Understanding the Self

THE ANTROPOLOGICAL CONCEPTUALIZATON OF THE SELF:

THE SELF AS EMBEDDED IN CULTURE ( LESSON 3)

Antropology
- Holds a holistic view of human nature
- Concerned biological with how cultural and biological procesess interact to
shape the self.

Nature VS Nurture
“ Nature “- Genetic inheritance which sets the individual’s potentials

“ Nurture “ - sociocultural environment

• Both biological and cultural factors have significant influence in the

development of self.

In the Antropological perspective, there are two ways in which the concept
of self is viewed in different socities.

( Egocentric and Sociocentric )

Egocentric
- The Egocentric concept of the self suggest that each person is defined as a
replica of all humanity but capable of acting independently from others.

Ex: In egocentric view, the self is viewed as autonomous and distinct

individual with inherent characteristics. The Americans are egocentric. They
believe that they should be assertive and independent.
Sociocentric
- In the sociocentric concept of the self, the self is viewed as dependent
on the situation or social setting.

Ex: The Japanese possess a sociocentric view of the self, where in he

membership of a person in a particular social group defines the
boundaries of the self. The 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 Toolbox
- From the similarities and differences in characteristics among
individuals, people construct their social identities.
- The Identity toolbox refers to the “features of a person’s identity that
he or she choose to emphasize in constructing a social self”.

Self-Identification
- May be attained by: kinship, family membership, gender,
age,language,religion,ethnicity,personal appearance and socioeconomic
status. Some characteristics such as kinship, gender and age are almost
universally used to differentiate people.
- Other characteristics, such as ethnicity, personal appearance, and
socioeconomic status are not always used in every society.

Family Membership
- The most significant feature to determine the person’s social identity

Lanaguage and religious affiliation

- 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 imporant marker of group identity. In
Mindanao, being a Christian or a Muslim is possibly the most important
defining feature of social identity.

Personal Naming
- Name is an important device to individualize a person and to have a
identity. One’s identity is not born. It is something people continuously
develop in life. Changes in one’s identity usually involve rites of
passage that prepares individuals for new roles from one stage of life to
another.

Three-phased rite of passage:

• Separation
- People detach from their former identity to another. For example, in a
wedding, the bride walking down the aisle to be “given away” by the
parents to the groom implies the separation from one’s family to become
part a new one.
• Liminality
- A person transitions from one identity to another. For example, the
wedding ceremony itself is the process of transition of the bride and
groom from singlehood to married life.
• Incorporation
- The change in one’s status is offcially incoporated. For example, the
wedding reception and parties that celebrate the wedding serve as the
markers that offcially recognize the bride and groom’s change towards
being husband and wife.

Clifford Geertz
- an American antropologist, offers a reformation of the concept of
culture which favors a symbolic interpretative model of culture. He
defines culture as a system of inherited conceptions expressed in
symbolic forms by means of which people communicate, perpetuate and
develop their knowledge about and attitude toward life.

Geetz suggest two important ideas:

1. Culture should not be perceived only as “complexes of concrete
behavior patterns”- customs, usages, traditions, habit cluster- as has,by
and large, been the case up to now, but as a set of control mechanism-
plans, recipes,rules, instructions, for the governing behavior, and
2. Man is precisely the animal most desperately dependent upon such
extragenetic, outside the skin control mechanisms, such cultural
programs, for ordering his behavior.

Robbins (2012)
- Considered human beings as cultural animals as they create the
meanings of objects,perosns,behaviors,emotions and event, and behave
in accordance with meanings they assume to be true.Culture differences
exist when groups of people assign different meanings to different life
events and things. Hence, the self is embedded in culture.

PHYSICAL SELF (LESSON 5)

Physical Self
- Physical growth and development among individuals body.
- Part of us that can be directly observe and seen by others.
- The body’s ability to perform its functions gradually changes through
an individual’s aging.
- Physical development and growth during childhood continue at a slow
rate compared to the rapid rate of growth in babyhood.
Puberty
- This stage is characterized by rapid changes that include the maturation
of the reproductive system. Each individual goes through a succession of
development stages throughout his or her life span.(Caused by
hormones)

Puberty in Girls
- During puberty the ovaries get bigger and the body will start to
produce two hormones- estrogen and progesterone.
- Estogen causes the breast to grow and helps the vagina, uterus and
fallopian tubes to develop.
- It also makes the person grow taller and also changes the way fat is
stored in the body making waist, hips and buttocks more obvious.
- After puberty, estrogen and progesterone control the menstrual cycle
period.

