Unpacking the Self Sigmund Freud

The Material/Economic self -“We are pleasure seeking organisms.”

WHY DO WE BUY? (Thomas Vblen, 1899)

 Hypothalamus:
-“Conspicuous consumption, along with
-I need that
conspicuous leisure, is performed to
 Amygdala: demonstrate wealth or mark social status.”
-I want that

Prefrontal cortex:
-judgment and decision making
WHY DO WE BUY?
 Classical Conditioning
-Ivan Pavlov
-we may be conditioned to buy by
advertisements, sales, and other promos
 Operant Conditioning
-BF Skinner
-we may be conditioned to buy things we found
effective or rewarding
 Motivation
-our motivation to buy may be extrinsic (for
external gains such as fame, popularity) or
intrinsic (for internal gains such as fulfillment or
satisfaction)
WHAT DO OUR POSSESSIONS MEAN?
Belk, 1988
- A key to understanding what possessions
mean is recognizing that, knowingly or
unknowingly, intentionally or unintentionally,
we regard our possessions as parts of ourselves.
THE SELF AND OUR POSSESSIONS
 Treating our possessions as extensions of
ourselves is not a new phenomenon.
 Defining ourselves by our possessions can
contribute to feelings of well–being as well as
feelings of emptiness and vulnerability.
 Overreliance on possessions for self-definition
may be manifested in how we shop, how we
care for the things we acquire, and the degree
to which we cling to our possessions rather than
discard them.
 Materialism
-the importance a consumer attaches to worldly
possessions.
 At the highest levels of materialism, such
possessions assume a central place in a
person's life and are believed to provide the
greatest sources of satisfaction.
 To the highly materialistic person, purchases
of consumer goods offer the potential for
magical transformation of self.
Excerpt from DeLillo’s (1985) White House
- The dead have faces, automobiles. If you don’t
know a name, you know a street name, a dog’s
name, “He drove an orange Mazda.” You know a
couple of useless things about a person that
become major facts of identification…”
POSSESSIONS AS PART OF SELF
The particular possessions we see as most a
part of ourselves show a close relationship to
the objects we see as most magical, and include
perfume, jewelry, clothing, foods, homes,
vehicles, pets, religious icons, drugs, gifts,
heirlooms, antiques, photographs, souvenirs,
and collections.
Such objects act as reminders and confirmers
of our identity, and that this identity may often
reside more in these objects than it does in the
individual.
Where men tend to value possessions for self-
focused and instrumental reasons, women tend
to emphasize expressive and other-oriented
reasons for feeling attachment to possessions
Possessions are reminders of our past present
and future
Possessions are not only regarded as a part of
self, they may also be instrumental to the
"development" of our sense of self.
 We make things a part of self by creating or
altering them.
A psychological explanation suggests that we
invest "psychic energy" in an object to which we
have directed our labor, time, and attention.
This energy and its products are regarded as a
part of self because they have grown or
emerged from the self.
Purchasing objects offers another means for
investing self (in this case more symbolically) in
possessions.
 Objects in our possession can literally extend
self, as when a tool or weapon allows us to do
things of which we would otherwise be
incapable.
Possessions can also symbolically extend self,
as when a uniform or trophy allows us to
convince ourselves (and perhaps others) that
we can be a different person than we would be
without them.
MASTERY OF POSSESSION AND HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT
 Emphasis on material possessions tends to
decrease with age, but remains high
throughout life as we seek to express ourselves
through possessions and use material
possessions to seek happiness, remind
ourselves of experiences, accomplishments, and
other people in our lives, and even create a
sense of life after death.
 Our accumulation of possessions provides a
sense of past and tells us who we are, where
we have come from, and perhaps where we
are going.
One element of the search for identity is that
