Identity
Sociology Theories
The Looking Glass Self Theory
Title of Theory: The Looking Glass Self
Definition : Personal insecurity you display in social situations is determined by what you believe other people think of you.
Founders of Theory (if applicable) : Charles Horton Cooley
Elements of the Theory: Self concepts based on their understanding of how others perceive them
Make specific connections between theories using textual evidence : The first document says, “Social identity is a person’s sense of who they are based on their group membership(s)”. Usually when they are in a group they feel important and it boosts their self-esteem. In the Looking Glass Theory the individual is usually insecure about themselves. The author of The Looking Glass states, “-interacting with others we are vulnerable for changing our own self-image.” When in a group they can base their identity on the group instead of themselves. This makes the person’s identity not as authentic as if that person was by themselves and they had a higher self-esteem.
Answer the EQs
How do we form and shape our identities?
We form our identities by changing ourselves to whatever we think our peers think of us.
In a culture where we are bombarded with ideas and images of “what we should be,” how does one form an identity that remains true and authentic for her/himself?
People are heavily influenced by their peers, and have very low self esteem. If the individual change their opinions of others opinions about what they think others think of them, the individual will be truer to one self.
Use NoodleTools to cite sources. :
Isaksen, Joachim Vogt. "The Looking Glass Self: How Our Self-image is Shaped by
Society." Popular Social Science. Popular Social Science, 27 May 2013. Web.
18 Nov. 2014. <http://www.popularsocialscience.com/2013/05/27/
the-looking-glass-self-how-our-self-image-is-shaped-by-society/>Social Identity Theory
Title of Theory: Social Identity Theory
Definition: A person’s sense of who they are based on their group membership(s)
Founders or Theory (if applicable): Henri Tajfel
Elements of the Theory: Groups, discrimination, stereotype, differences, similarities
Make specific connections between theories using textual evidence: The Looking Glass Self says, “How we see ourselves does not come from who we really are, but rather from rather how we believe others see us” which is almost the same as what Social Identity Theory says, “Groups give us a sense of social identity: a sense of belonging to the social world”.
Answer the EQs
How do we form and shape our identities?: By being in different groups
In a culture where we are bombarded with ideas and images of “what we should be,” how does one form an identity that remains true and authentic for her/himself?: By making our group seem better than “what we should be”
McLeod, Saul. "Social Identity Theory." SimplyPsychology. SimplyPsychology, 2008. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.simplypsychology.org/social-identity-theory.html>.
Identity Theory
Title of Theory: James Marcia’s Identity Theory
Definition: Theory where your identity is based on the social and personal decisions and commitments that you make
Founders or Theory (if applicable): James Marcia
Elements of the Theory:Identity is based largely off of two main areas, Occupation and Ideology. There are four identity statuses, Diffusion, Foreclosure, Moratorium, and Achievement
Make specific connections between theories using textual evidence:
Answer the EQs
How do we form and shape our identities? By the social and professional decisions and values that you have.
In a culture where we are bombarded with ideas and images of “what we should be,” how does one form an identity that remains true and authentic for her/himself? Identify what state of identity you are in and to try and develop your identity the way you want it to be, not the way others want it to be.