Puberty in Boys
- For young males, the hormone testosterone is the hormone that starts
development from boy to man.
- Testosterone is the major male sec hormone and it is produced in the
testes.
- Testosterone levels rise significantly during puberty.
- When levels are high enough, testosterone starts the production of
sperm, causes the chest and shoulders to broaden and causes facial hair
to grow.

Problem Associated with Physical Self

- Most abnormalities associated to physical self are eating disorders and
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

Problem Associated with Physical Self

- Bulimia Nervosa
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Binge Eating
- Obesity
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Factors Affecting Physical Growth and Development
- Physical growth and development are products of hereditary and
environment. HEREDITY is the inheritance of traits;ENVIRONMENT
is learning and experiences( Diet,diseases,nutrition).
- Sex and other physical traits are determined by the combination of
chromosomes and genes during fertilization when egg and sperm cells
unite.

Chromosomal Abnormalities
- Down Syndrome
- Edwards’Syndrome/Trisomy 18
- Turner Syndrome
- Cri du Chat Syndrome
- Klinefelter’s Syndrome
- Jacobsen Syndrome
- Crouzon Syndrome

Theories of Physical Self

1. Theory of Physiogomy- suggest that a person’s physical
characteristics such as facial features and expressions and body stuctures
could be related to a person’s character or personality.
2. Five Element Theory- a theory which believes that the five elements-
woods,fire,earth,metal, and water- help in understanding the individual’s
personality.

3. Theory of Body Fluids- any deficiency or excess in the four body

fluid and influences person’s personality, temperature and being
(Hippocrates). • Sanguine type, Melancholic, Choleric, Phlegmatic

4. Willian-Sheldon’s Body Type Theory- based on physical

characteristics. Body type: (Ectomorph,Mesomorph,Endomorph)

5. Jean Haner’s Wisdom of the Face- personality based on face shape.

Wisdom of Face: (Oval shaped faces,Round,Triangle,Heart,Diamond,
Squara,Full-thick eyebrows,High-defines cheekbones).

Body Modification- tatooing,make-up,piercing,cosmetic surgery

REMEMBER: People tend to judged others based on physical
appearance.However,physical appearance alone is note enough to know
a person’s true character.It is important to see into person’s inner
thoughts and feelings.Above all things physical, it is more important to
be beautiful on the side.

NOTES/DEFINITONS
- Bulimia Nervosa - A psychological eating disorder in which you have
episodes of binge eating (consuming a large quantity of food in one
sitting). During these binges,you have no sense of control over your
eating. Afterward, you try inappropriate ways to lose weight such as
vomiting, fasting, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics and
compulsive exercising. People with bulimia usually weigh within the
normal range for their age and height. But they may fear gaining weight,
want to lose weight, and feel very dissatisfied with their bodies.

- Anorexia Nervosa - An eating disorder characterized by an

abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a
distorted perception of weight. People with anorexia place a high value
on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to
significantly interfere with their lives.

- Binge Eating – Binge-eating disorder is a serious earing disorder in

which you frequently consume unusually large amounts of food and feel
unable to stop eating.

- Obesity- is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body

fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that
increases your risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart
disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

- Body Dysmorphic Disorder - A mental health disorder in which you

can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your
appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can't be seen by others. But
you may feel so embarrassed, ashamed and anxious that you may avoid
many social situations.
• Down Syndrome - Baby will have 3 copies of chromosome number
21. This is called trisomy 21.
• Edwards' Syndrome/ Trisomy 18 - Baby with Edwards' syndrome
has three copies of chromosome number 18, instead of two. This
includes a small, abnormally shaped head, a small jaw and mouth, long
fingers that overlap, with under developed low-set ears.
• Turner Syndrome - A condition that affects only females, results
when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing. Wide or
web-like neck, Broad chest with widely spaced nipples, swelling of the
hands and feet.
• Cri Du Chat Syndrome - Also known as 5p- syndrome or cat cry
syndrome, caused by the deletion of genetic material on the small arm
(the p arm) of chromosome 5.

