Looking Glass Self Sociology Theory


Then she may come to understand that the way she is being treated is not normal. 3. When you look at yourself through the eyes of someone else it is called reflected appraisal or the looking- glass self, as infants interact with others they learn how others see them (Wood, 2014, p 185). Amy should tell Hailley how she says her before she was dating Dan.


Ultimately, we will argue that Cooley's looking-glass self theory provides valuable insights into the nature of human behavior and the influence of social factors on individual identity.

The fundamental critique of the looking-glass self is that while it provides a clear argument that our self-concept is fundamentally social in nature, it does not explain the critical issue of why the self-concept evolves in the particular way that it does. This is significant as the process described does not account for self-concept development throughout the lifespan. The self-concept does change as an individual increases in age and understanding or an individual moves from naive to a participant in interaction. Furthermore, the looking-glass self exaggerates the extent to which individuals' feelings of self-identity rely upon social input. The theory of the looking-glass self states that feelings of self-identity derive from the perception of being seen in a certain way and from the perception of social approval or disapproval. In other words, the theory suggests that views of the self-concept are driven to change to match others' views. This theory is very passive in that it positions the self-concept only as receiving social input and lacks the ability to enable individuals to change when they are naive to the social situation. Additionally, the ability of individuals to feel validated is generally attributed to their individual self-concept but not to the view of the individuals they are interacting with. This is important as it seems unlikely that individuals are completely passive in either the development and maintenance of their self-concept. It is more plausible that some form of individual action or drive fuels the social feedback via interaction.

Looking glass self Essays | 123 Help Me

The looking-glass self theory greatly impacts individuals, both psychologically and socially – from how people develop their sense of identity to how they interact with others.

For example, if someone emplaces the idea that one is overweight in one’s head, one is going to possibly take that into account when looking in the mirror. Self-concept is also said to contribute to how we may behave in the future by setting up goals that reflect our opinions of ourselves. In some instances, individuals may believe that they will be a successful doctor and, because of that self-concept, it becomes reality. This is known as self-fulfilling prophecies. Self-esteem is the worth of what one takes from one’s self-awareness and self-concept.

By inserting the idea of the “Looking Glass-Self” it magnifies society 's influence on our perception of other people as well as ourselves. Galeano does not use this term specifically but it correlates with his writing. The society that is set up today can be described as mirrors that reflect off each other. In other words people look to others to determine who we are rather than looking in themselves. So people imagine what judgements are being made about them, and they imagine how they appear in the minds of others.

Cooley’s concept of the “looking glass self” states that a persons identity or self worth comes directly from their social interactions. That our self image is a direct correlation as to the responses and evaluations from others in our society. There are 3 steps:


What is an example of the looking-glass self

Cooley’s concept of the “looking glass self” states that a persons identity or self worth comes directly from their social interactions. That our self image is a direct correlation as to the responses and evaluations from others in our society. There are 3 steps:

Analysis Of Cooleys Looking Glass Self: [Essay Example], 963 words

In today's , where social media and online interactions play a significant role in shaping our self-image, Cooley's looking-glass self theory remains relevant in understanding the impact of social feedback on our sense of self.

Perception Is Reality: The Looking-Glass Self

The Johari Window is used as a visual representation to describe that there are four sections of awareness of self concepts; what is known to ones self and what is known to others, what is known to the self but not known by anyone else, what is known to others and not ones self, and what is not known about ones self and not know by others. Reflected appraisal is when we are admired for something. That admiration influences one to continue doing what they received appraisal for. Social comparison is always being used to evaluate self concept, for example someone will compare themselves to those they would like to be similar too, these groups of people are called reference groups. Some people have natural tendencies to participate in high or low self monitoring.

Free Essay: The Looking-Glass Self by Charles H

Get a tailor-made essay on 'Analysis of Cooleys Looking Glass Self' Furthermore, Cooley's looking-glass self theory has implications for understanding the development of social norms and cultural expectations.

Looking-Glass Self: 10 Examples and Definition (Sociology)

This process of internalizing external standards and norms is a key aspect of the looking-glass self theory, as it illustrates how social influences shape our beliefs and values.