WHAT IS SELF?

The self, In contemporary literature and even common sense, is

commonly define by the following characteristics: “Separate, Self-
contained and independent, Consistent, Unitary, and Private” (Stevens,
1996)
Separate
It is meant that the self is distinct from other selves. The self is always
unique and has it own identity one cannot be another person. Even twins
are distinct from each other.
Self-contained and Independent
Because in itself it can exist its distinctness allows it to be self-contained
with its own thoughts, characteristics and volition. It does not require
other self for it to exist.
Consistent
Because it has a personality that is enduring and therefore can be
expected to persist for a quite some time. It’s consistency allows it to be
studied, described and measured, consistency also means that a
particular self’s traits, characteristics, tendencies, and potentialities are
more or less the same.
Unitary
Center of all experiences and thoughts that run through a certain person.
It is like the chief command post in an individual where all processes,
emotions, and thought converge.
Private
Each person sorts out information, feelings and emotions, and thought
processes within the self. This whole process is never accessible to anyone
but the self is isolated from external world.
The Self in Relation to Itself
Self-reflection allows individuals to develop a deeper understanding of
themselves. Their relationships with others, and their place in the world
involves asking questions such as “who am I?” “what do I believe?” “what
are my goals and aspiration?” “what are my strength and weaknesses?”
and “how do I relate to others?”
The Self in Families
Apart from anthropological and psychological basis for the
relationship between the self and the social world the sociological likewise
struggled to understand the real connection between the two concepts in
doing so sociologies focus on the different institution in powers at play in
the society among these the most prominent is the family gender has to
be personally discovered and asserted in that dictated by culture and
society
Gender and the Self
Here is another important aspects of the self and gender. GENDER is
one of those loci of the self that is subject to alteration, change and
development. We have seen in the past years how people fought hard for
the right to express, validate and assert their gender expression.
However, rom the point of view of the social sciences and the self, it
is important to give one leeway to find, express and live his identity. The
account illustrate that our gender partly determines how we see ourselves
in the world. Often times society forces a particularly identity onto us
depending on our sex or gender
Both Vygotsky and Mead threat the human mind as something that
is made constituted through language as experience in the external world
and as encounter in dialogs with others. A young child internalized while
use norms practices and social beliefs in more through exposure to these
dialogs that will eventually become part of his individual world. Wiggleski
for this part a child internalized real life dialogs that he has had with
others with his family his friend Marie caregiver or his playmates
Social Constructivists Perspective of the Self
From this perspective the concern of this lesson is in understanding
the vibrant relationship between the self and external reality this reality is
called social constructionist perspective that argues to for a merge view of
the person in their social context where the boundaries of one cannot
easily be separated from boundaries of the others
Social contructionist argue the self should not be seen as a static
entity that says content through and through rather the serve has to be
seen as something that is in unceasing flux in a constant struggle with
external reality and is malleable in its dealing with society
As a man of different role as (a father friend teacher husband )one
can expect a person to change and adjust his behaviors ways and even
language depending on his social situation we ourselves play different
rules acts in various ways depending on our circumstances this is not only
normal but it is also acceptable and expected the self is capable of
morphine and fitting itself into any circumstances it depends itself in.
The Self and Culture
Remaining the same person turning chameleon by adapting to one’s
context seems paradoxical. A French Anthropologist MARCEL MAUSS has
an explanation for this phenomenon. According to Mauss, every self has
two faces: personne and moi.
Moi- refers to a person’s sense of who he is, his body, and basic identity,
his biological governess. Moi is a person’s basic identity personne on the
other hand, is composed of the social concepts of what it means to be
who he is.
Personne- has much to do with what it means to live in particular
institution, a particular family, a particular religion, a particular nationality
and how to behave given expectations and influences from others.
The Self and Development of Social World
The unending terrain of metamorphosis of the self is mediated by
language. Language as both a publicly shared and privately utilized
symbol system is the site where the individual and the social make and
remake each other.
Mead and Vygotsky
For mead and vygotsky the way that the human person develop is
with the use of language acquistion and interactions with other - without a
family biologically and sociologically a person may not even survive or
became a human person.
SOCIETY
A society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction,
or a large social group sharing the same geographical or social territory,
typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural
expectations.
ELEMENTS OF SOCIETY
1. Likeness:
Likeness of members in a social group is the primary basis of their
mutuality. May in the beginning assumed or real common lineage,
tribal affinity, family benefit, or compactness due to a common time
inculcated between and among the members in the group the
feeling of likeness. Likeness means mutuality, and that means
Society.
2. The Reciprocal Awareness:
Likeness is generative of reciprocity. Once some are aware of the
mutual likeness, they, certainly differentiate against those who are
not like them. The problem of likes and dislikes was concomitant to
the social growth. Consciousness of this kind, alone could make
sense of likeness. All social action is based on reciprocal response.
This alone, makes possible, the we-feeling.
3. Differences:
 The sense of likeness is not always sufficient for social organization.
It does not exclude diversity. The social structure is based on the
family, the economic structure on the division of labor, and the
culture on differences in thoughts and ideals.
4. Interdependence:
Society implies interdependence. It is another essential element to
constitute society. It is not possible for human being to satisfy his
desire in isolation
5. Cooperation:
Cooperation is also another essential element to constitute society.
Without cooperation, no society can exist. If the members of the
society do not work together for the common purposes, they cannot
lead a happy and comfortable life. Cooperation avoids mutual
destructiveness and results in economy. In the words of P. Gisbert,
“Cooperation is the most elementary process of social life without
which society is impossible.”
6. Conflict:
Conflict is an ever present phenomenon present in every human
society. Not only cooperation but also conflict in necessary for the
formation of society. They must coexist in a healthy society. Conflict
is a process of struggle through which all things have come into
existence.

