The Self from Sociological Perspectives

Vocabulary flashcards covering Cooley's Looking-Glass Self, Mead's Social Self, and the stages of self-development.

Charles Horton Cooley

American sociologist who proposed the Looking-Glass Self theory; the self is shaped by how we think others perceive us.

Looking-Glass Self Theory

A self-image formed through imagining how others view us.

George Herbert Mead

American philosopher-sociologist who formulated the Social Self Theory.

Social Self Theory

Personal identity is influenced by social interaction and cultural norms.

Imagination (Looking-Glass Self)

We imagine how we appear to others.

Interpretation (Looking-Glass Self)

We imagine how others judge us.

Self-feeling (Looking-Glass Self)

We develop our self-concept.

I self

The spontaneous aspect of the self; acts without considering social consequences.

Me self

The socialized aspect of the self; acts based on how others expect one to behave.

Role-taking

Ability to see oneself from the perspectives of others and adjust behavior accordingly.

Significant Others

Individuals with direct influence on the person (e.g., parents, siblings, friends).

Generalized Others

Society's collective norms and expectations individuals internalize.

Preparatory Stage (Imitation)

Children copy others but do not understand their actions, words, or tone of voice.

Play Stage (Taking on Roles)

Children pretend and do not yet follow rules within organized games.

Game Stage (Understanding Multiple Roles)

Children begin to comprehend and follow the rules of games.