What aspect of self does the 'Me' refer to in George Herbert Mead's theory?

In George Herbert Mead's theory, the 'Me' refers to our social self that is influenced by society's perception of us. Mead posits that self-concept is constructed through social interactions and is shaped significantly by the expectations and reactions of others. The 'Me' represents the part of the self that is aware of societal norms and roles, which includes how an individual believes they are viewed by society. This contrasts with the 'I,' which represents the spontaneous and subjective aspects of the self.

Understanding this concept highlights the interplay between individual identity and societal influences, emphasizing that our behaviors and self-perceptions are not developed in isolation but are significantly affected by the perspectives of others in our social environment. This makes the 'Me' integral to comprehending how individuals navigate their identities within the context of broader social frameworks.