CHARLES HORTON COOLEY’S THEORY

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY OF SELF

Man develops the concept of self with the help of others. Man does
not come to form opinions about him unless and until he comes into
contact with other people and knows their opinions about himself. He
forms to the concept of himself on the basis of opinions held by others
about him.
The looking-glass self is a social psychological concept created by
Charles Horton Cooley in 1902. It states that a person’s self grows out
of society’s interpersonal interactions and the perceptions of others. The
term refers to people shaping their identity based on the perception of
others, which leads the people to reinforce other people’s perspectives on
themselves. People shape themselves based on what other people
perceive and confirm other people’s opinion of themselves.
THREE PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF LOOKING GLASS SELF
• OUR PERCEPTION OF HOW WE LOOK TO OTHERS
• OUR PERCEPTION OF THE JUDGEMENT OF HOW WE LOOK
• OUR FEELINGS ABOUT THE JUDGEMENT
First, we imagine how we must appear to others.
Second, we imagine the judgment of that appearance.
Finally, we develop our self through the judgments of others.
In hypothesizing the framework for the looking glass self, Cooley
said, “the mind is mental” because “the human mind is social. ” In other
words, the mind’s mental ability is a direct result of human social
interaction. Beginning as children, humans begin to define themselves
within the context of their socialization. The child learns that the symbol of
his/her crying will elicit a response from his/her parents, not only when
they are in need of necessities, such as food, but also as a symbol to
receive their attention. George Herbert Mead described the self as “taking
the role of the other,” the premise for which the self is actualized. Through
interaction with others, we begin to develop an identity about who we are,
as well as empathy for others.
An example of the looking-self concept is computer technology.
Using computer technology, people can create an avatar, a customized
symbol that represents the computer user. For example, in the virtual
world of Second Life, the computer user can create a human-like avatar
that reflects the user in regard to race, age, physical makeup, status, and
the like. By selecting certain physical characteristics or symbols, the
avatar reflects how the creator seeks to be perceived in the virtual world
and how the symbols used in the creation of the avatar influence others’
actions toward the computer user.
THE SELF AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WORLD
More than his givenness (personality, tendencies, propensities,
among other) on is believed to be active participation in the shaping of
the self. The unending terrain of the metamorphosis of the is mediated by
language. Language is both publicly shared and privately utilized symbol
system is the where the individual and social make and each other
(Schwartz, White and Luke 1993)
The unending terrain of metamorphosis of the self is mediated by
language. Language as both a publicly shared and privately utilized
symbol system is the site where the individual and the social make and
remake each other.
There is no social in the spiritual world, it's all individual and ends
there, the alpha & omega are the individual. They focus in there. Social or
society being a congregation of beings living together cannot be targetted
to lift themselves up tht never happened. To change society, you need to
transform individuals. That is what uplifts, transforms or develops if you
like to call it, the social order. In short, the Individual is the only hope.
GEORGE HERBERT MEAD AND LEV SEMYONOVICH VYGOTSKY