• Klinefelter’s Syndrome - A genetic condition that results when a boy

is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome. It may affect testicular
growth, which can lead to lower production of testosterone. The cause
reduced muscle mass, reduced body and facial hair, and enlarged breast
tissue.

• Jacobsen Syndrome - A condition caused by a loss of genetic material

from chromosome 11. Jacobsen syndrome is also known as 11q terminal
deletion disorder,ADHD.

• Crouzon Syndrome - A genetic disorder characterized by the

premature fusion of certain skull. This early fusion prevents the skull
from growing normally and affects the shape of the head and face

• SANGUINE TYPE - They tend to be impulsive, cheerful, happy and

optimistic, highly talkative, active, social more extroverted, charismatic,
have hard time doing nothing and engage in more risk seeking
behaviors.
• MELANCHOLIC - They tend to be depressed and pessimistic,
detailed oriented, strives for perfections with themselves and
surroundings leads to detailed behavior. They are also often anxious.
• CHOLERIC - They tend to easily angry, jumpy and temperamental,
independent, goal oriented, ambitious, good natural leaders.
• PHLEGMATIC – They are relaxed, peaceful, quiet, and easygoing.

• Ectomorph - Tall and thin body type. People who have this body type
be restrained,quiet, introvert and artistic.
• Mesomorph - Strong and muscular body. They tend to be energetic,
adventurous,assertive and courageous, dominant and competitive.
• Endomorph - Soft and plump. They tend to be easy going and
sociable.

• Oval shaped faces- are hospitable and tactful. They also tend to be a
perfectionist and aggressive.
• Round shaped faces- tend to be friendly, kindhearted and selfless.
• Triangle shaped faces- tends to be creative, artistic, sensitive and
determined.
• Heart shaped faces- tend to be patient and intuitive in nature.
• Diamond shape face- tends to be very detailed oriented and like to be
in control.
• Square shaped- tend to be witty, good leaders and analytical.
• People with full and thick eyebrows are tends to be confident,
assertive, and goal oriented.
• Person with highly defined jaws has strong values and firm beliefs.

THE SEXUAL SELF (LESSON 6)

DEVELOPMENT OF SEX CHARACTERISTICS AND THE HUMAN

REPRODUCTIVE SYSYTEM
- The beginning of the adolescence is mark by rapid physical changes,
including the maturation of the reproductive system and the
development of primary and secondary sex characteristics.
CHARACTERISTICS MALE
Primary
- Are the physical - Penis ,testes or testicles,
characteristics present scrotum and prostate gland.
at birth. - Gonads release testosterone
that causes the male sex’s
organs to develop.
Secondary - Testicular growth, sperm
- Develops during the production,appearance of
onset of puberty. facial,public and body
hair,deepening of the voice.
- Testosterone,androgens
FEMALE
-Vagina,uterus,ovaries
- Embryo grows in the
womb as the result of
chromosomes contained
within the embryonic
cells as well as homonal
influences.At about 5
weeks of pregnancy,two
organs, called the
gonads,form in embryo.
- Menarche occurs in 13
yrs old.
- Enlargement of
breasts,onset of
menstruation,widening
of hips and growth of
public hair.
- Estrogen, Progesterone

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

- The reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for
reproduction and sexual function.

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

- Testicles - the testicles are 2 ball-like glands inside the scrotum.
- Epididymis -the epididymis is a tube where the sperm matures.
- Seminal Vesicles -two small organs that produce semen, the fluid that
the sperm moves around in.
- Prostate Gland -the prostate gland makes a fluid that helps the sperm
move.
- Cowper’s Glands -this fluid prepares the urethra for ejaculation.
- Urethra -The urethra is the tube that carries urine (pee), pre-ejaculate,
and semen to the urethral opening and out of the body.
- Cremaster -the cremaster is a muscle that moves the scrotum and
testicles closer to the body.

