Final answer:
Charles Horton Cooley posited that we shape our sense of self based on how we think others view us, through a process he termed the looking-glass self. Our self-image is thus a reflection of our social interactions and the feedback we receive from others.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Charles Horton Cooley, in seeing ourselves as others do, we develop our personal sense of self. This concept, known as the looking-glass self, suggests that our self-image is shaped by how we believe others perceive us. We imagine how we appear to others, interpret their reactions to our behavior, and ultimately view ourselves through this social mirror. If others respond positively to our actions, we're likely to continue those behaviors, reinforcing the image we have constructed.
Cooley's theory indicates that the social context is crucial for the development of our identities. He expressed concerns about the impact of individualism and competitiveness on societal cohesion and the importance of family and primary groups. Thus, our self-perception is created not in isolation but through ongoing social interactions and the perceived judgment of others.