Final answer:
The mechanism by which we compare ourselves to others is called the looking-glass self. Charles Cooley and George Herbert Mead developed this concept, which suggests that our sense of self is based on others' reactions to us. Through socialization, we learn to view ourselves through the eyes of others and develop a distinct identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanism by which we compare ourselves to other people to determine whether or not our perception of social reality is correct is known as the looking-glass self. This concept was introduced by Charles Cooley, who argued that we 'see' ourselves by the reactions of others with whom we interact. Our sense of self is based on our interpretations of others' reactions to us, and we develop our personal sense of self by imagining how we must appear to others and drawing conclusions based on their reactions.
George Herbert Mead further expanded on this concept, studying the development of the self through social interaction. According to Mead, individuals develop a distinct identity through the ability to view themselves through the eyes of others. Through socialization, we learn to put ourselves in someone else's shoes and look at the world from their perspective, which helps us become self-aware and develop a sense of self.
Goffman's dramaturgy ideas also align with the looking-glass self concept. According to Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see and imagine how we must appear to others. We then react to this speculation by presenting ourselves in a certain way, expecting a specific reaction from others. Our understanding of ourselves is influenced by these reactions, effectively mirroring how others perceive us.