Sociology Significant Others

Self-Image and Significant Others Self-image refers to the internal picture than people hold of themselves, meaning it is who we think we are. However, in many cases, who we think we are may not the same as how others see us. In my opinion, a great deal of my self-image comes from how my significant others see me. For example, everybody has an inherited temperament. (Barrat, 1991) Combined with various life experiences, this inherited temperament makes up our personality.

Some people are naturally shy and quiet; others may be loud or outgoing. It is possible to change outward behaviors and people can learn to be more outgoing or reserved. However, while the outward behavior may change, the inward temperament usually does not. Therefore, someone who has learned to overcome shyness on the outside may still be inwardly introverted. A person's self-image is made up of natural temperament and input from significant others, which may include teachers, friends, boyfriends, parents, enemies, and more.

Sociologists Charles Cooley and George Mead have created some important theories on how the self is shaped and developed by significant others. According to Cooley, the term "looking-glass self" refers to a person's development of a sense of self through the perception and imagining of how others view and react to them. Cooley believed that the self emerges through interaction with others. (Adorno, 2000) Mead referred to this process as the development of the "generalized other," which emerges from a person's concern with how other react to them.

By putting themselves in other people's shoes and judging themselves through another's eyes, people become aware of themselves and develop a self-image. Again, the importance of social interaction in self-image is stressed. In my opinion, I am a smart, funny, nice person. I am outgoing at times but also have an introverted side. While my friends may see me as outspoken, sometimes I do not speak up because I am unsure about what I am saying. I also see myself as somewhat careless, irresponsible and moody.

Overall, my self-image is positive but I know I have flaws. A find that one of the closest significant others in my life has an extraordinary effect on my self-image. Sometimes I am hard on myself, criticizing my actions, grades and looks. It can be hard to stop saying these negative things to myself. However, my boyfriend constantly shows me that I am significant to him and this message changes how I see myself.

Because he feels I am worthy of his constant praise, encouragement and attention, it changes the way I see myself. Many psychologists view significant others as people who play a major role in our lives but whom we don't necessarily wish to be like. This separates the significant other from a role model. This theory comes into play when I examine the role of my parents as significant others. My mother is a huge part of who I am.

She is both a significant other and a role model to me. I see myself as an extension of her, and since I admire her, my self-image is positive. I mimic her ways, including gestures, eating habits and moral views. If she approves of me and shows confidence in me, I feel good about myself. If she admonishes me or disapproves of my behavior, I see myself as unsuccessful or unworthy. In my opinion, my confidence, honesty and kindness come from her influence on me.

A love my father, although I do not aspire to be like him. He is far less of a role model than my mother. However, he is a significant other in my life, so he has an effect on my self-image. Since he frequently judges my behavior, he is an important source of feedback on who I am and what I am doing. His views of me affect my own views of myself. Often I feel insecure because of his judgment.

According to Mead, "by taking the role of another, we become self-aware." The self, then, has two parts. As subject, the self is active and spontaneous. Mead called the subjective side of the self "the I." However, this self is also an object, as we imagine ourselves.