Recording-2025-02-10T20:06:46.222Z

Cooley's Looking Glass Self

• Definition: A concept representing the idea of how our sense of self is shaped by how we believe others perceive us.

• Reflexiveness: It's a process through which individuals reflect on themselves, akin to looking in a mirror or at a phone camera.

• Perception: We strive to view ourselves as others do, but we cannot fully disengage from our own perspectives.

• Development of Self: The social self evolves through conscious reflection on perceived perceptions, influencing our behavior and self-conception.

Goffman's Dramaturgy

• Theory Overview: Erving Goffman's concept that social interactions resemble performances in a theater, where individuals act differently based on their audience and context.

• Performing Self: We consistently present ourselves in various ways, influenced by situational contexts and the audience present.

• Examples in Different Settings:

  • Restaurant Comparison:

    • Front of House vs. Back of House: Different social interactions occur here due to the definition of the situation.

  • Retail Perspective: Staff behavior changes dramatically between serving customers and closing procedures after hours.

  • Job Interviews vs. Casual Settings:

    • Interviews: Thoughtful performance in what to wear or say.

    • Casual Interactions: Relaxed self-representation while with friends or pets.

Key Concepts in Performance

• Audience Influence: The way we express and perform our identities varies significantly based on who we are with and the environment.

• Props and Presentation:

  • Clothing and Items: The choice of attire and personal items shifts according to the performance we wish to convey.

• Conscious vs. Unconscious Performance:

  • Sometimes we are aware of how we are performing (like dressing for an interview).

  • Often, our behavior is subconscious; we perform self without intentional thought about the act of performing.

The Social Self

• Human Identity: The essence of who we are is heavily influenced by social interactions (nurture) rather than biological or innate qualities (nature).

• Concept of True Self:

  • Goffman's perspective challenges the notion of a "true self" that exists independently of social interactions; our identity can be seen as a construct developed through relations with others.

Reflection and Discussion

• Nature vs. Nurture: Questions are raised about what contributes to human identity- biological traits versus social experiences.

• Importance of Communication: The role of social communication and emotional growth in developing our identities is emphasized.

• Audience Questions: Encouragement for participants to query their understanding about the social self and its implications.