Who developed the theory that uses game play to understand the development of the self?

The theory that employs game play to enhance understanding of self-development was significantly advanced by George Herbert Mead. Mead proposed that the self is formed through social interactions, particularly through the process of role-taking during social experiences. He introduced the concepts of the 'I' and the 'me,' where the 'I' represents the spontaneous and unique aspect of the self, while the 'me' embodies the societal expectations and attitudes of others.

One of Mead's key ideas revolves around his concept of the "generalized other," which emerges through play and the engagement in games. In this context, children learn to adopt the perspectives of different roles, allowing them to understand the expectations of society at large. For example, when children engage in structured games, they simulate various roles and learn to navigate social contexts, contributing to their self-development and social identity.

This theoretical framework is essential for sociology as it illustrates how individual identities are shaped by societal interactions through meaningful engagement with others, thereby informing our understanding of self in a social world.