Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead both have theories on how individuals develop and modify their sense of self. What makes these theories different from one another? Cooley’s theory is more about our interactions; Mead’s is more about our role-taking.

Cooley’s theory has four distinct stages; Mead’s has three distinct stages.

Cooley’s theory stresses human interaction; Mead’s stresses personal reflection.

Cooley’s theory involves children; Mead’s involves adults.