Charles Cooley's Looking Glass Self - Explained

Charles Horton Cooley’s ‘Looking Glass Self’ is a popular theory of self first published in the work Human Nature and the Social Order in 1902. It’s used to explain how we construct our identities by considering what others think of us. It draws on George Herbert Mead’s earlier theory of self to lay the groundwork for more ‘performative’ ideas of identity, such as those of Erving Goffman in his ‘Presentation of Self in Everyday Life’.

If you like this video or find it helpful, let me know in the comments below! I’m considering making more videos which explain concepts and theories in social science, social theory, and sociology. Because I also do work on the alt-right and reactionary politics, my videos tend to get brigaded and mass disliked, so if you enjoyed this please do click the like button, subscribe, and tell me your thoughts. It makes a huge difference.

[leighwilson]

Great presentation! Classic Psychological theory with an insightful and humorous way.
Love it! 😁

[emmaandrews]

Very helpful information to help me out with my understanding of the looking-glass self within my dissertation. Thanks for the video Tim.

[tori]

thank you so much. this is the only video that has successfully been able to get me to understand this theory lol. i've tried next step, khan academy, and kaplan, but this video was it. just wanted to say thank you!

[humanidee]

Thank you, this was a very helpful short video.

[matthewcusworth]

Thanks for this video Tim - I was trying to remember sociological theories from university and you've saved me pulling out all the old textbooks!

[karilynorr]

One of my favorite theories, along with Goffman's dramaturgical theory. I usually teach them together. This is great. :)

[hadiyahabib]

Hello fellow class fellows watching this video coz maam told us to

[giovannipizzato]

Holy shit, what an awesome video! Very engaging explanation, and very clear examples. Thanks for the knowledge ✌️

[jcman-lplg]

when you're too lazy to read the text books

[kptfidn]

YOOOO adopt me so I can have your last name. your existence made my day
thanks
you also haven't posted in two years, I still subbed. Cause Doctor Squirrell
that's why.

[danreid]

Just be myself & to hell with their opinions....it's my reality alone.

[deadpilled]

You hate debate, you're a tyrant. You know this, Tim.