Chapter 3

Course Topic: ANTHROPHOLOGICAL CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE SELF

Educational Objectives of the chapter:

At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:

1. Determine how cultural and biological processes interact to shape the self.
2. Examine the different influences, factors, and forces that shape the self.
3. Reflect on how they view themselves and their identity.
Discussion:

The Anthropological Conceptualization of the Self: The Self as Embedded in Culture

ANTHROPOLOGY

 It is the science of man, his behavior, works, and production since his appearance on earth.
 It holds a holistic view of human nature.
 It is concerned with how cultural and biological processes interact to shape the self.
 Both BIOLOGICAL and CULTURAL factors have significant influence in the
development of the self.
 It considers human experience as an interplay of “Nature” referring to GENETIC
INHERITANCE which sets the individual’s potentials and “Nurtures” which refers to
SOCIOCULTURAL ENVIRONMENT.

TWO WAYS OF VIEWING THE SELF IN DIFFERENT SOCIETIES:

1. EGOCENTRIC

 Each person is defined as a replica of all humanity but capable of acting independently from
others.
 In egocentric view, the self is viewed as autonomous and distinct individual with inherent
characteristics.
Ex. AMERICANS are Egocentric. They believe that they should be assertive and
independent.

2. SOCIOCENTRIC

 The self is viewed as dependent on the situation or social setting.

 Ex. CHINESE prioritize kin ties and cooperation. They put importance to compliance
and subordination of one’s will to the authority figures in the family.

IDENTITY

 From the similarities and differences in characteristics among individuals, people construct
their identities.
 IDENTITY toolbox – features of a person’s identity that he or she chooses to emphasize in
constructing a social self.
 Self-identification may be attained by:
Kinship
Family membership
Gender
Age
Language
Religion
Ethnicity
Personal appearance
Socioeconomic status
 Facebook or any social media platform is an easy access for the social identity that a
person wants to portray.
 Some characteristics such as kinship, gender and age are almost universally used to
differentiate people.
 Family Membership could be the most significant feature to determine the person’s social
identity.
 Another important identity determinant that is often viewed as essential for the maintenance
of a group identity is LANGUAGE.
 In other societies, religious affiliation is an important marker of a group identity.

 PERSONAL NAMING, a universal practice with numerous cross-cultural variations

establishes a child’s birthright and social identity. A NAME is an important device to
individualize a person and to have an identity.
 One’s identity is not inborn. It is something people continuously develop in life.

CHANGING STATUS & IDENTITY

It involves rites of passage that prepares individuals for new roles from one stage of life to
another.
1. SEPARATION PHASE -people detach from their former identity to another
2. LIMINALITY PHASE - A person transitions from one identity to another.
3. INCORPORATION PHASE - The change in one’s status is officially incorporated.

ASSIGNMENT: Reflection Paper #3

As a Filipino, how do you view yourself in the society? Are you egocentric or sociocentric ? (Independent
or dependent to our culture/society) Explain.
*Short bond paper. It could be type written or hand written. Minimum of 1 Page not more than 3 pages.
type written: Times New Roman, 12, normal, single-spaced, justified
- hand written: print legibly
*Submit your work (Hard copy or soft copy) and for any question, email me at
jemuelbucudlagarto@gmail.com
ACTIVITY #4
UNDERSTANDING MYSELF
https://www.eriesd.org/Page/13051 GE FOUNDATION WORKPLACE SKILLS
PROGRAM

Setting Priorities About Values

Values are beliefs, feelings, and principles that guide a person’s actions and give those actions
meaning.
(Write your own values as many as you want, the order is based on your priorities).

Ex. VALUES MY VALUES

1. Money
2. Peace of mind
3. Happiness
4. Success
5. Nature
6. Spiritual Life
7. Friends
8. Taking on Challenges
9. Satisfaction with Work
10. Learning
11. Balancing Your Life (work and play)
12. Physical Health