I regard this element in the ego series as the core of the discussion. This part is where the ego is delineated and its dynamics are explored.

A sense of self, complete with an ego system of evaluation according to group and cultural norms, gives rise to reactions about the self — a feedback system: performance in relation to the values of the social group, followed by evaluation, followed by judgment of the self. Since the group and the individual are inseparable, the judgments flow amongst the membership and the differences in performance place the individuals according to hierarchy. In short, the elements of self/ego determine how and what we feel about ourselves and that, directly or indirectly, generates much of our personal and daily psychological reactions.