George Herbert Mead was an American philosopher, sociologist and psychologist affiliated with the University of Chicago. According to Mead, the self is not innate but develops over time through social interactions such as observing and responding to others, and internalizing external views. Mead believed the self emerges through social experiences like using language, play, and games. Language allows individuals to communicate through symbols and respond to each other. Play and games allow people to take on roles and understand rules. Mead viewed socialization as influencing the self through institutions and social control based on factors like race, gender and class.