 For Mead and Vygotsky humas develop through the use and
acquisition of language and interaction with others. The way information is
processed is the way of internal dialogue in our head. “Should I do this or
if I do this…Do I have other option?” in this way cognitive and emotional
mimicry of how things are to be done in then social world is the external
reality where he is in.
MEAD’S THREE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SELF
STAGE ONE- PREPARATORY
The preparatory stage lasts from the time we are born until we are
about age two. Within this stage the child mimics The child has no
understanding in regards to the meaning behind the words, actions, or
tone of voice.
STAGE TWO– PLAY
The play stage lasts from about age two to six. Within this stage, the
child pretends and still does not adhere to the rules within organized
games. During this stage, the child will ‘pretend’ to be mommy or daddy,
depending on their observation.
STAGE THREE– GAME
The game stage lasts from seven years to onward. At this stage the
child begins to comprehend and adhere to rules of games. Formalization
begins at this stage. While pretending, rather than mirroring their
observation, the child will become more independent in their roles. The
child begins taking this perspective into account during this stage.
These identified stages have not been referred to Mead’s stages.
During these stages of self development, it is imperative to bring the child
up in a healthy environment. The child immediately beings to have input
at birth, which will impact their development. While the child will begin to
formalize and choose their self at stage three, that decision will be due to
the influence of stages one and two.
GEORGE HERBERT MEAD’S THEORY
Mead has given a sociological analysis of the process of
socialization. According to him, the self develops out of the child’s
communicative contract with others. The newborn infant has need like
those for food and clothing that press for satisfaction. The mother satisfies
these needs and the child comes to depend upon her and identifies
himself with her emotionally.
Mead has given a sociological analysis of the process of
socialization. According to him, the self develops out of the child’s
communicative contract with others. The newborn infant has need like
those for food and clothing that press for satisfaction. The mother satisfies
these needs and the child comes to depend upon her and identifies
himself with her emotionally.
The child differentiates himself from his mother and then integrates
her into a subordinate role. The same process is repeated for the father.
This helps the child internalize the roles of others, leading to self-
development. George H. Mead suggests that self-reflection is achieved by
assuming the roles of others and imagining their perspective. This allows
the individual to treat themselves as both subject and object.

WHAT IS CULTURE?
Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of
people, encompassing language.
Examples of Culture

• Festivals - Ati-Atihan Festival, Sinulog Festival, MassKara Festival,

Dinagyang Festival,
• Cuisine - Balut, Stargazy Pie, Fruit Bat Soup.
• Clothing – Armenia: Taraz, Bangladesh: Sari (women), Panjabi (men),
Bhutan: Kira (women), Gho (men), Brunei: Baju Kurung (women),
Baju Melayu (men), Cambodia: Sampot, Krama, China: Qipao
(women), Tangzhuang (men), Hong Kong: Qipao, Western fusion,
India: Sari, Salwar Kameez (women), Dhoti, Sherwani (men),
Indonesia: Batik, Kebaya, Sarong
• Architecture - Eiffel Tower, Pyramid of Egypt, Taj Mahal, St. Basil’s
Cathedral.
• Arts – Paintings: Mona Lisa, Musical Theatre: Opera- Le nozze di
Figaro( The Marriage of Figaro), Dances – Tinikling.

