at least one belief your “group” holds in each of the categories.each of the categories.

 “ “It’s true because It’s true because we believe itwe believe it.”_______________ .”_______________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

“ “It’s true because It’s true because we want towe want to believe believe it.”_________ it.”_________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

  “  “It’s true because it is It’s true because it is in our vested interestin our vested interest to to believe it.”________________________________believe it.”________________________________

““It’s true because we It’s true because we have always have always believed it. believed it. __________________________________________________________________________________

There are two distinct logics of There are two distinct logics of sociocentric thinking, sociocentric thinking, both of which are destructive.both of which are destructive.

The logic of group interest, of getting the most The logic of group interest, of getting the most for the group without regard to the rights and for the group without regard to the rights and needs of others, of protecting its biased needs of others, of protecting its biased interests, forwarding its partial agendas. interests, forwarding its partial agendas.

This logic informs the point of view from which This logic informs the point of view from which everyone outside the group is seen and everyone outside the group is seen and understood and by which everything that understood and by which everything that happens outside of the group is judged. This happens outside of the group is judged. This leads to the problem of leads to the problem of in-groupin-group thinking and thinking and behavior - everyone outside the group is behavior - everyone outside the group is judged according to the standards of the judged according to the standards of the group; everyone in the group is privileged, group; everyone in the group is privileged, everyone outside the group is seen as a everyone outside the group is seen as a potential threat. potential threat.

The logic of group conformityThe logic of group conformity - defines - defines the intricate inner workings of the the intricate inner workings of the group, ensures that everyone group, ensures that everyone coexists in the group in accordance coexists in the group in accordance with its customs, conventions, rules, with its customs, conventions, rules, taboos, mores, laws.taboos, mores, laws.

Sociocentric Counterfeits of Sociocentric Counterfeits of Ethical ReasoningEthical Reasoning

It is important to understand It is important to understand the barriers to ethical the barriers to ethical reasoning caused by reasoning caused by sociocentric thoughtsociocentric thought

Diagram of 4 conceptsDiagram of 4 concepts

Groups of 3Groups of 3 Ethical Reasoning Guide, pp. 9-14Ethical Reasoning Guide, pp. 9-14 Silently read each section.Silently read each section. Then discuss your understanding of Then discuss your understanding of

each section.each section. As you work through each section, As you work through each section,

make a list of beliefs in that “domain” make a list of beliefs in that “domain” that are considered unethical but are that are considered unethical but are not.not.

Then list beliefs or acts within the Then list beliefs or acts within the domain that are unethical (but domain that are unethical (but considered ethical) considered ethical)

$25 for Heaven$25 for Heaven

Child Kidnap HysteriaChild Kidnap Hysteria

Honor Killing TurkeyHonor Killing Turkey

Two Sociocentric PhenomenaTwo Sociocentric Phenomena

Believing that our group is privileged. Believing that our group is privileged. (and thereby applying a different (and thereby applying a different standard to other groups or people).standard to other groups or people).

Indoctrinating members of the group Indoctrinating members of the group into the beliefs, customs, taboos of into the beliefs, customs, taboos of the group (and thereby impeding the group (and thereby impeding their development and their right to their development and their right to develop as rational persons).develop as rational persons).

Insights from PiagetInsights from Piaget

Through the numerous studies Through the numerous studies conducted by Jean Piaget we can conducted by Jean Piaget we can glean insights which help us glean insights which help us understand sociocentric thought. For understand sociocentric thought. For instance, in his book, instance, in his book, The Moral The Moral Judgment of the ChildJudgment of the Child, Piaget outlines , Piaget outlines three stages of the consciousness of three stages of the consciousness of rules, which are as follows (p. 28):rules, which are as follows (p. 28):

Stage OneStage One – the child, being fundamentally – the child, being fundamentally egocentric, does not see rules as obligatory, egocentric, does not see rules as obligatory, and basically does what feels good. Rules, and basically does what feels good. Rules, when followed, are unconsciously received when followed, are unconsciously received (ages 0-2).(ages 0-2).

