Anthropological Perspective of Self

What is Anthropology?

  • Anthropology is the study of the human species and its ancestors, exploring human biology and cultural diversity systematically.

Concept of Self in Anthropological Perspective

  • Influence of Culture: Culture shapes the development of the self through the process of enculturation, which guides individual thoughts, emotions, and actions, leading to unique personal characteristics.

A Unit but Unitary

  • Definition by Katherine Ewing (1990): The self encompasses physical, psychological, and social attributes, combining biological, psychological, and cultural processes into a cohesive identity.

The Self as a Representation

  • Ewing's Assertion (1989): The self is an illusion formed from self-representations constructed through cultural concepts and personal memories.

Subdisciplines of Anthropology

  • Cultural Anthropology: Studies human society and culture, analyzing social and cultural similarities and differences.

  • Archeological Anthropology: Examines human behavior and cultural patterns through material remains.

  • Biological/Physical Anthropology: Focuses on human evolution, genetics, growth, biological plasticity, and the social lives of primates.

  • Linguistic Anthropology: Investigates language in social and cultural contexts, including variations in speech.

Contrasting Models of the Self

  • Egocentric Model: Centers on individualism and self-relation—“Be true to yourself.”

  • Sociocentric Model: Centers on group relations and community acceptance, adapting to group norms.

The Self Embedded in Culture

  • Definition of Culture: A set of customary behaviors and beliefs learned through enculturation, influencing self-perception and interpersonal relationships.

  • Cultural Variability: Different cultures shape the self through varying principles of thought and behavior, as highlighted by Catherine Raeff (2010).

  • Influence of Culture on Relationships: Relationships can be voluntary or duty-based, with distinct practices across societies (e.g., arranged marriages vs. individual choice).

  • Personality and Values: Traits such as humility and assertiveness, as well as achievement definitions, are culturally determined.

Key Elements of Culture

  • Symbols: Objects that stand for ideas and elicit emotions.

  • Language: A crucial cultural symbol, learned socially.

  • Norms: Standards of behavior varying from mores and laws (important norms) to folkways and customs (less binding norms) and taboos (strong prohibitions).

  • Values: Judgments about good/bad, shaping cultural norms.

  • Artifacts: Material objects representing a society's culture.

Cultural Lag

  • Definition: Occurs when material culture changes at a faster pace than non-material culture, leading to societal adaptation challenges.

Cultural Relativism

  • Franz Boas's Concept: Beliefs and practices should be understood within their cultural context, avoiding judgment based on external standards.

Ethnocentrism vs. Xenocentrism

  • Ethnocentrism: The belief in the superiority of one's culture.

  • Xenocentrism: The belief that other cultures are superior to one's own.

Challenges to Culture

  • Cultural Degradation: Results from excessive media exposure.

  • Cultural Genocide: An extreme form aimed at destroying a group's culture and identity.

  • Cultural Assimilation: The process where individuals from different backgrounds adapt to the dominant culture, often losing their original cultural traits.

Summary

  • Anthropology's Focus: Studies both physical and social aspects of humans in relation to culture. The self is dynamic, shaped by cultural and environmental influences, highlighting the extensive journey of self-discovery through anthropological insights.