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

- Vagina -The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix to the outside of the
body.
 -Uterus (Womb) -the uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the
home to a developing fetus.
-Ovaries -The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on
either side of the uterus.
- Fallopian Tube -These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper
part of the uterus and serve as pathways for the ova (egg cells) to travel
from the ovaries to the uterus.

DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE

SYSTEM

- Pseudohermaphrodites -individuals having accessory reproductive

structures that do not match their gonads.
- Cryptorchidism -failure of the testes to make their normal descent.
- Phimosis -narrowing of foreskin of the male reproductive organ and
misplaced urethral openings.

FREUD'S PSYCHOSEXUAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Sigmund Freud’s Psychosexual Stages

Stage Age range What happens at this stage?
Oral Stage 0-1 year old Children derive pleasure from oral
activities,including sucking and
tasting.They like to put things in their
mouth.
Anal Stage 2-3 years old Children begin potty training.
Phallic Stage 3-6 years old Boys are more attached to their
mother,while girls are more attached to
their father.
Latency Stage 6 years old to puberty Children spend more time and interact
mostly with same sex peers.
Genital Stage Beyond puberty Individuals are attracted to opposite sex
peers.
SEXUAL AROUSAL AND EROGENOUS ZONE: WHAT TURNS
PEOPLE ON
- Erogenous zones - described as the parts of the body that are chiefly
sensitive and cause increased sexual arousal when touched in a sexual
manner.
• Mouth
• Breasts (consisting of nipple and lateral breast tissue)
 • Reproductive organs such as penis and vagina
• Anus
• Neck, thighs, abdomen, ears and other body surface.

HUMAN SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

- Inherited Sexual Response - means ensuring reproduction that are
part of each individual’s genetic inheritance.
- B. Degree of Restraint - Influence exerted on the individual by society
in the expression of his sexuality.
- COITUS - the insertion of the male reproductive organ into the female
reproductive organ.

(VIEWS ON COITUS)
- Premarital – depends on society, is sexual activity practiced by people
before they are married.
- Marital – seen as obligation, is a socially sanctioned long-term mating
arrangement that typically involves economic, social, and reproductive
cooperation between the partners.

- Extramarital – condemned/double standard, occurs when

a married person engages in sexual activity with someone other than his
or her spouse.
- Post-marital – ignored, Sex with your ex; often shameful, and rarely a
good idea. The imbibing of too much alcohol and the existence of too
much loneliness are contributing factors to this condition.
PHASES OF SEXUAL RESPONSE

GENDER EXCITEMENT PLATEAU ORGASM RESOLUTION

Both - Pulse rate - Changes in the - Men usually - Body temperature
increases, body continue. achieve one and other
- Blood pressure - Breathing intense orgasm physiological
rises,breathings becomes more during sexual changes returns to its
quickens and the rapid. activity. normal state after
skin shows a rosy - Heart rate orgasm.
flush on the chest increases.
and breast areas. - Body
temperature
rises.
Male - The penis becomes - Penis becomes - Contraction of - Erection is lost.
erect more erected. the muscles of - Testes decreased in
 - The skin of the -Circumference and around the size.
scrotum thickens of its head penis stimulates - Skin of the scrotum
testes increase in increases. the release of thins again.
size. - Few drops of semen which - Males become
fluid released. contains sperm unresponsive to
cells. secual stimulation
until some
- Period of time has
elapsed.

Female - The clitoris swells. - Outer part of - Contraction of - The clitoris and the
- The vagina lips the vagina swells the pelvic vagina return to their
open. with the surge of muscles that normal state.
-Its inside becomes increased surround the - Females are
wet. amount of blood vaginal walls capable of repeated
to that area. and can be climax.
- The Clitoris happen multiple - Without “rest
retracts under the times. period”.
clitoral hood but
remains highly
sensitive.
- Outer lips of
the vagina
become redder.

ATTRACTION, LOVE AND ATTACHMENT

Physical Attractiveness – degree to which a person’s physical traits are

regarded as pleasing or beautiful.
Social Norms - determining who are the appropriate as lovers and
spouses.
Social Exchange – attraction is result of an exchange process (sharing
of social things).

