INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL SCIENCESThe looking glass self

3 phases of self concept

We imagine how we present ourselves to others

We imagine how others evaluate us

We develop some sorts of feelings about us

The result of individual imagination might produce incorrect interpretationsE.g.

The teacher criticized me

The teacher must think I am not a good student

I am not a good student

There are many kinds of looking glasses portrayed on media e.g.

Women through the looking glass of men

Advertisers view of women – how they want to see themselves

Liberals through the looking glass of conservatives and vice versa