Anthropological Perspective of the Self

Anthropology

definition: the study of humans, our societies, cultures, and how we develop over time

Anthropology

Contribution: Helps us understand why people act the way they do and what makes our identity unique

nature

genetic inheritance (sets potentials)

nurture

sociocultural environment

complementary

The culture and the self are ?

Edward Tylor

definition of culture: “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, moral, law, customs…” who?

Clifford Geertz

“Culture is not behavior, but a set of control mechanisms, plan, recipes, and rules for governing behavior” Who?

Moi
Personne

What are the two faces of the self?

Marcel Mauss Theory

The two faces of the self: Moi and Personne

kaninong theory to

Moi

Person’s basic identity and biological givenness (body)

Personne

The social concepts of what it means to be who he is (social identity)

the identity box

Definition: features a person chooses to emphasize in constructing a socialself

universally used markers

kinship, gender, age

other key markers

ethnicity, personal appearance, socioeconomic status

family membership

is the most significant feature in determining social identity

Egocentric view
collectivistic View
sociocentric view

what are the societal views of the self? (3)

egocentric view

self is an autonomous and distinct individual, capable of acting independently (a replica of all humanity)

collectivistic view

self prioritizes the group (family, community), over the individual

sociocentric View

self is the contingent on the situation or social setting; no intrinsic self enduring qualities (context-dependent)

collectivist orientation
family centered identity
values

The filipino self: (3)

Collectivist orientation

prioritizes the group over the individual

family-centered indentity

self concept is defined in relation to family and community

values

Kapwa (shared identity/togetherness), Hiya (sense of shame/fear of social disapproval) Pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relationships)

family

shared identity/togetherness

hiya

sense of shame/ fear of social disapproval

pakikisama

smooth interpersonal relationships

Cultural Transitions: Rites of Passage

Definition: ritual activities that prepare indiv for new roles from one stage oflife to another (ex. birth, marriage, death)

separation
liminality
incorporation

what are the 3 phases of rites of passage?

Arnold Van Gennep

kaninong model yung 3 phases of rites of passage?

separation

detaching from former identity (ex. bride walking down aisle)

liminality

transition phase between identities (eg. wedding ceremony)

Incorporation

change in status is officially recognized (eg. wedding reception)

personal naming

a universal practice that establishes a child’s birthright and social identity

aymara indians
icelanders
Minangkabau

cross-cultural examples of personal naming?

aymara indians

name given at age 2

icelanders

paternal given name as last name

minangkabau

matrilineal naming

dynamic self

the self is constantly EVOLVING, shapes by both the culture we learn and the new cultures be adopt

enculturation

cultures we learn

acculturation

new cultures we adopt