Who introduced the concept of 'the looking glass self'?

The concept of 'the looking glass self' was introduced by Charles Cooley. This idea is fundamental in sociology as it describes how an individual's self-concept is formed and shaped through social interactions. Cooley posited that individuals develop their sense of self based on how they believe others perceive them, as well as how they imagine those others evaluate them. This reflection creates feelings of pride or shame, depending on the perceived judgments made by others.

Cooley's framework emphasizes the importance of society and social interaction in the formation of identity, highlighting that self-perception is not merely an internal process but is deeply influenced by social feedback. This concept stands in contrast to theories that focus solely on individual psychological development without considering social context.