State TwoState Two – rules are considered sacred and – rules are considered sacred and untouchable, emanating from adults and untouchable, emanating from adults and lasting forever (ages 3-10)lasting forever (ages 3-10)

Stage ThreeStage Three – rules are considered due to – rules are considered due to mutual consent. The child believes that to mutual consent. The child believes that to be loyal one must “respect” the laws. Laws be loyal one must “respect” the laws. Laws can be altered if you can enlist general can be altered if you can enlist general opinion on your side (ages 9-12).opinion on your side (ages 9-12).

Piaget considers the “collective rule,” the Piaget considers the “collective rule,” the belief that everyone must follow the belief that everyone must follow the rules, to be at first external to the child. rules, to be at first external to the child. But over time the child begins to see But over time the child begins to see the rules as the rules as freely chosenfreely chosen, a product of , a product of mutual consent and an “autonomous mutual consent and an “autonomous conscience.” conscience.”

Thus, in other words, the child Thus, in other words, the child uncritically accepts the rules and laws uncritically accepts the rules and laws of society, and yet sees them as of society, and yet sees them as independently chosen. independently chosen.

This phenomenon is evident in adult thinking This phenomenon is evident in adult thinking as well. Though most rules of society are as well. Though most rules of society are accepted without question, blindly, yet accepted without question, blindly, yet people believe they have come to their people believe they have come to their beliefs through evidence and reasoning. beliefs through evidence and reasoning. Though they adhere to societal customs and Though they adhere to societal customs and taboos without benefit of conscious thought, taboos without benefit of conscious thought, still they see themselves as autonomous still they see themselves as autonomous thinkers. thinkers.

This manifestation of self-delusion, so This manifestation of self-delusion, so pervasive in human thinking, has unlimited pervasive in human thinking, has unlimited negative implications for the quality of life.negative implications for the quality of life.

In addition to this collective rule In addition to this collective rule phenomenon, which is directly applicable to phenomenon, which is directly applicable to sociocentric thought, Piaget’sociocentric thought, Piaget’s s characterizations of the egocentric mind, characterizations of the egocentric mind, developed by studying the thinking of developed by studying the thinking of children, has significant application, with children, has significant application, with appropriate translation, to sociocentric appropriate translation, to sociocentric thinking. Consider Piaget’s thinking. Consider Piaget’s characterizations of the egocentric thinker characterizations of the egocentric thinker (1976), and then our formulation of the (1976), and then our formulation of the sociocentric parallel of each phenomenon.sociocentric parallel of each phenomenon.

Egocentrism of thought necessarily Egocentrism of thought necessarily entails a certain degree of entails a certain degree of unconsciousness,’ (p. 137)unconsciousness,’ (p. 137)

Sociocentric of thought necessarily Sociocentric of thought necessarily entails a certain degree of entails a certain degree of unconsciousness, unconsciousness,

The egocentric thinker is confident in his The egocentric thinker is confident in his own ideas,own ideas,

The sociocentric thinker is confident in The sociocentric thinker is confident in the ideas of his group.the ideas of his group.

The egocentric thinker is naturally...The egocentric thinker is naturally...(untroubled) about the reasons and motives (untroubled) about the reasons and motives which have guided his reasoning process,which have guided his reasoning process,

The sociocentric thinker is naturally The sociocentric thinker is naturally untroubled about the reasons and motives untroubled about the reasons and motives which have guided the reasoning of which have guided the reasoning of sociocentric thinkingsociocentric thinking

The egocentric thinker [seeks] to justify himself The egocentric thinker [seeks] to justify himself in the eyes of others ... only under the in the eyes of others ... only under the pressure of argument and opposition...,pressure of argument and opposition...,

The sociocentric thinker [seeks] to justify his The sociocentric thinker [seeks] to justify his group in the eyes of other groups, or people group in the eyes of other groups, or people external to the group ... only under the external to the group ... only under the pressure of argument and opposition...,pressure of argument and opposition...,

The egocentric thinker is incapable either by The egocentric thinker is incapable either by introspection or retrospection of capturing introspection or retrospection of capturing the successive steps. ..[his] mind has taken the successive steps. ..[his] mind has taken (pp. 137-138)(pp. 137-138)

The sociocentric thinker is incapable, either The sociocentric thinker is incapable, either by introspection or retrospection, of by introspection or retrospection, of capturing the successive steps . ..[his] group capturing the successive steps . ..[his] group has taken in formulating their beliefshas taken in formulating their beliefs