adolescents at this stage increasingly seek
identity through acquiring and accumulating
selected consumption objects.
A study of 8- to 30-year olds found that this
generation was more likely than its parents and
grandparents to cite as favorite possessions
those that either reflect skills in use (e.g.,
athletic equipment) or that the possessor can
manipulate or control (e.g., music instruments,
stereo, pets).
 During preretirement adulthood, emphasis
shifts from defining oneself by what one does to
defining self through what one has.
 40- to 50-year-olds were the most likely of all
age groups to cite social power and status as
reasons to own personal possessions.
A person who owns a nice home, a new car,
good furniture, the latest appliances, is
recognized by others as having passed the test
of personhood in our society . . . the objects we
possess and consume are . . . wanted because . .
. they tell us things about ourselves that we
need to hear in order to keep ourselves from
falling apart. This information includes the social
recognition that follows upon the display of
status symbols, but it includes also the much
more private feedback provided by special
household objects that objectify a person's past,
present, and future, as well as his or her close
relationships.
 Possessions as photographs, athletic trophies,
and mementos are most treasured by
grandparents.
 Ways to extend self beyond the death
(1) through one's children
(2) through belief in a life after death
(3) through one's works
(4) through identification with nature (which
will continue)
(5) through experiential transcendence
(6) to have one’s possessions (especially those
in collections one has created) "live on"
through heirs or museums
I shop, therefore I am.
THE POLITICAL SELF
WHO IS THE FILIPINO? Dimensions of being a
Filipino (Yacat, 2005 )
Pinagmulan (Socio-political dimension)
 being born in the Philippines
 having parents who are Filipinos
 residing in the Philippines
 a Filipino citizen
Based on the 1987 Constitution…
a) Those who are citizens of the Philippines at
the time of the adoption of this Constitution;
b) Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens
of the Philippines;
c) Those born before January 17, 1973, of
Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine
citizenship upon reaching the age of majority
d) Those who are naturalized in accordance with
law.”
Kinalakhan (Cultural roots)
Revolves around participation and being
immersed in a cultural milieu acknowledged as
Filipino
Culture refers to all socially learned behaviors,
beliefs, feeling and values that the members of
society experience.
Culture shapes the way we think, do things,
how we feel, behave, and relate.
FILIPINO VALUES
Hiya
-timidity, shyness, embarrassment
-sensitivity to others, consideration of the
feelings of others
-Why? may be tied to the need to be accepted
by others
- in relation to social expectations and the need
to conform
Utang na loob (debt of gratitude)
- signifies the principle of reciprocity
- Filipino’s way of expressing gratitude
- The nature and proportion of the return is
contingent on the person’s status and the kind
of exchange that befits.
Pakikisama -
Maintaining SIR (smooth interpersonal
relations)
- Going along with, or giving in --- conformity
- may be extended to pakikipagkapwa
Pakikiramdam
- Heightened awareness and sensitivity
- Similar with empathy, sensitivity and
awareness
- Measuring (pagtantya) of the other, being
observant and watchful, cautious “feeling” of
the other.
SOME BASIC FILIPINO VALUES BY JAIME
BULATAO
Close Family Ties
Respect For Elders
Economic and Social Upliftment
Patience and Endurance
Two types of political involvement:
−political participation as proactive
engagement in the public arena (e.g. running
for public office, joining political rallies and
street demonstrations)
−political participation as public problem
solving (e.g. community organizing)
Kamalayan (Consciousness)
• The psychological dimension
• awareness of the self as Filipino
• acceptance of membership in the category
"Filipino“
• pride in this membership
BEING FILIPINO
• While Filipino represents the social category
