In what way does the looking-glass self theory primarily operate?

The looking-glass self theory primarily operates based on how others perceive and reflect back to a person. This concept, introduced by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley, suggests that individuals form their self-image and identity through the perceptions and reactions of others in their social environment. The theory posits that people consider how they appear to others, how they imagine others judge that appearance, and finally, how the person feels about themselves based on those perceptions. Thus, self-identity is constructed socially and is significantly influenced by interpersonal interactions.

The theory emphasizes the relational aspect of self-development, highlighting the importance of feedback from others in shaping one's self-concept. This means that an individual's view of themselves is not solely formed through introspection or personal reflection, nor does it stem only from understanding societal norms without interaction. Instead, it is the interplay of self-perception and the imagined perspectives of others that fundamentally shapes one's identity according to the looking-glass self theory.