Sociological Perspective of the Self

Charles Cooley: The Looking-Glass Self

Main concept: Our identity is a reflection of how we think others see us

1. we imagine how we appear to others

2. we imagine how others judge that appearance

3. we develop an opinion of ourselves based on that perceived judgements.

What are the three steps of the Looking-Glass Self?

George Herbert Mead: The Social Self

Main concept: the self is not present at birth but develops over time through social interaction.

George Herbert Mead

Stated the definition of the “I” and “Me”

I

the subjective active, and spontaneous parts of the self

Me

the objective part, representing the internalized attitudes and expectation of others

Preparatory Stage
Play Stage
Game Stage

Mead’s Stages of Self Development (3)

Preparatory Stage (0-3 years old)

Children imitate without understanding

Play Stage (3-5 years old)

Children take on roles of specific people (significant others)

Game Stage (early school years, 8-9 years old)

Children understand multiple roles and the “generalized other”

Self-Concept

our personal definition of who we are; what you know and believe about yourself

Self evaluation

Our emotional reaction to social comparison. We can feel threatened when someone close to us outperform us.

1. redefine the relationship with that person

2. reconsider the importance of that skill or aspect

3. strengthen or improve that certain aspect of ourselves

three responses to a threat

self-efficacy

the belief that on is effective and competent; the belief that you can do something

self-esteem

a person’s overall self-worth