Cooley’s theory of socialization involves his notion of the looking-glass self. The looking-glass self refers to a self-image that is based on how we think others see us. He posited a three-step process in developing this self:

Step 1

We imagine that a significant other perceives us in a certain way.

Step 2

We imagine that he or she makes a judgment about us based on that perception.

Step 3

We form a self-image based on how we think our significant other sees us.

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