Chapter 3:

Anthropological
Perspective On The Self
Presented by: Prof. Jeric James E. Landicho, RPm
Learning Outcomes
• Discuss the different representations and conceptualizations of
the self from various disciplinal perspectives;
• Examine the different influences, factors, and forces that shaped
the self;
• Compare and contrast how the self has been represented across
the different disciplines and perspectives; and
• Demonstrate critical and reflective thought in analyzing the
development of one’s self and identity by developing a theory of
the self.
 What is
Anthropology?
Etymology
•Derived from two Greek words:
•“anthropos” – human being.
•“logos” – study or science.
•Therefore, anthropology can be translated
as the "study of human being" or the
"science of humanity."
Definition of Anthropology
•Anthropology is the study of people
throughout the world, their evolutionary
history, how they behave, adapt to
different environments, communicate and
socialize with one another.
Definition of Anthropology
•The study of anthropology is concerned
both with the biological features that make
us human (such as physiology, genetic
makeup, nutritional history and evolution)
and with social aspects (such as language,
culture, politics, family and religion).
The Self Embedded
in Culture
The Self Embedded in Culture
•It suggests that our individual identities and
behaviors are deeply intertwined with the
cultural context in which we are raised.
•In other words, our sense of self is not
formed in isolation but is shaped and
influenced by the shared beliefs, values,
and practices of the society around us.
What is Culture?
•Culture (from the Latin “cultura,” meaning
"to cultivate") generally refers to patterns of
human activity and the symbolic structures
that give such activities significance and
importance.
What is Culture?
•Culture has been called "the way of life for
an entire society.“
•Culture can be defined as all the ways of
life including arts, beliefs and institutions of
a population that are passed down from
generation to generation.
Culture is Learned
•Culture is not something we're born with; it's
something we acquire over time.
•We learn culture from those around us, including
our parents, teachers, friends, and the media.
Culture is Learned
• Example:
• A child growing up in Japan
learns to remove shoes before
entering a home, a cultural
practice that signifies respect
for cleanliness.
• This behavior is not innate but is
acquired through observation
and instruction.
Culture is Shared
•Culture is shared because it's something we all
experience together as members of a group.
•It's like a common language that we use to
communicate and understand each other.
•We share the same beliefs, values, and
traditions, which help us feel connected and
part of something bigger than ourselves.
Culture is Shared
• Example:
• Filipinos share the Tagalog
language, which is used in
everyday conversations, business,
and government.
• Through language, Filipinos share
their history, values, and
experiences, fostering a sense of
community and belonging.
Culture is Symbolic
•Culture is symbolic because it consists of shared
meanings and interpretations that are assigned
to objects, events, and behaviors. These symbols
can be anything from language and gestures to
rituals and art.
Culture is Symbolic
•Example:
•A wedding ring,
symbolizes commitment
and unity in marriage in
many cultures.
Culture and Human Nature
•Culture stems from our human nature, but we
refine it to enable us to express our instincts and
urges in acceptable and sophisticated ways.
•We shared the same animal instincts with dogs,
cats, and other living creatures. However, culture
teaches us how and when to act accordingly
while gratifying these urges.
Culture and Human Nature
• Example:
• While all humans need
food, cultures differ in how
food is prepared and
eaten, such as the use of
chopsticks in East Asia or
hands in parts of India.
Culture is all Encompassing
•Culture is all-encompassing because it
permeates every aspect of human life. It's not
just about art, music, or literature; it's about how
we think, feel, behave, and interact with the
world around us.
Culture is all Encompassing
• Example:
• Indian cuisine is an excellent
illustration of how culture can
be all-encompassing. It's more
than just food; it's a reflection
of India's rich history, diverse
regions, and religious traditions.
Culture is Integrated
•Culture is integrated because its various
elements work together to create a coherent
and interconnected whole.
•This means that different aspects of culture, such
as language, religion, art, and social customs,
are interrelated and influence one another.
Culture is Integrated
• Example:
• The Japanese Tea Ceremony, or Chado, is
a prime example of how culture can be all-
encompassing. It's a ritualistic practice that
extends far beyond simply drinking tea. It's
a complex interplay of various cultural
elements, including: arts (tea bowls and
utensils), philosophy(Zen Buddhism),
etiquette, architecture (tea room, or
teama), and literature.
