03_Handout_1A

The Self from Anthropological Perspectives

Definition of Anthropology

• Derived from Greek: anthropos (human) + logia (study).

• Anthropology is the holistic study of people across different eras and locations.

Subdisciplines of Anthropology

1. Cultural Anthropology

   • Also known as Social Anthropology.

   • Studies learned behaviors in specific cultural environments.

   • Example: Practices and beliefs of the Ifugao in the Cordillera Region.

2. Linguistic Anthropology

   • Examines the influence of language on social life.

   • Example: Languages of Indigenous communities in Mindanao and their reflection of cultural values.

3. Biological/Physical Anthropology

   • Focuses on human evolution linked to culture and behavior.

   • Example: Genetic diversity research among ethnic groups in the Philippines.

4. Archaeology

   • Analyzes material remains to reconstruct human history.

   • Example: Excavations of burial sites in Batangas uncovering artifacts like burial jars.

Contemporary Anthropology: Self and Person

• The self is shaped by norms, values, and social practices within cultural contexts.

• Individuals’ self-perception and identity management are influenced by social relationships.

• Symbols, rituals, and cultural elements play a critical role in forming identities.

• Globalization affects identity, as individuals adapt to or resist cultural changes.

The Self Embedded in Culture

• Understanding identity involves recognizing the self within cultural frameworks.

• Clifford Geertz and Cultural Context

  • Importance of cultural context in self-perception.

  • Symbolic Anthropology

    • Cultural symbols greatly influence identities.

    • Example: In Moroccan souks, items represent social status beyond economic value.

  • Cultural Embeddedness

    • Sense of self is rooted in cultural contexts.

    • Example: Javanese Shadow Puppet Theater reflects moral ideals and shapes cultural identity.

  • Performance and Interpretation

    • Identity is expressed and negotiated through social performances.

    • Example: Indian classical dance conveys mythological narratives, engaging audiences via cultural context.

• Margaret Mead and Cultural Relativity

  • Cultural norms vary and shape identities.

  • Cultural Relativity

    • Study of Arapesh tribe shows equal nurturing roles of men and women.

  • Socialization and Learning

    • Children learn norms through communal and ritual involvement.

    • Example: Manus children shape identities through communal caregiving.

  • Flexibility of Identity

    • Identities can adapt across cultures.

    • Example: Tchambuli tribe women in dominant roles contrast with Western gender norms.

Summary of Contributions

• Geertz focuses on symbolic interpretation and performance in identity within cultural settings.

• Mead emphasizes the diversity of identities shaped by cultural norms and socialization across societies.

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