How Do People Self-Legitimize Themselves, That Is, Define Themselves Vis-à-Vis

How do people self-legitimize themselves, that is, define themselves vis-à-vis an idealized and generalized other?

A) They are positively reinforced by seeing themselves as this generalized other.
B) They reimagine themselves according to Mead.
C) When they find like role models; that is, when they develop a belief in the greater competence of those with more resources.
D) When they learn to mirror or mimic the self-efficacy of the wealthy individual.