G.H. Mead and the Materiality of Ideas

Abstract

In this chapter, the author explores George Herbert Mead's lesser-known writings on social objects, emphasizing their critical role in the formation of human agency and social interaction. Mead’s articles, such as "Social Psychology as Counterpart to Physiological Psychology" (1909), "What Social Objects Must Psychology Presuppose?" (1910), "The Mechanism of Social Consciousness" (1912), "The Social Self" (1913), and "The Genesis of the Self and Social Control" (1925), set the foundation for what the author calls the "materiality of ideas"—the notion that objects, both material and symbolic, are not passive but actively shape human consciousness. Mead’s theory asserts that social objects are relational, reflective, and emergent, constantly evolving as they mediate interactions and influence the development of the self. The chapter further applies Mead’s ideas to contemporary contexts, using case studies such as the MAGA cap, Palestinian keffiyeh, French yellow vests, and feminist red shoes to illustrate how objects become symbols of political and social movements. These objects, imbued with ideological meanings, not only represent but also co-create political narratives and social identities. Ultimately, the author argues that Mead's work offers essential insights for understanding the relationship between individuals and the material world in both past and present social theory.