E S

UR
L T
C
I C U
T
S TI C
LI
A
U IV A I S
D
I CT I L L
V
I LE A D
D
IN OL A L / P
/CA C T
M The SELF IN
WESTERN AND
EASTERN THOUGHT
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
At the end of the course, the students will
be able to:

1. Gain a deeper knowledge and

understanding the Self in Western and
Eastern Thought.
2. Demonstrate awareness of cultural
values and how these impacts the
ability to develop the Self.
 BACKGROUND
Theory: Individualism-Collectivism
Model
 Used to explain large amounts of variation
seen in human behavior, social interaction,
and personality
How?
Explain differences in people and/or groups
Collectivist Cultures: individual needs, desires,
etc. are secondary to those of the group (Asia)
Individualistic Cultures: Higher value on the
needs and accomplishments of the individual
rather than the group (United States)
 EASTERN AND WESTERN INFLUENCES ON DEVELOPMENT OF SELF
The self: individualism and collectivism
 Individualist cultures value independence. They
promote personal ideals, strengths, and goals,
pursued in competition with others, leading to
individual achievement and finding a unique
identity.
 Collectivist cultures value interdependence.
They promote group and societal goals and
duties, and blending in with group identity, with
achievement attributed to mutual support.
Individualist and Collectivist Cultures Compared
 ON DEVELOPING SELF:

 People in individualist
cultures might raise
children to be self-
reliant and
independent.
 People in collectivist
cultures might raise
children to be
compliant, obedient,
and integrated into
webs of mutual
support.
 People in Asian and
African cultures might
raise children to be
more emotionally and
physically close to
 West
• The Difference and East
Between West and East

Independence
Develop early independence
Express yourself
Responsible for self
Live on one’s own
One’s own goals take priority
 Motivated by own
 preferences, needs ,
 rights
Tasks more important than
relationships
Cognitive skills independent
of social skills
Interdependence
Learn to depend on others
Read nonverbal cues
Listen to authority
Be responsible for others
Personal goals secondary to
goals of the group
Motivated by the norms of, and
duties imposed by, the
group
Relationships more important
than tasks
Social and cognitive skills
integrated
Westby (2009)
 West
• The Difference and East
Between West and East

HOW IS A CHILD TAKEN CARE OF?

• Individualistic VS. Collaborative

Lilly Cheng, San Diego State University

 CAUTIONS IN DEFINING “INDIVIDUALISTIC & COLLECTIVISTIC

“Conclusions about collectivist

and individualistic cultures
shouldn’t be overly sweeping
and must be carefully applied
to selective, specific behaviors,
situations, and cultures.
ACTIVITY

1.Is the Philippines really a

collectivist society?
2.Give examples and if it is
true, how does this
shape/impact our idea of
SELF?
 REFLECTION PAPER
Write a reflection paper after the
class activity and respond to the
following questions:
1. From a psychological frame of
reference, what might be some of
the reasons there is a variance
between expectations for
parenting in India and China vs.
the United States?
2. How might our view of such
cultural differences (individualistic
/collectivistic) impact our
judgment of those families and
the society of which they are part?
Construction Specifics:
Format: This paper is designed to reflect
your thinking process and should be 3
pages in length, typed, double-spaced
and in a 12-point Times New Roman
(TNR) font with one-inch margins.
Grammar and spelling will be evaluated.
This reflection paper is to be used as
proof of meeting a level of understanding
about variant parenting practices and
expectations in other global cultures and
how they compare to the United States. I
expect your writing to be thoughtful and
meaningful.
Due Date: Your reflection paper is due one
week after the completion of our in-class
discussion.
(see grading rubric in next slide)
REFLECTION PAPER
Reflection Points Exceeds Standards
Paper Possib
Rubric le  
Paper is neatly typed,
double-spaced, 12-
Format 5 point TNR font, one-
inch margins, and 3
pages in length. (5)
5 No errors. (5)
Grammar
and Spelling
5 Well-organized, well
Organizatio written, easy to read
n and understand. (5)
15 Shows strong evidence
Reflection of reasoned reflection
and depth. (14-15)
10 Addresses all elements
contained within the
Completene
two stated questions of
ss
assignment and
extends beyond. (10)
Meets Standards Unsatisfactory Score
   
Paper is neatly typed, Formatting rules  
double-spaced, 12- ignored, shorter than
TNR font, one-inch 2.5 pages in length.
margins and 2 pages (1-3)
in length. (4)
1-2 minor errors. (3-4) Lacks basic  
proofreading or
contains major
errors. (1-2)
Well-organized but Organization lacking  
“flow” could be and difficult or
improved. (3-4) impossible to follow.
(1-2)
Shows evidence of Lacks reflection and  
reasoned reflection. depth. (1-10)
(11-13)
Addresses all Fails to address all  
elements contained the elements
within the two stated contained within the
questions of two stated questions
assignment. (7-9) of assignment. (1-6)
 “I may not be able to give
Nothing has a stronger
my kids everything they
influence psychologically
want but I give them
on their environment and
what they need. Love,
especially on their
time, and attention. You
children than the unlived
can’t buy those things.”
life of the parent.
– Nishan Panwar 

—Carl Gustav Jung

Life doesn't make any sens
e without interdependence.
We need each other, and t
he sooner we learn that, th
e better for us all.

Erik Erikson