Which of the following best summarizes the looking-glass self concept?

The looking-glass self concept, introduced by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley, emphasizes that an individual's self-image is shaped largely by how they believe others perceive them. This process involves three key components: imagining how we appear to others, imagining how others judge that appearance, and developing a feeling about ourselves based on the perceived judgment. Therefore, the essence of the looking-glass self concept is that self-perception is significantly influenced by others’ perceptions, which aligns with the answer.

In contrast, the other options portray different ideas that do not encapsulate the looking-glass self. The notion of defining oneself through self-judgment ignores the social component that is central to Cooley’s theory. The idea that identity is static and unchangeable contradicts the fluid nature of self-concept as it evolves through social interactions and feedback over time. Lastly, suggesting that self-concept develops independently of societal views overlooks the fundamental premise of the looking-glass self that stresses the importance of societal influences in shaping our self-identity.