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Theory of Self. Cooley theorized that individuals develop their identity in response to how they understand others' perceptions of themselves (Cooley (1909).
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The Looking Glass Self Exercise Adrianne M. Crawford Fletcher developed The Looking Glass Self Exercise from Charles Horton Cooley's (1902) Theory of Self. Cooley theorized that individuals develop their identity in response to how they understand others' perceptions of themselves (Cooley (1909). Specifically, interactions between individuals and groups hence have a tremendous influence on one's socialization (Marshall, 1998). Negative interactions based on racial, gender, gender-identity, ethnicity, and culture are increasing in the U.S. and abroad. Achieving collegial, and authentic civil group dynamics is tantamount at the outset of training intended to improve the cohesion and relationships in the group. This exercise connects group members to one another very quickly as assumptions come to the fore and fade to black, before similarities and like-mindedness take center stage, creating new realities. The Looking Glass Self Exercise and Theory of Self Each to each a looking glass, reflects the other that doth pass I am not what I think I am I am not what you think I am Rather, I am what I think you think I am (Cooley, 1902) Goals
The Looking Glass Self Exercise is a practical tool for thinking and talking about the influence of stereotypes with group participants. It is also a way to break down barriers that may exist between group participants as a result of differing cultures, ethnicities, and gender identities , etc.. Cooley's (1902;1909) concepts of 'the looking glass self', 'primary groups, and 'secondary groups' all speak to the influence others have upon the individual. Marshall (1998) specifically noted that interactions between individuals and social groups have a tremendous influence on socialization. Lastly, this exercise is effective because it is couched in storytelling. Participants become less anxious as they tell their own stories, and listen to the stories of others. This exercise is an indirect way of discussing the ‘third-rail’ topics of race, gender, ethnicity, etc.. Gyasi (2016), author of Homegoing, noted that storytelling creates new histories, and as mentioned above, new realities. Storytelling is also a political act that helps us to realize our past (Gyasi, 2016). It also helps us to co-create our future! The narrative or story, the primary concept in this exercise, becomes a tool of empowerment, which builds relationship from the ground up, enhancing group dynamics. Enhancement of Group Dynamics The Looking Glass Self Exercise is an excellent exercise for enhancing group dynamics at the beginning of a training for participants who are different from one another. This exercise allows for the discussion and management of perceived differences, whether they be cultural, gender identity, ethnicity, class, etc. Setting-up the Looking Glass Self Exercise Provide the following instructions to the group. This exercise will take approximately 30 minutes. The exercise is set up in three 8-10 minute segments. Give each participant about 5 minutes to ‘tell their story’ within segment 1 and 2. Provide ‘time warnings’ to ensure that each
References Cooley, C. (1902). Human nature and the social order. New York: Scribner's Sons Cooley, C. (1909). Social organization. New York: Scribner's Sons. Gergen, K. J., McNamee, S. & Barrett, f. (2001). Toward a vocabulary of transformative dialogue, International Journal of Public Administration 24 (7), 679-707. Gyasi, Y. (2016). Homegoing. New York:Knopf Marshall, G. (1998). Charles Horton Cooley. In Oxford dictionary of sociology (pp. 120) (2nd ed.). (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from http://www.soci.canterbury.ac.nz/resources/ biograph/ cooley.shtml Shaffer, Leigh S. (January 2005). "From mirror self-recognition to the looking-glass self: exploring the Justification Hypothesis". Journal of Clinical Psychology. 61 (1): 47–65.