7.1
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to…
As someone navigates the social world, they may reflect on “who they are.” In reality, the narrative of one’s self is created as a product of construal processes.
That is, individuals construct their sense of self based on many influential sources, including main socialization agents—people like family members, friends, and teachers—as well as social contexts.
For instance, starting in her early years, the woman’s parents encouraged daily art lessons, attended every showing, and celebrated prestigious accomplishments. As a result, being an artist is at the core of her sense of self.
Along the course of obtaining self-knowledge, she may also be motivated to view herself favorably, in part through two convictions: reflection and social comparison.
On the one hand, in reflected self-appraisal—someone’s sense of self is likely based on their perceived beliefs about what others think of them. Here, when her friend laughs at her commentary, it’s like the observer’s reaction is mirrored back, and she believes she has a sense of humor.
Moreover, in another context, the same person may express a different characteristic. Now that her favorite professor is nearby, she shifts to a serious demeanor. This case refers to the working self-concept—the idea that a subset of self-knowledge is brought to mind, given the particular context.
In this manner, people can predictably change who they are. They may retrieve their sense of studiousness around someone like a professor and laziness when they don’t want to study.
On the other hand, people may actively search for others to assess themselves. In this circumstance of social comparison, a person relies on someone else to learn about their own abilities, attitudes, and traits.
For example, if she is thinking about herself as hard-working, she might look to others to compare to them how hard she works. She's likely to choose someone who is less hardworking than her to make herself feel better, which is an example of a downward social comparison.
However, this type of comparison can be harmful because it impedes her ability to improve and learn from someone who knows more than she does.
In contrast, an upward social comparison—in which she compares herself to someone who is more hardworking than she is—may motivate her to work harder.
Regardless, one’s sense of self is constructed, maintained, and adjusted as people encounter others or even move from one context to another. Why not create empowering alter egos!
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Q1: How does reflected self-appraisal shape a person's sense of self?
Reflected self-appraisal means your sense of self is based on your perceived beliefs about what others think of you. When someone reacts to your behavior—like laughing at your joke—you mirror that reaction and develop a corresponding self-perception. This process, called the looking glass self, means others' reactions function as a mirror reflecting back your identity.
Q2: What is the working self-concept and how does context affect it?
The working self-concept is the subset of self-knowledge activated in a particular social context. You may retrieve different characteristics depending on who is present: displaying humor with friends but seriousness around a professor. This demonstrates that people predictably change aspects of their identity based on situational cues and social expectations.
Q3: How do socialization agents like family and peers influence self-development?
Family members, friends, teachers, and peer groups are primary socialization agents who shape your sense of self through daily interaction and feedback. Parents' encouragement and celebration of accomplishments embed core identity traits—like being an artist—into your self-concept. Peer groups provide additional socialization experiences outside the family, helping adolescents develop identity separate from parental influence.
Q4: What is the difference between upward and downward social comparison?
In downward social comparison, you compare yourself to someone less skilled or accomplished to feel better about yourself, though this limits growth. Upward social comparison involves comparing yourself to someone more capable, which can motivate improvement and learning. Both types influence self-perception, but upward comparison better supports personal development and skill advancement.
Q5: How do construal processes contribute to building your sense of self?
Your sense of self is constructed through construal processes—the way you interpret and make meaning from social interactions and contexts. You actively construct your identity based on influential sources including family, friends, teachers, and social environments. This narrative of self is not fixed but continuously shaped by how you interpret others' reactions and social situations.
Q6: Why might downward social comparison be harmful to personal growth?
Downward social comparison can feel good temporarily but impedes your ability to improve and learn from others. By comparing yourself only to those less capable, you miss opportunities to develop new skills or gain knowledge from more experienced individuals. This strategy limits motivation for growth and prevents you from reaching your full potential.
Q7: How do institutional agents like schools and media contribute to socialization?
Formal institutions such as schools teach behavioral norms like teamwork and scheduling, while mass media distributes messages about societal expectations and values. Schools spend significant time socializing children into cultural norms beyond academic subjects. Media influences social standards through constant exposure to messages about material and nonmaterial culture, shaping how people view themselves and others.