Looking Glass Self

Definition of Looking Glass Self

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Looking Glass Self: Developed by C.H. Cooley (1864-1929) to describe the social nature of the self and the link between society and individual. In this formulation social interaction is like a mirror, it allows us to see ourselves as others see us. This was an early formulation of symbolic interactionism but less influential than that of George Herbert Mead.

Looking Glass Self: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Looking Glass Self. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada