Final answer:
Reflected appraisal and social comparison are sociological theories that explain the development of self-concept based on social interactions, particularly as articulated by Cooley's looking-glass self and Mead's perspectives on self-development and social interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reflected appraisal and social comparison are two sociological theories that describe how interaction with others shapes the way individuals view themselves. Charles Cooley, a prominent figure in this area, developed the concept of the looking-glass self, which suggests that our self-image is shaped by the responses we perceive from others during social interactions. Similarly, George Herbert Mead's work emphasizes that the self arises from social interaction, as we imagine ourselves through the perspectives of others and react to their perceived evaluations of us.
Social psychologists argue that people constantly engage in a process of reflected appraisal, assessing themselves in the 'mirror' of social interaction. According to Cooley, when someone reacts positively to our behavior, we are likely to continue that behavior, as we base our self-image on how we think others perceive us, from their reactions and the conclusions we draw about ourself.
The field of Social Psychology explores these concepts further, studying how individuals think about themselves and others, and how these perceptions affect their emotions, attitudes, and actions. These theories underscore the importance of social context in the development of personal identity and self-concept.