Festivals in the Philippines

Exotic Cuisines in the World
Different Clothing in Asia
Architectures around the World
Different Arts Forms
What is Religion?

Religion is the belief in, or worship of to a supernatural power or powers

considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny.

Examples of Religion
 Buddhism
 Christianity
 Hinduism
 Islam
 Judaism

BUDDHISM
Core Beliefs
 Buddhism believes that life is not a bed of roses. Instead, there is
suffering, pain, and frustration.
• When people suffer, they want to experience the goodness of life
and avoid disappointments, it becomes a habit known as the
reactive cycle of wanting and hating, like and dislike, band craving
and aversion. This reactive cycle can be broken through the practice
of meditation. More wisdom deeper understanding, and acceptance
of things as they are.

CHRISTIANITY
Core Beliefs
Christians believe in a Trinitarian God (Holy Trinity).
One God in three personas:
1. God the Father(Creator)
2.God the Son (Savior), and
3. God the Holy Spirit (Sustainer).
• Eternal after death will be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Jesus Christ is, God the Son, who came into flesh, to spread the
good news of salvation.
• He died on the cross for the sins of humanity but was resurrected
from death so that anyone who believes in him will be saved in have
eternal life
HINDUISM
Core beliefs
• Hinduism covers a wide range of traditional beliels and religious
groups; thus, there is no single founder or leader.
• Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth,
governed by Karma.
• Karma is a concept where the reincarnated life will depend on how
the past life was spent.
• Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive
lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the
previous life was lived.
• Vedas are sacred Scriptures of Hindus
• Mahabharata and Ramayana are two other important texts of the
Hindus.

ISLAM
Core beliefs
• Islam means willing submission to God
• Muslims believe that Mohammed is the last and final prophet sent
by God. Mohammed was born in Mecca in 570 CE and received
revelations from God through the Angel Gabriel over 23 years
• The Holy Bible of Islam is called the Quran, which was taught to be
recited in Arabic because any translation is seen as inadequate

JUDAISM
Core beliefs

• The Jews believed in the God of Abraham, the same God that
liberated the Hebrew slaves from Egypt to Canaan, the promised
land through the leadership of Moses and later, Joshua.
• The Jews belleve in the coming of Messiah, the Savior.
• The sacred scripture of the Jews is called the Torah or the Law
• The Torah is the guide of the Jewish living. The study and
interpretation of the Torah are part of the Jewish culture.
 What is Cultural Relativism?

Cultural relativism is the position that there is no universal

standard to measure cultures by, and that all cultural values and
beliefs must be understood relative to their cultural context, and not
judged based on outside norms and values. Proponents of cultural
relativism also tend to argue that the norms and values of one
culture should not be evaluated using the norms and values of
another

What is culture?
“Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, arts,
morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by
man as a member of society” (Tylor, 1958)
“Culture is the ways of thinking, the ways of acting, and the material
objects that together form a people’s way of life. Culture includes what we
think, how we act, and what we own” (Macionis, 2017).

Types of Culture
 Material culture - physical things created by the members of the
society (Macionis, 2017)
 Nonmaterial culture - ideas and other non-physical things created by
the members of the society (Macionis, 2017).

What are the components of culture?

Symbol - anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by people
who share a culture.
 Culture Shock - inability to “read” the meaning of symbols in strange
surroundings.
Language - is a system of symbols that allows people to communicate
with one another.
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis - holds that people see and understand the world
through the cultural lens of language.
(An example of Sapir-Whorf thesis manifesting how Filipinos and
Americans define rice in its different form.)
Values and Beliefs
• Values - culturally defined standards that people use to decide what
is desirable, good, and beautiful and that serve as broad guidelines
for social living.
• Beliefs - specific thoughts or ideas that people hold to be true (as
supported by the son holds) values a person.
Norms - are rules and expectations by which a society guides the behavior
of its members.
• Mores - are norms that are widely observed and have great moral
significance. (ex: Wedding as a religious sacrament that is highly
regarded by Filipinos)
• Taboo - is a strict prohibition of behavior that is strongly held by a
society. (ex: Filipinas are prohibited to take home food from the
wake of a dead person)
• Folkways - norms for routine or casual interaction. (ex: Pagmamano)

What are the different kinds of culture?

