SO2 vs. SO7

As with all types, the primary distinction that can be drawn between the two types is on the level of neurosis: the cognitive and emotional distortion that motors behavior. Both can be externally indistinguishable to the extent that they both act as "good mothers," network social connections, conquer social groups, and are generally loving figures, people who perform and desire to be the center of attention, not uncommonly with a great deal of charisma and theatricality.

However, it must be established first that whereas the E7 is an indulgent character, the E2 is a prideful one. Where the E7 seeks pleasure, the E2 seeks status and image. Being a hysteroid type, the social Two is primarily concerned with how it is perceived and how that impacts its own self-perception. What matters most is that they fuel their pride, the conviction that they are superior and indispensable, that they are on top of the social hierarchy. Naranjo associated the social E2 with grandiose narcissism, a manifestation of the disorder where one is openly boastful, overtly status-driven, and dramatic in expression. SO2 openly self-aggrandizes, seeks positions of power, as well as openly rebels.

The social Seven is, in contrast, a covert narcissist. Pleasure is achieved through the renunciation of somatic, grounded pleasure in favor of heavenly pleasure: admiration. While the SO2 also seeks admiration, it does so openly and grandiosely. The SO7 is not one to openly rebel, favoring subtle community-building, posing itself as a guru and saintly figure. Another very important aspect is the fraudulence that is exclusive to E7 as a distortion. The SO7 simply lies about his motives, morality, knowledge, and such. He presents himself as egalitarian, but in reality tries to mirror his image through other people's gaze, confirming his superiority.

That is to say, the Two is grandiose whereas the Seven is subtle, quiet, almost withdrawn. Both seek to elevate their image, but the SO2 is inherently identified with it, exposing its own valor like a peacock, while the SO7 is fraudulent. Their goals are similar in nature, but stem from a different neurotic grounding. The social E2 "pumps" its own ego by being indispensable and socially important; the social E7 seeks greater pleasure in the form of admiration through self-sacrifice and subtly marking itself as the "main character." The E7's drive is dopaminergic, concentrated on relationships where it can establish itself as a savior or a perfect person. The E2, conversely, is image-driven and confirms its own superiority in the social sphere.

But perhaps the most important difference is between the aforementioned fraudulence and identification with the image. The SO2 holds no contact with shame, entirely repressing it into the depths of the unconscious, using social interactions and networking as a method of further boosting its self-perception and repressing shame. The social E7 is actively in contact with shame by virtue of its lies; it sees itself for who it is and feels guilty about its lies and separation from the ideal image it presents. It aspires to be perfect, presents itself as such, but fails to truly fulfill its own standard, for when it is left alone, it indulges in everything it publicly rejects.