Final answer:
People develop their self-identity through social interaction, as theorized by sociologists like Mead and Cooley. Our self-concept is shaped by how others perceive us and through our social performances of identity, which are influenced by factors like gender and race. This process of self-awareness and identity construction is ongoing and complex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The names that people give themselves in the course of social interaction are a part of their self-identity, which is developed through a process of socialization. Noted sociologists like George Herbert Mead and Charles Cooley have contributed to our understanding of this concept. Cooley introduced the idea of the "looking glass self," suggesting that our self-image is shaped by how we believe others perceive us. Meanwhile, Mead delved into how the self is not something we are born with but is instead constructed through social interaction, as we learn to take the perspective of the 'other.' This reflective process allows individuals to develop an awareness of themselves in a societal context, molding their self-identity. Moreover, the construction of identity is influenced by biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors, including gender and race. Identities are not static; they evolve with ongoing interactions that can include language, appearance, and cultural practices. This complex interplay can also lead to self-fulfilling prophecies, where the labels and expectations placed upon individuals by society can influence and reinforce their sense of self. For example, race and gender, as systems of labeling, provide sources of identity, and over time, the way we socially perform these identities can result in changes in their collective meaning.