Who proposed the concept of the "looking-glass self"?

The concept of the "looking-glass self" was proposed by Charles Horton Cooley. This sociological idea emphasizes the role of social interactions and perceptions in the shaping of an individual's self-identity. According to Cooley, people develop their self-concept based on how they believe others perceive them, how they interpret those perceptions, and how they feel about those interpretations. Essentially, it illustrates that our self-image is, in part, a reflection of how we think we are viewed by others.

This concept is fundamental in sociology as it highlights the interactive nature of self-development and underscoring the importance of social context. Cooley's notion illustrates that our self-concept is not developed in isolation but through our relationships and social experiences, making it a pivotal idea in understanding social behavior and identity formation.