The sociological concept of the self states that our identity is shaped through social interactions and culture rather than being purely innate.

You can learn more about how this perception functions via ThoughtCo. 

Core Ideas of the Self Social Construction: We are not born with a ready-made identity. Society teaches us values, roles, and norms. 

YouTube ·Louis Montano  +3 

The Looking-Glass Self: Charles Horton Cooley suggested we imagine how we look to others. We judge ourselves based on how we think others react to us. 

Study.com 

The "I" and the "Me": George Herbert Mead divided the self into two parts. The "I" is our spontaneous, active self. The "me" is the social rules and expectations we learn from others. 

Study.com  +1 

Stages of Self-Development Preparatory Stage: Babies and toddlers copy the actions of people around them. 

Play Stage: Children pretend to be specific roles, like a doctor or a parent. 

Game Stage: Older children understand complex rules and the expectations of a whole group. Explore an overview of Mead's theories from Khan Academy. 

Read a summary of self theories on Lumen Learning. 

 Would you like to explore how modern media and consumer culture shape our identity today, or focus more on Mead and Cooley's specific theories?