Culture is can be Instrumental,
Adaptive or Maladaptive
• As instrumental, culture serves as a tool to achieve specific goals
or solve problems, such as fostering innovation in a business
setting.
• As adaptive, it helps communities adjust to changing
environments or challenges, like adopting sustainable practices
in response to climate change.
• However, culture can also be maladaptive when it perpetuates
harmful behaviors or norms, such as stigmatizing mental health,
which hinders positive adaptation and leads to societal harm.
Culture is can be Instrumental,
Adaptive or Maladaptive
• Example:
• Foot binding was a practice in
ancient China where young
girls' feet were bound to
prevent growth, resulting in a
small, deformed foot. This
practice was seen as a symbol
of beauty and status,
particularly among the elite.
Culture is can be Instrumental,
Adaptive or Maladaptive
• Example:
• Instrumental: It was
instrumental in maintaining
social hierarchies and
distinguishing women of
higher social classes.
Culture is can be Instrumental,
Adaptive or Maladaptive
• Example:
• Adaptive: It reinforced
traditional gender roles
and social structures,
which may have been
beneficial for the survival
of the culture in specific
historical contexts.
Culture is can be Instrumental,
Adaptive or Maladaptive
• Example:
• Maladaptive: However, foot binding
was undoubtedly maladaptive. It
caused immense physical pain and
suffering for women, often leading to
disabilities and infections. It also
severely limited women's
opportunities and autonomy,
hindering their ability to contribute
fully to society.
Cultural Norms
•Cultural norms are the shared expectations and
rules that guide the behavior of individuals within
a society or group.
•These norms are often unspoken, but they shape
how people act, think, and interact with each
other.
Cultural Norms
• Example:
• In many Western cultures,
a handshake is a common
form of greeting. However,
in many Asian cultures,
bowing is the preferred
greeting.
Cultural Beliefs
• Cultural beliefs are the shared ideas, values, and
assumptions that a group of people hold about the
world, guiding their behavior, decision-making, and
social interactions.
• These beliefs are often passed down through
generations and deeply influence how individuals
perceive reality, interpret experiences, and understand
concepts like morality, success, and well-being.
Cultural Beliefs
• Example:
• Many people in India
believe in karma, the idea
that a person's actions in
this life will affect their fate
in the next. This belief
shapes how people
approach their behavior
and decision-making.
Cultural Values
• Cultural values are the core principles and standards
that a group or society holds in high regard, shaping the
behavior, attitudes, and interactions of its members.
• These values are deeply ingrained and often passed
down through generations, influencing how individuals
perceive right and wrong, what is prioritized in life, and
how people relate to one another.
Cultural Values
• Example:
• The Chinese belief in feng shui.
This is the ancient practice of
arranging objects in a space to
harmonize with the flow of qi
(energy). It's believed that the
placement of furniture, decor,
and even buildings can
influence a person's luck,
health, and overall well-being.
Cultural Language
• Cultural language refers to the way language
embodies and reflects the beliefs, values, norms, and
practices of a specific culture.
• It is not just a means of communication but a tool
through which cultural identity is expressed and
transmitted across generations.
• Through language, people convey culturally specific
meanings, symbols, and worldviews, shaping how
individuals perceive their social reality.
Cultural Language
• Example:
• English is the most spoken
language in the world, with
over a billion speakers,
reflecting the linguistic diversity
in global communication.
Language often conveys
cultural heritage and identity.
Cultural Diversity
•Cultural diversity refers to the existence of a
variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a
society.
•It encompasses differences in language,
traditions, beliefs, values, and practices that
enrich communities by bringing a wide range of
perspectives and experiences.
Cultural Diversity
• Example:
• The Philippines is a country
rich in cultural diversity,
and this is reflected in its
numerous festivals.
Anthropological Perspective of the
Self
•The self is seen as a culturally constructed
concept, influenced by societal norms, rituals,
and beliefs that vary widely across different
cultures.
Activity # 4
Activity # 4: Personal Reflection
• Answer the following:
• How has your cultural background shaped your understanding of self-worth
and identity?
• In what ways do cultural norms and values influence your personal goals and
aspirations?
• How do cultural expectations about gender, ethnicity, or social roles affect
your self-concept?
• Can you identify any specific cultural practices or traditions that have
impacted how you view yourself?
• What role do cultural symbols, rituals, or narratives play in shaping your sense of
self?
The End…