In examining transcripts of inter views conducted as par t of an investigation of the process of leaving the parental home, we were frequently reminded of Mead's idea of `the generalized other'. This ar ticle explores the usefulness of this somewhat neglected idea. After examining the possible range of meanings suggested by this idea and affinities with other concepts (especially Bourdieu's notion of `habitus') we develop this idea through the use of three case studies taken from inter views in three different cities. We consider normative points of comparison, reflexivity and the generalized other and judgements about other people. We conclude that Mead's idea continues to have considerable usefulness, in par ticular in relation to what might be turned a recent `ethical turn' in social enquiry.
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