UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Topic 3: The Anthropological Perspective

Clariza C. Franco, Ph.D.

 What Anthropology says
about the self?
Cultural values, norms, and
traditions influence identity
 Parts of the lesson:
1. 2. 3. 4.
What is The
Opening Anthropological Enrichment
Activity Anthropology? Self Activity
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify ways in which the self is shaped by cultural influences.
2. Apply anthropological concepts to analyze the role of culture in
shaping individual identity.
3. Engage in discussions on how cultural norms influence the self and
personal identity.
4. Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in expressions of selfhood
and personal identity.
5. Create a symbol or visual presentation that illustrates the variations
of self in different societies.
Clariza C. Franco
 What is culture?
from the Latin term "cultura",
which means "cultivation" or "tilling" (as in agriculture).
In its earliest use, the term referred to the cultivation of land or crops, but over
time, it came to be associated with the cultivation of the mind, knowledge, and
society. By the 19th century, the concept of culture evolved to encompass the
shared customs, beliefs, arts, and practices of human societies.
Today, culture refers to the patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures
that give such activities significance, including language, religion, art, and social
norms.
Clariza C. Franco
What is culture?
It is the way of life.
From family,
school and
Acquired through community
enculturation/
socialization

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 What is value?
from the Latin word "valere,"
which means "to be strong" or "to be worth."
The concept of values originally referred to the worth or importance of
something. Over time, it evolved to represent the principles, standards, or
qualities that individuals or societies hold as important and desirable.
In contemporary usage, values refer to the core beliefs or guiding principles that
influence behavior and decision-making, shaping the moral framework of
individuals, communities, and cultures. Examples include values like honesty,
freedom, equality, and respect.
Clariza C. Franco
 What is norm?
from the Latin word "norma,"
which means "a carpenter's square" or "a rule".
In ancient times, a "norma" was a tool used to ensure that constructions were
straight and aligned, symbolizing the concept of setting a standard or guideline. It
refers to the customary rules or standards of behavior that are considered
acceptable and expected within a group or society.
In sociology and anthropology, norms describe the unwritten rules that govern
social behavior, guiding how individuals are expected to act in specific situations.
It can be formal (like laws) or informal (like social etiquette).
Clariza C. Franco
What is It is derived from the Greek words:
"anthropos" meaning "human" or "man“
anthropology? "logos" meaning "study" or "discourse“
❖ literally means the "study of humans" or "discourse
about humanity".
The term was first used in the 16th century to refer to the study
of human nature, but it developed into a formal academic
discipline in the 19th century, focusing on the cultural, social,
physical, and biological aspects of humans.
Source: Online Etymology Dictionary http://www.etymonline.com/ accessed August 30, 2008.
Clariza C. Franco
Clifford Geertz (1926–2006):
The self is a "cultural artifact"

Individuals derive their sense of self

through their engagement with the
symbolic systems of their cultures, such
as language, religion, and rituals.

Clariza C. Franco
 Victor Turner (1920–1983):
“Rites of passage” help construct the self
• His concept of liminality (the transitional
stage during rites of passage) highlights how
individuals undergo transformations in their
identity, self-understanding, and social roles
during these processes.
• Liminal comes from the Latin word
limen, meaning threshold. It is being in an
intermediate state, phase, or condition.
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Ruth Benedict (1887–1948):
Cultural Relativism
• Each culture develops its own unique
"pattern" or "configuration" of
behaviors, values, and norms.
• It is the idea that one should not judge
another culture by the standards of one’s
own. There is no universal standard for
"normal" or "abnormal" behavior, as
what is considered normal in one society
may be seen as deviant in another.
Clariza C. Franco
 The Self Embedded in Culture
Western Culture (Individualistic) Eastern Culture (Collectivistic)
▪ Central focus: "I" or "Me" is at the center. ▪ Central focus: "We" or "Us" at the center
▪ Key areas: (family and community).
1. Personal goals (career, success) are ▪ Key areas:
emphasized. 1. Group goals (family harmony, community
2. Individual rights and freedoms (free speech, success) are prioritized.
autonomy). 2. Respect for elders and tradition are key
3. Relationships are important, but individual aspects of the self.
desires often come first. 3. The individual is seen as part of a larger
▪ Colors: Bright, bold colors representing group.
individuality (e.g., blue, yellow). ▪ Colors: Softer, harmonious colors (e.g., green,
gold).

Clariza C. Franco
 Guidelines for Group Work:
Creating Symbolic Representations of Self in Different Cultures
Guidelines: Poin
Criteria Description
1. Students will work in groups to create ts
symbolic representations that illustrate Correctly reflects the cultural values and views of
how different cultures (Western Accuracy the self (individualism for Western culture; 30
collectivism for Eastern culture).
individualistic and Eastern collectivistic)
Innovative use of symbols, colors, and text to
view the concept of the self. Creativity 20
visually represent cultural perspectives.
2. Variety on symbolic representation is The visual representation is clear, easy to
Clarity 20
encouraged. understand, and organized.
Explanation
3. Each group will present their symbolic The group provides a well-explained rationale for
and 20
their choices of colors, symbols, and key areas.
representation to the class, explaining Reasoning
how the elements (colors, symbols, text) Team Group members contribute equally, and the
5
Collaboration presentation reflects a cohesive effort.
reflect the cultural concept of the self.
Total points 100
References
Alata, E.J.P., et. al. (2021). Understanding the Self. Manila,
Philippines: Rex Book Store.
Benedict, R. (1946). The chrysanthemum and the sword: Patterns
of Japanese culture. Houghton Mifflin.

Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures. Basic Books.

Turner, V. (1969). The ritual process: Structure and anti-structure.

Aldine Publishing.

Clariza C. Franco