Charles H. Cooley

Charles H. Cooley was an American sociologist known for his work on social self-awareness. He introduced the concept of the “looking-glass self,” suggesting that individuals develop their self-image through interactions with others, seeing themselves reflected in how others perceive and respond to them. Cooley believed that our sense of identity is shaped continuously by social relationships and communal influences. His ideas emphasize that who we are is closely tied to the social context and the feedback we receive from others, making social interaction fundamental to personal development and understanding society.