 Dominant Culture – refers to the established language, values,
beliefs, customs, and behaviors that are accepted by the majority in
a particular society or social group. It tends to shape norms,
institutions, and expectations, influencing everything from laws and
education to media and social interactions.
(Ex. In United States, english is their dominant language)

 Mainstream Culture – refers to the ideas, attitudes, activities, and

media content that are widely accepted and practiced by the
general population in a society. Mainstream culture is shaped by the
dominant culture but is more focused on what is trendy or common
at a given time.
(Ex. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and X)

 Subculture – often emerge around shared interests, lifestyles, music,

fashion, or beliefs, and they can offer a sense of identity and
belonging to those who feel disconnected from the mainstream or
dominant culture.
(Ex. Role players, EMO, Bikers, etc.)
  Counterculture - refers to a subculture whose values and norms of
behavior differ substantially from those of mainstream society.
Countercultural movements are often associated with social or
political activism and can emerge in response to perceived injustice,
inequality, or oppression in society.
(Ex. Feminist Movement, Civil Rights Movement, LGBTQ+ rights, etc.)

 High Culture - refers to cultural patterns or behaviors that

distinguish a society’s elite. High culture is traditionally seen as
sophisticated, requiring a higher level of knowledge or education to
fully appreciate, and it tends to be preserved and promoted by
institutions such as universities, museums, and theaters.
(Ex. Opera or Ballet, Classical Music, Fine Arts, etc.)

 Popular Culture – refers to entertainment, trends, and media that

are consumed by the masses, such as pop music, movies, television
shows, and fashion. It tends to be more accessible and easier to
engage with.
(Ex. Local movies and TV shows, fast food restaurants and carinderias,
ukay-ukay)

How do people view their culture?

 Ethnocentrism - is a view that a particular group is the center of
everything. It is also the practice of judging another culture by the
standards of one’s own culture.
(Ex. Colonialism, Language Superiority, etc.)

• Multiculturalism - recognizes cultural diversity in a group of people

and promotes equality of cultural traditions.
(Ex. Recognition of Muslims and IPs in national laws)

• Cultural Relativism - holds that a person’s beliefs, values and

practices should be understood based on that person’s own culture
rather than be judged against the criteria of another.
(Ex. Respect for the Ramadan practices of Filipino Muslims)
How do cultures change?
• Invention – refers to the creation of a new idea, method, or device
that has not previously existed. It is often a product of human
creativity and ingenuity.
(Ex. creation of modes of transportation)

• Innovation – involves the improvement or enhancement of existing

ideas, methods, or technologies. It can include the adaptation of
inventions to better meet the needs of a culture or society.
(Ex. development of smartphones into newer and better versions)

• Discovery – refers to the process of uncovering or revealing

something that already exists but was previously unknown or
unrecognized. Discoveries can change perceptions and knowledge
within a culture.
(Ex. The rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines (e.g.,
Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) during the COVID-19 pandemic.)

Culture is the shared way of life in a society, including beliefs, values,

norms, and physical objects. It consists of material (physical things) and
nonmaterial (ideas and values) elements. Culture shapes how people
think, act, and interact.
Key components include symbols, language, values, beliefs, and norms
(rules guiding behavior). Norms can be classified as mores (morally
significant), taboos (strict prohibitions), and folkways (casual routines).
There are different types of culture, such as dominant culture,
subcultures, countercultures, and popular culture. Culture changes
through invention, innovation, and discovery. Views on culture include
ethnocentrism (judging other cultures by one’s own) and cultural
relativism (understanding cultures on their own terms).