The Looking-Glass SelfConcept created by sociologist Charles Horton

CooleyNot who we actually areNot what people think about usBased on the perception of how others view us

How we think they view usOur self-concept is then derived from these

ideasBegins at an early age and continues

throughout life

Three Step ProcessStep One:

We imagine how our personality and appearance appears to others Attractive/unattractive, heavy/slim, friendly/unfriendly

Step Two: We imagine how other people judge the appearance we think

we present in step one How do we think they feel about us

Step Three: We develop a self-concept based on how we feel we are judged

in step two If we are judged in a good way, we have a favourable self-

concept If we are judged in a bad way, we have an unfavourable self-

concept

So, What’s the Point?Looking-glass self provides us with an

identityWho we think others think we are

Our own self identity is then influencedAs we develop as individuals so too do our

interactions with othersThe result:

our self concept derived from the looking-glass self does not end

Mr. Hines – Looking-Glass Self

What Does Your Looking-Glass Self Look Like?Take some time to sketch yourself.Be thoughtful.Don’t rush.After you’re finished with your sketch take some

time to reflect on itWhat do you notice?Is there anything that stands out in your sketch?Would you like to change anything in your

sketch?Write an explanation, outlining what you see and

why you think you see it. (min. Half a page)