Module 3- Anthropological Perspective OF THE SELF PDF

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MODULE 3 ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE SELF Introduction The 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. Edwardes argues that other awareness is a relatively early evolutionary development, present throughout the primate clade and perhaps beyond, but self-awareness is a product of the sharing of social models, something only humans appear to do. The self of whom we are aware is not something innate within us, it is a model of our self-produced as a response to the models offered to us by other people. Edwardes proposes that human construction of selfhood involves seven different types of self. All but one of them are internally generated models, and the only non- model, the actual self, is completely hidden from conscious awareness. We rely on others to tell us about our self, and even to let us know we are a self. Learning Outcomes After the learning session, the students are able to: 1. increase awareness of the various dimensions of anthropology and its influence on self-concept; 2. understand how each culture develop a unique cultural lens; 3. examine their own cultural identity from a global perspective; and 4. demonstrate critical and reflective thought in analyzing how culture influences our beliefs and behavior through an essay. Learning Content In anthropology, the self-came to be understood as a process that orchestrates an individual's personal experience following which s/he becomes self-aware and selfreflective about her or his place in society. This chapter seeks to explore the role selfhood plays in defining human society, and each human individual in that 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 ● The study of human societies and cultures and their development ● it is concerned with how cultural and biological processes interact to shape human experience Self as Embedded in Culture

Self-concept refers to all understanding and knowledge of oneself. The components of self-concepts include: psychological, physical and social attitudes, ideas and beliefs that one has. The most influence in terms of self-concept is family’s history, basically referring to the culture one has been brought up in, and the experiences he or she has undergone. Various studies have been carried out concerning the impact culture may have towards self-concept. One such study was carried out by Erdman (2006) using American and Chinese students, requesting them to recall memories and events of their early years of childhood. In his study, Erdman found out that early childhood memories were a big part of self-concept. The findings demonstrated that different cultural memories are brought about by early childhood years and persist into adulthood. The differences are formed both in the extended cultural contexts which defines the meaning of the self and the immediate family environment. In conclusion, culture has such a greater influence on an individual’s life contributing majorly to the self-concept of an individual. The influence might either be negative or positive depending on the type of culture that one has been brought up in. It is important that individuals study and appreciate their culture and its contribution in shaping their individual personalities. Culture is the set of unwritten norms of conduct that guide the behavior of a group Edward Taylor- defined the culture that it is a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man. Material and Non-material Culture Sociologists describe two interrelated aspects of human culture: the physical objects of the culture and the ideas associated with these objects. Material culture refers to the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture. These include homes, neighborhoods, cities, schools, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, offices, factories and plants, tools, means of production, goods and products, stores, and so forth. All of these physical aspects of a culture help to define its members' behaviors and perceptions. For example, technology is a vital aspect of material culture in today's Filipino Society. Students in highly urbanized cities must learn to use computers to survive in college and business, in contrast to young adults in the ethnic societies who must learn to build weapons and hunt. Non‐material culture refers to the nonphysical ideas that people have about their culture, including beliefs, values, rules, norms, morals, language, organizations, and institutions. For instance, the non‐material cultural concept of religion consists of a set

of ideas and beliefs about God, worship, morals, and ethics. These beliefs, then, determine how the culture responds to its religious topics, issues, and events. When considering non‐material culture, sociologists refer to several processes that a culture uses to shape its members' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Four of the most important of these are symbols, language, values, and norms. Two Anthropological Perspectives of the Self 1. Egocentric- a concept of the self where the self is seen as an autonomous and distinct individual. 2. Socio-centric- according to this view, there is no intrinsic self that can possess enduring qualities. Three-Phased Rite of Passage by Arnold Van Gennep 1. Separation Phase- in this phase, people detach from their former identity to another 2. Liminality Phase- in this phase, a person transitions from one identity to another 3. Incorporation Phase- in this phase, the change in one's status is officially incorporated Anthony Wallace and Raymond Fogelson- coined the term "identity struggles" Identity Struggles- a term coined by Wallace and Fogelson to characterize interaction in which there is a discrepancy between the identity a person claims to possess and the identity attributed to that person by other. Self-identification- in order to attain this, individuals have to overcome many obstacles Katherine Ewing- formulated the "Illusion of Wholeness" Illusion of Wholeness- implies that the cohesiveness and continuity of self are only illusory Cultural Differences- exists when groups of people assign different meanings to different life events and things Key Terms Social Identities- people construct their self-identity from the similarities and differences in characteristics among individuals. Example: You have categorized yourself as a student, the chances are you will adopt the identity of a student and begin to act in the ways you believe students act (and conform to the norms of the group).

Family Membership- the most significant feature to determine a person's social identity. Example: A person’s social identity can be determined based on the influence of his/her family background (history, status, traits, or even resources) Language- viewed as an essential for the maintenance of group identity. Example: As people become members of a social group and learn to share that group's identity, they need to adapt to the group’s language. Religious Affiliation- an important marker for group identity in a given society. Example: In a predominantly Catholic country, the majority of Filipinos qualify themselves as members of the Roman Catholic Church. Name- an important device to individualize a person and legitimize him or her as a member of a social group. Example: When you were born, you were given a name documented through a birth certificate to legalize your birth....