How can the symbolic self-completion theory discussed in Chapter 7 help us to understand the way Dorthe relates herself to her pram(s)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Symbolic self-completion theory posits that individuals with an incomplete self-definition seek to fulfill their identity by acquiring and displaying symbols associated with that role. citeturn0search2
In the case of Dorthe, a young girl involved in the Danish resistance during World War II, her pram served as a symbol of her role within the resistance. At just six years old, Dorthe was actively engaged in resistance activities, including infiltrating German arms warehouses and transporting weapons and propaganda in her doll’s pram. citeturn0search25
The pram, typically a symbol of motherhood and nurturing, was repurposed by Dorthe to signify her commitment and contributions to the resistance movement. By using the pram in this context, she symbolically completed her identity as a young resistance member, aligning her self-definition with the values and actions of the movement.
This aligns with symbolic self-completion theory, which suggests that individuals adopt symbols to reinforce and communicate their self-concept, especially when they perceive it as incomplete. For Dorthe, the pram was not just a child’s toy but a powerful symbol of her active participation and identity within the resistance.
In summary, Dorthe’s use of the pram exemplifies how individuals can employ symbols to fulfill and express their self-concept, particularly when they are engaged in roles that are significant to their identity.