“pagka-Filipino” (being Filipino or Filipino-ness)
denotes an evaluative aspect of being a
member of that social group
• Refers to the quality of being Filipino; Filipino-
ness is the identity's performative aspect that
brings impetus to personhood (Tolentino, 2001).
GRADIATIONS/LEVELS OF BEING A FILIPINO
-Pilipino sa Pangalan
-Pilipino sa Puso
In order for an identity to be validated, it has to
be performed. Through performance, the
identity is rehearsed and strengthened.
Nick Joaquin
The identity of the Filipino today is of a person
asking what is his identity.
CHALLENGES IN FORGING A FILIPINO IDENTITY
At the individual level …
 There are contradictions in the everyday
behavior of some Filipinos.
 Some Filipinos do not exercise their rights
unless their interests are threatened.
At the Institutional level …
 Filipinos do not usually acquire a sense of
national identity from the family.
 While families teach children basic human
values and instil discipline, they look to schools
to teach nationhood and its associated values.
 Part of the reason why Filipinos have difficulty
in developing a sense of community is the
nature of kinship affiliation in the Philippines.
 Government infrequently appears as a role
model of positive values.
What is nationalism?
−“Devotion to or advocacy of national unity and
independence”
−“Most important prerequisite to the formation
of national consciousness”
−“It thus serves to bind individuals or groups to
“common values, attitudes, purposes, and ways
of action”
HOW TO BE A GOOD FILIPINO?
Traits and Values are important indicators of
being a Filipino, the problem now is how to truly
become one and how you can be useful to the
development and progress of your country.
Below are few ways on how one can practice
nationalism and patriotism:
1. Be an active Filipino citizen
- A good Filipino citizen should be aware
of the current events and participate in
government programs that aim for the
country’s progression and development
( ex. Exercising your right to vote).
2. Study the Philippine History
- By learning and fully understanding
the events of the Philippine history, one
will learn so much as to why it is so
important to love one’s country, with
your life, extend help to fellow Filipinos
in need, and recognize abuse of political
power.
3. Support local products
- Buying local products, do not only
support local manufacturers and
businessmen but you also help
strengthen the local economy.
- Supporting our local products also
displays our creativity, innovativeness
and resourcefulness
4. Speak the Filipino Language
-Jose Rizal highlights the importance of
the speaking the national language as
way of displaying the love for one’s
country.
- Speaking Filipino also serves as a
unique identifier of being a Filipino.
5. Do not spread fake news and be
democratic in engaging with dissent
-It is a part of being a good Filipino to
sort out everything that one reads
before actually buying it and spreading
it like wildfire.
- It is also the responsibility of every
Filipino to recognize disagreement in
political views, be tolerant, and argue
intelligently without having to resort
into name-calling people.
THE DIGITAL SELF
WHY DO WE USE SOCIAL MEDIA?
● To connect with people
● For entertainment
● To access information/education
● Makes tasks convenient
● Serves as “online diaries”
● A tool for identity exploration
SELF PRESENTATION AND IMPRESSION
MANAGEMENT
●One feature of social media as a means of
identity representation is that we can choose
what to show to and what to hide from people.
● Erving Goffman used the term impression
management to refer to the process by which
people control the impressions other people
have towards them.
● One way to do this is through self-
presentation, or the process of communicating
an image of ourselves to other people.
● It is important to note that engaging in self-
presentation does not mean that we deceive
other people and lie regarding our identity.
WHY DO WE ENGAGE IN SELF-PRESENTATION?
● Self-presentation reinforces the different
social roles or identities we take on in the real
world.
● We may engage in self-presentation to gain
social rewards.
IMPACT OF ONLINE INTERACTIONS ON THE SELF

