Pablo comes from a low-income family, but he worked hard in school and earned a full scholarship to Stanford University. Pablo is worried that his peers and professors will recognize his background and treat him differently, so he wears new clothes and attempts to hide his accent on the first day of classes. When Pablo goes home for the weekend, he leaves his new clothes behind in his dorm and does not mask his accent. Which sociological concept best explains Pablo's behavior and interactions with others?
A) the looking-glass self
B) impression management
C) the dual nature of the self
D) psychoanalysis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pablo's behavior can be best explained by impression management, which refers to the process of presenting oneself in a favorable or desirable way to others. Pablo is concerned about the way he is perceived by his peers and professors at Stanford, so he attempts to manage his impressions by wearing new clothes and hiding his accent. This behavior is an attempt to gain acceptance and avoid discrimination, but it is not sustainable in the long term. When Pablo returns home, he no longer feels the need to manage his impressions, which suggests that he views his home environment as safer and more accepting.

Pablo Comes from a Low-Income Family, but He Worked Hard