User:Cem04d/lgs

Looking-Glass Self
Each to each a looking-glass, Reflects the other that doth pass(Lemert, 2004)

The Sociological Theory, The Looking-Glass Self, is defined on the website Changingminds.org, stating that, "We see ourselves through the eyes of other people, even to the extent of incorporating their views of us into our own self-concept." This theory was developed by sociologist, Charles Cooley, between the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, in his book, entitled, Human Nature and the Social Order (1902). The concept essentially means that people see themsleves through other people and, as a result, use information such as the way people talk to them and act towards them through body language and facial expressions as a way to define for themselves who they really are. Often times, if we do not see what we want to see through our mirror, which is others in our society, we try to change ourselves until we feel that we see what we want them to see. George Ritzer writes, "...then we may need to reassess our actions and even our sense of who we are. If the looking-glass continues to show us a reflection that is different from what we think we are, then we may need to reevaluate our sense of who we are, in other words, reevaluate our self image." (Ritzer, 2003) Cooley, believed that people develop through their interactions with other people throughout their lifetime. This theory fits in well with Sociology and more specifically Social Theory, in that it helps to explain why people act the way they do, and also how their behavior varies according to the situations and other individuals present.

Three Parts of the Looking-Glass Self

 * People are conscious of how others view them whther negative or positive.


 * People than imagine what others see when looking at them.


 * People have positive or negative reactions, depending on how they feel others are percieving them, whether they have impressed them in a good way or have dissapointed them.


 * To a certain extent, each of these parts seem to be the same. However, if you look at them you realize that one focuses on a different area of the individual's self.  The first point focuses on our thought process in which we try and judge to decipher how others see us.  This is different from the second part in that, the second is how we judge that person's reaction and see if we feel as if we are on the right track, so to speak.  While the third part is about whether or not we feel good or even have sense of accomplishment from a positive reaction we gain through the person looking at us.

How is this Theory used?
The Looking-Glass Self has been used throughout the 20th century and even the beginning of the 21st century to help people figure out how they are living their lives and whether society approves or disapproves of them. We use The Looking-Glass Self to see ourselves through the eyes of others and imagine what they're feelings are when it comes to how we present ourselves to them. When Cooley coined this theory a century ago, it would of been hard to believe that we would still look at it today as relevant. However, just as other major theorists before him, his theory has been able to withstand the scrutiny of more modern Sociologists and he is still very much relevant in our everyday life and in Social Theory.

Is it used Today?
When Charles Cooley went out and thought of this theory, many would have found it far fetched that we would still be talking about it today. However, this theory is taught in many Intro to Sociology classes as well as in Social Theory classes. The importance of the theory seems to be going strong to this day. With the theory being taught in classrooms worldwide, it is easy to see why Charles Cooley has lasted this long through time, his theory still intact and his writings still looked at and studied.

As written in the article, "Beyond the Looking-Glass Self: Social Structure and Effiancy-Based Self-Esteem," the author writes, "...the sense of self is not discovered in quiet reflection, but in the course of vigorous effort, especially when that brings the individual into rivalry with other persons...The sense of self arises in connection with active striving in the face of obstacles" (Turner, 1968:99)" This quote is the essence of what Cooley intended on his theory being used for. Cooley wanted to not be judged by friends or family, or any other biased people. Rather he intended on using the Looking-Glass Self as a test when comparing one's self through the eyes of an enemy or enemies. When you can look into the eyes of a person that has little or no good feelings towards you, but they respect you for the way that you carry yourself and conduct your business, then you know you are the person you want to be. When looking at yourself through the biased eyes of friends or family, you know that they will see what you want to see. They will not be the first to point out your flaws. It is the eyes of the unbiased that truly make this theory what it is.

How Relevant is this Theory?
The theory in itself is somewhat confusing at first glance. The thought of a Looking-Glass Self, seems to cause perplexing feelings when reading about it. However, Cooley essentially put a name to something that we all do in our everyday lives. It is hard to walk anywhere in the United States, let alone the world without wondering how people we pass by view us. We want to feel that others are seeing us the way that we want to be. In a world that is driven by celebrities, we often try to duplicate them so that others will associate us with celebrity qualities. To this day, this theory that Charles Cooley named in his book in 1902 is still very much relevant to our everyday life. Whether we use this theory consciously or subconsciously, the fact is, it is used, often times more than we will ever realize.