Symbolic Interactionism: The Base Theory Of The Looking Glass Self, By Charles Cooley

Symbolic Interactionist
Symbolic Interactionist, is a concept that borders on the fringes of sociology, speech and communications, and even human psychology. The term was first coined by Herbert Bulmer who did not invent the concept. The concept was created by his professor at the University of Chicago and renowned social phycologist George Herbert Mead. The basic premise of this concept is that the very root of being human is being social creatures and our connection to each other. It is in this light that we judge our actions and choices as either successful and appropriate. Another important aspect of this theory that differentiates humans from animals is our ability and almost autonomous goal oriented behavior. Lions don’t think to themselves, if I produce more food for the pack then I will be King one day, animals don’t think long term, they react and think about survival. Whereas humans think if I don’t finish high school, people will think less of me and it will be harder to earn a living in the future, whereas others think the same about collage leading them to devote the actions and money to meet social standards that will allow them to live a life that meets a different

The looking glass theory states that from a very young age we develop our self-worth and our perceived place in life. This is because we are a social species and that needs others to evaluate our progress as a human and to thrive to our full potential. It is this basic concept that ties the two theory’s, we are constantly defining and redefining our status and situation in life. We use others opinions and reactions to our thoughts and actions to determine if those behaviors or ideas are acceptable in cultural terms, and what classification of people our words and actions place us