ANTHROPOLOGICAL VIEW OF

THE SELF

PREPARED BY:
ANA CARMELA S. LARA
ANTHROPOLOGICAL VIEW OF
THE SELF
Anthropology is a study of all aspects of human
condition. Anthropology explores the interconnectedness
and interdependence of human cultural experiences in all
places and ages.
Anthropological understanding of the self is that the self is an
animal specie which underwent through the process of biological
evolution and has shared characteristics with other living animals
ANTHROPOLOGISTS emphasized that culture is not
behavior itself but the shared understandings that guide
behavior and are expressed in behavior.
 FOCAL POINT OF
ANTHROPOLOGICAL VIEW OF
THE SELF
Man in the physical, cultural, and existential
features with the purpose of gaining a deeper
understanding of the man’s place in the world.
 THE SELF EMBEDDED IN CULTURE

CULTURE is traditionally defined as the system of

human behavior and thought. It includes the capabilities
and habits acquired by man as members of society.

“Culture is a system of human behavior and thoughts”

-Edward Taylor

CULTURE IS DIVERSE, thus self and identity may

have different meanings in different cultures.
 CULTURAL INFLUENCES THAT SHAPES THE SELF

1. MATERIAL COMPONENT pertains to all

tangible materials that are inherited from the previous
generation. This is the most obvious component because
of its physical feature

Examples: Palayok, bahay-kubo, barong at saya, jeepney.

 CULTURAL INFLUENCES THAT SHAPES THE SELF

2. COGNITIVE COMPONENT are divided

into ideas, knowledge, and belief, values, and
accounts.

Examples: generosity, hospitality, resiliency.

 CULTURAL INFLUENCES THAT SHAPES THE SELF

3. NORMATIVE COMPONENT
SOCIAL NORMS are the accepted standards of
behavior of social groups subheading. These groups
range from friendship and workgroups to nation-state.
a. Folkways the general rules of customary and habitual ways and
patterns of expected behavior in society.
b. Mores refers to the special folkways that are generally emphasized
because they are deemed necessary for the welfare of the society.
 BIOLOGICAL ASPECT OF SELF IN ANTHROPOLOGY

4 ENVIRONMENTAL ORIENTATIONS OF SELF

AND BEHAVIORAL ENVIRONMENT
Object Orientation positions the self in relation to the
surrounding objects. The self should be able to act responsively
to cultural objects around.
Spatial Orientation provides the self with personal space in
relation to other people or things.
Temporal Orientation endows the self with the sense of time.
Normative Orientation provides the self with the grasp of
accepted norms in the community.
 TWO IMPORTANT CONCEPTS OF ANTHROPOLOGY

CULTURE is traditionally defined as the system of

human behavior and thought. It includes the capabilities
and habits acquired by man as members of society.
ENCULTERATION transmission of one culture to
the next.
 MECHANISM OF SOCIAL CHANGE

Cultural Change happens because no society is in a

constant state. Society continuously evolves from one
period of time to another.
Cultural Lag one must take into account both a
social need and the cultural goal. Every social goal
is anchored on social need.
Cultural Borrowing is a situation where one
society borrows the culture of another society
and uses it as new part of the culture.