Lesson 4: Anthropological Views of the Self

Anthropology

It teaches that the self is shaped by culture. Different cultures have different concepts of personhood. The self is not purely biological or individual—it is social, relational, and contextual.

Egocentric Self

The self is seen as autonomous, independent, and unique. This view is common in Western cultures.

Sociocentric Self

The self is relational, defined by social roles and group identity. This view is common in non-Western cultures.

Egocentric vs. Sociocentric Self Example

In the West, people may ask “Who am I?” In other cultures, they may ask “Who am I in relation to others?”

Enculturation

The process by which individuals learn the values, norms, and behaviors of their culture. Through this, people develop a culturally specific sense of self, including ideas about gender, age roles, morality, and family.

Enculturation

An example of this is Lina, raised in a traditional family, learns values like respecting elders and prioritizing family. She takes on gender roles (helping her mother while her brother learns the family business) and internalizes morals like honesty and kindness.

Self in Relation to Kinship, Ritual, and Belief Systems

In many cultures, the self is closely tied to family, community, religion, and tradition. Identity may be based more on roles (daughter, warrior, healer) than traits. Rituals affirm one’s identity and role in society.

Identity

In cultures, it may be based more on roles (daughter, warrior, healer) than traits.

Rituals

In cultures, it affirm one’s identity and role in society.

Kinship and Ritual

An example of this is an Indigenous community, Maya’s identity comes from her roles as daughter and future healer. A coming-of-age ritual affirms her role and connects her to traditions and society.

Clifford Geertz

He believed that the self as a cultural artifact.

The Self as a Cultural Artifact

Geertz argued that humans are incomplete without culture. The self is not innate but something we become through cultural learning.

Self as a Cultural Artifact

An example of this is Ava, raised in a multicultural city, learns her heritage through traditions, language, and community. Her sense of self is shaped by culture, proving Geertz’s idea that the self is formed through cultural learning.