Final answer:
The process of thinking about ourselves and others in a social context is studied under social psychology and is related to intrapersonal processes such as emotions, attitudes, the self, and social cognition. Sociologists like Charles Cooley and George Herbert Mead's theories, like the 'looking glass self,' highlight the development of self through social interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of thinking about ourselves and others in a social context is a topic studied under social psychology. This field examines how individuals think about, influence, and relate to one another. Specifically, social psychologists look at intrapersonal processes, which are internal to the individual, such as emotions, attitudes, the self, and social cognition. Moreover, notable sociologists like Charles Cooley and George Herbert Mead have contributed to our understanding of the self with concepts like the "looking glass self" and the development of the 'self' through social interaction respectively. Cooley's idea of the looking glass self explains how our self-concept is shaped in part by how we think others perceive us, while Mead's work highlights the importance of social interaction in developing one's own identity.
Sociological studies, including the practice of sociological imagination as described by C. Wright Mills, help comprehend the relationship between an individual's experiences and the broader societal context. This understanding is crucial for grasping how our self-perception and actions are intertwined with cultural and social structures.