Looking-Glass Self
The Looking Glass Self is a sociological concept that describes how individuals form their self-identity based on how they believe others perceive them. It emphasizes three main components: imagining how we appear to others, imagining their judgment of that appearance, and developing our self-image based on their perceived responses. Essentially, our self-concept is shaped by social interactions and the reflections of those around us, highlighting the importance of social context in understanding who we are. This idea suggests that our self-esteem and behavior are influenced by our interpretation of others' views.
Additional Insights
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The Looking-Glass Self is a social concept developed by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley. It describes how our self-identity is shaped by how we believe others perceive us. We imagine how we appear to others, interpret their reactions, and then form our self-image based on those perceptions. Essentially, we see ourselves through a "mirror" of social interactions. This process highlights the importance of social feedback in shaping our self-esteem and identity, suggesting that our sense of self is not just an internal experience but is influenced by the opinions and reactions of those around us.