Ontario Early Childhood Educator Practice Exam

The concept of the looking-glass self, introduced by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley, posits that an individual’s self-concept develops significantly through their social interactions. This theory suggests that people form their identities based on how they believe others perceive them. Thus, individuals reflect on their self-image as they imagine how others view them, leading to a layered understanding of oneself influenced by societal feedback. This social reflection emphasizes the role of community and interpersonal relationships in shaping an individual's identity. Rather than relying on internal or innate qualities alone, the looking-glass self illustrates that external perceptions and interactions are critical to forming and evolving who we think we are.