Lesson 3 - ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE SELF AND THE SELF IN WESTERN /EASTERN THOUGHT

Origin of Self

explores the role that selfhood plays in defining human society. It considers the genetic and cultural origins of self, the role that self plays in socialization and language, and the types of self we generate in our individual journeys to and through adulthood. 

anthropology

he study of human societies and cultures and their development ;

● it is concerned with how cultural and biological processes interact to shape human experience

Anthropology

the scientific study of humanity, concerned with human behavior, human biology, and societies, in both the present and past, including past human species. Social anthropology studies patterns of behaviour and cultural anthropology studies cultural meaning, including norms and values.

THE ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS MODEL OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Human development occurs through a web of interconnected systems that influence a person over time.

YOU / INDIVIDUAL

The individual is at the center of development, including their characteristics, beliefs, emotions, self-concept, temperament, and choices.

MICROSYSTEM

The immediate relationships and settings that directly affect a person, such as family, friends, school, and home.

MESOSYSTEM

The connections between different environments in a person's microsystem, such as the relationship between home and school.

EXOSYSTEM

Indirect environments that affect a person even though they may not directly participate in them, such as a parent's workplace.

MACROSYSTEM

The larger cultural and societal environment that influences development, including cultural values, beliefs, laws, policies, and socioeconomic conditions.

CHRONOSYSTEM

The dimension of time and life transitions that affect development, including historical events, major life changes, and changes in society over time.

Culture 

consists of the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a particular group or society.

Culture

is the set of unwritten norms of conduct that guide the behavior of a group 

Sir Edward B. Tylor

 defined culture as “the complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities acquired by man as a member of society”.

symbols, rituals, values, norms, language

Elements of culture

symbol

is a sign, gesture, object, image, or character that represents a particular meaning.

Language

is an important element of a culture. People of a particular culture utilize a particular language to communicate with each other. Further, there are different types of languages prevalent among different cultures. 

Values

are crucial elements of a culture. They are used to characterize different things as good and bad in nature and the people of different cultures are expected to act according to them.

Norms

defined as the rules or standards of behavior shared by people of a particular culture.

Rituals

are defined as ceremonies consisting of a series of actions performed in a prescribed order.

Self-concept

refers to all understanding and knowledge of oneself.

Material culture

 refers to the physical objects, resources, technologies, and spaces created and used by members of a society. These include homes, schools, places of worship, workplaces, transportation, clothing, tools, gadgets, buildings, goods, and other technologies.

Non-material culture

 refers to the non-physical ideas, beliefs, values, norms, customs, language, morals, and traditions shared by members of a society.

• Culture is learned.

• Culture uses symbols.

• Cultures are dynamic, always adapting and changing.

• Culture is integrated with daily experience.

• Culture shapes everybody’s life.

• Culture is shared.

• Understanding culture involves overcoming ethnocentrism.

Seven basic elements of culture

Eastern world

• refers to countries in the Asia and Middle East whereas Western world refers to North and South America, Europe, Australia and New Zeeland. 

Eastern Culture

• this world are more traditional than people in the West. We consider their rituals, customs, clothing, etc. For example, Indians pay respect to their elders by touching their feet; 

Western Culture

• This World mainly refers to Europe and North America. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are some of the most common religions practiced in the Western world.

• People in the west are more open-minded than those in the east. The westerns are more open and forthright. 

Individualism

Fostering independence and individual achievement. Ex USA, GB, Australia, NZ and Canada

Collectivism

Fostering interdependence and group success. Ex. China, Korea, and Japan

Independent Self System

What system is this?

Interdependent Self System

What system is this?

Individualism 

 values personal independence. Within individualist cultures, people are more likely to “see themselves as separate from others, define themselves based on their personal traits, and see their characteristics as relatively stable and unchanging.

Collectivism 

values personal interdependence. In collectivist cultures, people are more likely to “see themselves as connected to others, define themselves in terms of relationships with others, and see their characteristics as more likely to change across different contexts.