Cooley's Theory of Socialization

Cooley's Theory of Socialization, often framed through the "Looking Glass Self," suggests that our self-identity is shaped by how we perceive others see us. We imagine how we appear to others, interpret their reactions, and then develop feelings about ourselves based on those interpretations. This process highlights the importance of social interactions in forming our self-concept. Essentially, our understanding of who we are is influenced by our social experiences and the feedback we receive from those around us.