Marginalized through the “Looking Glass Self” The development of Stereotypes and Labeling

Abstract

The “looking glass-self,” a concept created by Charles Cooley supported the theory that individuals learn to see themselves based on how society views them. The “looking glass-self” presented the idea that all of us take on characteristics that are predominately influenced by what we believe society perceives of us to be. This article will explore terminology and concepts essential for understanding the notion of the “looking glass self” with comparison to that of how social stereotypes and labelling can influence behaviours, attitudes and beliefs of marginalised groups of people as described by Adams, Bell and Griffin (2007).