Final answer:
A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when a person's expectations cause them to act in ways that make the expectations come true. This effect can shape individual behavior and societal interactions, influenced by the generalized other's societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person's social expectations lead them to behave in ways that cause others to validate their expectations, it is indicative of a self-fulfilling prophecy. This sociological concept occurs when an individual's expectations influence their behavior to the extent that the expectations are more likely to be realized. An example of this is seen in education, as research by Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968) demonstrated that teachers' expectations can affect student performance. Further, this can extend to various societal interactions, where the expectations can influence social roles, standards, and norms, which then affect how others perceive and interact with the individual.
In understanding this dynamic, it's also critical to consider the influence of the generalized other, which represents society's common behavioral expectations. As individuals develop, they learn to consider how they may be perceived by the broader society, which in turn shapes their self-concept.