Lesson 3: Anthropological

Perspective of the Self

“We are nothing but bricks from our cultural molds”
-Bangambiki Habyarimana,

Overview

As a field of discipline, Anthropology is concerned with how culture an biological

processes influence human beings. Using anthropological perspective provides a
more holistic answer to the daunting question of identity: “Who am I?” as it
considers the roles of biological and cultural factors in self-development and self-
awareness.
In this lesson, you will be provided with discussions and activities which will assist
you in learning the anthropological perspective of the self. Specifically, this lesson
will cover culture and its characteristics, self-awareness and understanding the self
as embedded on culture.

Specific Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students are expected to:

1. Determine how the field of anthropology can contribute to the understanding

of the self
2. Explain culture and the mechanisms of enculturation
3. Synthesize anthropological perspectives on self-awareness and self-reflexive
conduct
4. Show appreciation of one’s cultural identity through practice of one’s cultural
values

Activity #1
Names
Observed naming practices in the family

Examining Names. Analyze your own names as well as the names of your
grandparents, parents and siblings. Determine the naming practices in your family.

Analysis
After the activity, you must be able to answer the following guide questions

1. What are your thoughts/feelings while doing the activity?

____________________________________________
____________________________________________
2. How do you think your personal name established your identity?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
3. What were your realization after completing the activity?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Abstraction
Anthropology examines the biological factors and the interconnected of human
cultural experiences in all places and ages. It considers the self as both biological
(genetic inheritance) and cultural (sociocultural environment) entity. Using the lens
of anthropology provides an understanding of the nature of the self based on the
elements and structures of culture.
According to Tylor (1871), culture is a complex whole which includes knowledge,
belief, art, law, morals, customs, and any other capabilities, habits acquired by man
as a member of society. It includes traditions that was inherited and passed down
from one generation to another. In a sense, culture determines how we perceive
the world around us. The following are characteristics of culture as provided by
Murdock (1940).
1. Culture is learned
-Children learn by observing the behaviors of people in their surroundings,
including the recognition of symbols specific to that culture.
Each child learns through the process of enculturation (learning that takes
place without deliberate teaching.
2. Culture is transmitted
-only man can transfer his acquired habits and knowledge to his offspring.
This can be inculcated through language.
3. Culture is social
-it is commonly shared and believed or practiced by a group of people.
4. Culture is ideational-
-Culture forms ideal pattern of behaviors that followed by individuals
expectedly. It serves as guidelines that must be followed by members to gain
social acceptance from the people with the same culture
5. Culture is adaptive and dynamic-
-It is changing constantly as new ideas and new techniques are added
in time modifying or changing the old ways.
6. Culture is integrative
-various elements of culture form a consistent and unified whole.
The growing years of the child is very crucial in anthropological perspective It is the
rearing practices that are observed to be the key development of neuromotor
functions of the child. This neuromotor circuitry is fundamental in the formation of
self-awareness.

Self-awareness
This what permits one to assume responsibility for one’s own conduct, to learn how
to react to others, and to assume a variety of roles (Haviland, 2003).

Self & Behavioral Environment

In order to strengthen the identity of the self, one must be able to grasp the
different behavioral orientations.
• Normative Orientation- provides the self with the accepted norm of the
community.
• Object Orientation- positions the self in relation to the surrounding objects.
The self should be able to act responsively to the cultural objects around.
• Spatial Orientation- provides the self with personal space in relation to
other people or things.

Proxemics
This is the study of study of place and
space from the cultural vantage point.
This entails that social standing has a
direct relationship between physical
distances between people.

• Intimate distance
• Private and affectionate
relationships
• 0 – 18 inches
• Personal distance
• Friends and
acquaintances
 • 18 inches – 4 feet
• Social distance
• Impersonal business relations
• 4 – 12 feet
• Public distance
• Used in formal settings
• Especially with high-status speakers
• 12 feet and beyond

Activity #2
Synthesizing Activity. Complete the following sentences and determine new
knowledge learned from the lesson.

1. I used to believe that the Anthropological Perspective of the

Self______________________________.

2. Now I learn that Anthropological Perspective of the Self

______________________________.

3. I am starting to understand that Anthropological Perspective of the Self

______________________________.

4. My new belief about Anthropological Perspective of the Self

______________________________.

Assessment
Mandala. Prepare one whole sheet of paper. Draw a big circle on the middle of the
paper. Inside the circle, draw the most significant socio-cultural influences
(material, immaterial) that have helped you shape into who you are now. You can
make use of symbolism. You can also make your work as colorful as you want.
References
Alata, E. P., Caslib, B., Serafica, J., Pawilen, R. A. (2018). Understanding the self
(1st ed.). Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.

Go-Montilla, M., Ramirez, N. (2018). Understanding the self. Quezon City: C & E
Publishing, Inc.

Villafuerte, S. L., Quillope, A. F., Tunac, R. C., Borja, E. I. (2018). Understanding

the self. Quezon City, Philippines: Nieme Publishing House Co. Ltd.