According to George Herbert Mead, what term describes the conscious perception of one's identity as distinct from others?

George Herbert Mead's concept of the "self" is foundational within sociological and psychological frameworks, particularly regarding how individuals perceive their identities. The "self" refers to an individual's conscious perception of their own identity as separate and distinct from others. This concept is built on the notion that the self is developed through social interactions and experiences, particularly through the process of taking the role of the other and understanding oneself from the perspective of others.

As individuals engage with the social world, they learn to see themselves and their actions through the lens of societal expectations and interactions, which contributes to the formation of their self-identity. This internal dialogue and recognition of one’s own identity is central to Mead's theories surrounding socialization and the development of the self. In contrast, terms like "role," "personality," and "identity," though related, do not fully encapsulate the particular focus that Mead places on the conscious and reflective aspect of the self's perception in relation to others.