RESENBERG COMPONENTS OF LOVE

Intimacy – refers to the feeling of closeness, connectedness and

bondedness.
Passion – refers to the drives that lead to romance, physical attractions
and sexual consummation.
Commitment – refers to the decision to love and the commitment to
maintain that love.
FISHER INGREDIENTS OF ROMANTIC LOVE
Lust – Drive by the desire for sexual-gratification.
Attraction – is associated with sexual attraction.
Attachment – occurs when an individual desire to connect with another
person intimately.

SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS

ORIENTATIONS DEFINITIONS
A. Asexual Orientation includes individuals who
don’t experience sexual attraction to
others of any gender.
B. Bisexual A sexual orientation that describes
those who experiencew
sexual,romantic, or emotional
attractions to people or more than one
gender.
C. Heterosexual A term that describes people who
experience sexual,romantic, or
emotional attraction to people of the
“opposite” gender or a different
gender.
D. Homosexual An outdated term rooted in the fields
of medicine and psychology that refers
to individuals who experience
sexual,romantic or emotional attraction
to people of the same or a similar
gender.
E. Pansexual A term that describes individuals who
can experience sexual,romantic,or
emotional attraction to any person,
regardless of that person’s gender, sex
ir sexuality.
F. Pomosexual A term used to refer to those who
rejectt sexuality labels or don’t identify
with any of them.
G. Sapiosexual A word used to describe those who
experience attraction based on
intelligence, ratherthan sex or gender.
H. Closeted Closeted, also referred to as “in the
closet”, describes people in the
LGBTQIA+ community who don’t
publicly or openly share their sexual
identity,sexual attraction,sexual
behavior,gender expression or gender
identity.
I. Demisexual On the asexual spectrum,this sexual
orientation describes individuals who
experience sexual attraction only under
specific circumstances, such as after
building a romantic or emotional
relationship person.
J. Gay A term that describes individuals who
experience sexual, romantic, or
emotional attraction to people of the
same or a similar gender.
K. Lesbian A woman or female-identified person
who experiences sexual,romantic, or
emotional attraction to people of the
same or a similar gender.
L. Sapiosexual A word used to describe those who
experience attraction based on
intelligence, rather than sex or gender.

SEXUAL PROBLEMS
- Sexual Dysfunction - Inability to become aroused or reach orgasm
- Erectile Dysfunction - is a specific disorder of arousal.
- Premature Ejaculation - ejaculation that occurs well before the man
and his partner wish it to.
- Genito-Pelvic Pain –refers to difficulties with penetration during
attempted intercourse or significant pain during intercourse.
- Vaginismus - in which the pelvic muscles in the outer third of the
vagina undergo involuntary spasms when intercourse is attempted.
- Fetishistic Disorder - a person is sexually attracted to nonliving
objects.
- Ejaculatory Impotence - inability to emit semen during coitus.
- Dyspareunia - painful sex and generally physical rather than
psychological.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) AND EARLY

PREGNANCY
STDS Clinical Description
A. HIV/AIDS Infections caused by direct contact
with body fluids such as blood
transfusion,breast feeding, and
sexual intercourse.It attacks the
immune system and the infected
person might eventually dies.
B. Gonorrhea Is caused by gonococcal bacteria
which attach the lining of the
mucous membrane such as
mouth,throat vagina and urethra.It
can be treated by penicillin or
other antibiotics.
C. Syphills Syphilis infects the genital areas
and other parts of the body
including the brain and can cause
paralysis or even death when
untreated.
D. Chlamydia It is caused by bacterium
chlamydia trachomatis.In men, it
can cause swollen testicles and a
burning sensation during
urination.It can result in sterility
among woman if left untreated
because it damges uterus,ovaries
and fallopian tubes.
E. Genital Herpes It can cause itching and tingling
sensations,abscesses and blisters
in genital areas.There is no cure
for herpes.
F.Genital Warts They are caused by human
papillomavirus and woman with
HPVare prone to cervical cancer.
Though warts can be removed,
they may recur.
G. Chancroid It is a bacterial infection that
causes open sored on or around
the genitals of men and women.
It’s a type of sexually transmitted
disease (STD),which means it’s
 transmitted through sexual
contact.

METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION AND THE REPRODUCTIVE

HEALTH LAW