Which theory of socialization states that our identity is formed from our perceptions of how others judge us?

The correct answer is Cooley's Looking Glass Self, which posits that a significant part of our self-identity is shaped through our interactions with others and our perceptions of how we believe they view us. This theory highlights three main components: how we imagine we appear to others, how we think others judge that appearance, and how we feel as a result of that judgment. Essentially, our sense of self is developed based on the feedback we receive from social interactions, making the perception of others a crucial aspect of identity formation.

This theory underscores the importance of social context and relationships in understanding who we are. The emphasis on perception indicates that our self-image may not necessarily reflect reality but is significantly influenced by our interpretations of others' opinions. This gives insight into the relational dynamics that contribute to identity rather than solely focusing on individual traits or psychological processes.

In contrast, Mead's Social Self Theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and the internalization of societal norms but does not specifically articulate the reflective nature of identity as Cooley does. Freud's Developmental Theory focuses primarily on psychosexual stages of development and internal drives, whereas Erikson's Psychosocial Theory addresses identity in terms of social crises across the lifespan but is not specifically about the perceptions of others