Looking Glass Self Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Looking Glass Self?

The Looking Glass Self is a concept first proposed by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley in 1902. It refers to the process of how we view ourselves based on how we think others perceive us. It suggests that our sense of identity is shaped not only by our own direct experiences, but also by the reactions and opinions of those around us. The Looking Glass Self consists of three components: imagination, judgment and feeling. Imagination involves visualizing how people see us, while judgment involves considering their opinion and feeling entails the emotional response created by their opinion. Together, these three components form our perception of self as seen through other people’s eyes. On one hand, this concept can be beneficial for developing a healthy self-image if we receive positive feedback from those around us. We are encouraged to take pride in our accomplishments and strive for success if those around us recognize it and give compliments or praise. On the other hand, this can also be damaging to our self-esteem if we are surrounded by negative comments or criticisms from others which can lead to feelings of shame or inadequacy with regards to certain aspects about ourselves that may be outside of our control such as physical attributes or intelligence levels etc. Overall, Cooley’s Looking Glass Self is an important concept that helps explain how external factors influence our view of ourselves over time and why it’s important to surround ourselves with positive influences so that we can have healthy relationships with both others and ourselves.