● Social media can impact our self-esteem.

● Social media and other online platforms can

provide “catharsis”. : we should be cautious
about this, because although we find such
disclosures as a way to free ourselves from all
these negativities, the people reading our posts
may pick up these negativities and find our
posts “toxic”

● Social media can bring about different

emotional experiences.

BECOMING DIGITAL CITIZENS

● Digital Citizen

: a person who has the knowledge and skills to

effectively use digital technologies to
communicate with others, participate in society
and create and consume digital content

● Digital Citizenship

: includes appropriate online etiquette, literacy

in how digital technologies work and how to use
them, an understanding of ethics and related
law, knowing how to stay safe online, etc.

THE SPIRITUAL SELF Religion VS Spiritual

WHY DO WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND OUR : similarity, paths to GOD

SPIRITUAL SELF? : difference, approaches (different ways where

we can nurture our relationship with God)
: philosophy started the moment humans
started to wonder with anything

: as a college student, it is vital that you develop

a healthy sense of wonder. Part of this curiosity
should be about;

- Range of human beliefs

- Understanding belief systems that may
not be the same as yours
The Practice of Religion : sense of meaningless and lack of purpose in
life can be significant factors in causing anxiety,
WHY ARE PEOPLEATTRACTED TO RELIGION? depression, and phobias

: according to Steven Reiss (1990), because it : spiritual fellowship can be a source of social
satisfies all 16 basic desires that humans share support that may provide sense of belonging,
security, and community
(The 16 Striving Gods, 2016)
- Acceptance : contemplating practice
- Honor - Method to develop concentration, deepen
- Physical Activity understanding and insight, and cultivate
- Social Contact awareness and compassion
- Curiosity
- Idealism Examples of Contemplating Practices
- Power - Status - Eating ● Meditation
- Independence : mental exercise for the purpose of
- Romance reaching a heightened level of spiritual
- Tranquility awareness
- Family : induce feelings of calm and clear-
- Order headedness, as well as improved
- Saving concentration and attention
- Vengeance
● prayer
: Reiss claimed that we all share the same 16 : spiritual communication with God :
goals, but what makes us different is how we supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or
value each one confession

: elicit a relaxation response, along with

THE FOUR DIMENSIONS OF RELIGION
: sociologists noted four dimensions that seem
to be present in varying forms and intensities in
all types of religion (Dawson & Thiessen, 2014)
● Yoga
- Belief - Ritual
- Spiritual Experience
- Unique Social Forms of Community
Spirituality
feelings of hope, gratitude and
compassion (positive effect on overall
well-being)
: hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline :
teaches the suppression of all mind and
body activity so that the self may realize
its distinctions from material world and
attain liberation

● Journaling
WHY IS SPIRITUALITY IMPORTANT?
: help you become more aware of your
: spiritual practices are associated with better inner life and feel more connected to
health and well-being your experience and the world around
you
SACRED PATHWAYS : loving God through mystery
and celebration
: by Gary Thomas
: thomas calls you a “cheerleader for
: presents the nine sacred paths to connect with
God”
God

FINDING AND CREATING MEANING

● Naturalists
: loving God out of doors : Victor Emil Frankl (1959)

: feel closer to God when surrounded by - Introduced logotherapy

the beauty of nature - Pursuit of one’s meaning in life
- Theory founded on the belief that
● Sensates human nature is motivated by the search
: loving God with the senses for the purpose of life

: love to worship God in ways that - His beliefs were influenced by his
engages your senses personal experience of suffering and loss
in Nazi concentration camps
● Traditionalists
Basic Principles of Logotherapy
: loving God through ritual and symbol :
drawn to the book of common prayer, ● Life has meaning under all
liturgy and observance of the church circumstances, even the most miserable
calendar, the sacraments, the ancient ones
songs, and creeds of the Church
● Our main motivation for living is our will
to find meaning in life
● Ascetics
● We have freedom to find meaning in
: loving God in solitude and simplicity :
what we do, and what we experience, or
love to be left alone to pray and tend to
at least in the stand we take when faced
live a simplifies and quiet life free of
with a situation of unchangeable
distractions that would hinder your
suffering
worship of God

: According to Frankl, we can discover this

● Activists
meaning in life in three different ways;
: loving God through confrontation :
spiritually nourished by fighting gor the ● Creating a work or doing a deed
● Experiencing something or
right
encountering someone
● Caregivers ● The attitude we take toward
: loving God by loving others “unavoidable suffering” and that
: serve Christ by serving others “everything can be taken from a man but
one thing: the last of the human
freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in
● Enthusiasts
any given set of circumstances.”