The egocentric thinker suffers from illusions of The egocentric thinker suffers from illusions of perspective, (p. 165)perspective, (p. 165)

The sociocentric thinker suffers from illusions The sociocentric thinker suffers from illusions of group perspectiveof group perspective

The egocentric thinker is ignorant of his own ego, The egocentric thinker is ignorant of his own ego, takes his own point of view to be absolute, and fails takes his own point of view to be absolute, and fails to establish...that reciprocity which alone would to establish...that reciprocity which alone would ensure objectivity (p. 197)ensure objectivity (p. 197)

The sociocentric thinker is ignorant of his group’s The sociocentric thinker is ignorant of his group’s sociocentric nature, takes his group’s point of view sociocentric nature, takes his group’s point of view to be absolute, and fails to establish...that to be absolute, and fails to establish...that reciprocity among and between perspectives which reciprocity among and between perspectives which alone would ensure objectivityalone would ensure objectivity

The egocentric thinker [uses] thought ... at the service The egocentric thinker [uses] thought ... at the service of personal desire.of personal desire.

The sociocentric thinker uses thought at the service The sociocentric thinker uses thought at the service of group desireof group desire

The egocentric thinker simply believes ... without The egocentric thinker simply believes ... without trying to find the truth (p. 203).trying to find the truth (p. 203).

The sociocentric thinker simply believes group-The sociocentric thinker simply believes group-fostered ideologies ... without trying to find the fostered ideologies ... without trying to find the truth.truth.

The egocentric thinker assimilates everything he The egocentric thinker assimilates everything he hears to his own point of view. (p. 208)hears to his own point of view. (p. 208)

The sociocentric thinker assimilates everything The sociocentric thinker assimilates everything he hears to his group’s point of view.he hears to his group’s point of view.

The egocentric thinker does not try to prove The egocentric thinker does not try to prove whether such and such of his idea does or does whether such and such of his idea does or does not correspond to reality. When the question is not correspond to reality. When the question is put to him, he evades it. It does not interest put to him, he evades it. It does not interest him, and it is even alien to his whole mental him, and it is even alien to his whole mental attitude, (p. 247)attitude, (p. 247)

The sociocentric thinker does not try to prove The sociocentric thinker does not try to prove whether such and such of his group’s ideas whether such and such of his group’s ideas does or does not correspond to reality. When does or does not correspond to reality. When the question is put to him, he evades it. It does the question is put to him, he evades it. It does not interest him, and it is even alien to his not interest him, and it is even alien to his whole mental attitude.whole mental attitude.

In sum, for each characterization of In sum, for each characterization of egocentric thought identified by egocentric thought identified by Piaget through careful observation Piaget through careful observation and study, one can find a ready and study, one can find a ready parallel in sociocentric thought which parallel in sociocentric thought which can be easily exemplified in can be easily exemplified in observing the behavior of groups observing the behavior of groups throughout the world, in all areas of throughout the world, in all areas of human life.human life.

Thinking critically about Thinking critically about “condemned” beliefs“condemned” beliefs

Write down one belief you have which Write down one belief you have which is largely condemned in your culture, is largely condemned in your culture, but which you believe is true.but which you believe is true.

I will then collect your anonymous I will then collect your anonymous papers and redistribute them to papers and redistribute them to groups for discussion.groups for discussion.

Discuss and vote on the ideas you Discuss and vote on the ideas you think are reasonable.think are reasonable.

Thinking critically about Thinking critically about “condemned” beliefs“condemned” beliefs

Write down one belief which is Write down one belief which is commonly accepted in your culture as commonly accepted in your culture as desirable, but which you disagree with. desirable, but which you disagree with.

I will then collect your anonymous papers I will then collect your anonymous papers and redistribute them to groups for and redistribute them to groups for discussion.discussion.

Discuss and vote on the ideas you think Discuss and vote on the ideas you think are reasonable.are reasonable.

Thinking critically about Thinking critically about controversial issuescontroversial issues

Make a list of controversial issues you Make a list of controversial issues you think shouldn’t be controversial think shouldn’t be controversial because there is a correct answer (in because there is a correct answer (in your view).your view).

Make a list of non-controversial issues Make a list of non-controversial issues that should be controversial (in your that should be controversial (in your view).view).

Give your reasonsGive your reasons