UNPACKING THE SELF:

Physical Self
Prepared by: LENNY FE L. YU
OBJECTIVES
 Explore the different aspects of self and identity
• Demonstrate critical, reflective thought in integrating the
various aspects of self and identity
• Identify the different forces and institutions that impact
the development of various aspects of self and identity
• Examine one’s self against the different aspects of self
discussed in class
THE BIOLOGICAL BLUEPRINT
A crucial aspect of the self is one’s physical features
including the face, bodily structure, height and weight.
However, people should also consider their physical
competencies, valuation of physical worth, and
perception of beauty.
 AM I BEAUTIFUL?
 DO PEOPLE FIND ME ATTRACTIVE?
 WHAT CAN I DO TO ENHANCE MY FEATURES?
The Concept of the Physical Self
 Physical Self refers to
the body, this
marvelous container
and complex, finely
tuned, machine with
which we interface The Physical Self is the
with our environment concrete dimension, the
tangible aspect of the person
and fellow beings. that can be directly observed
and examined.
 The Concept of the Physical Self
 William James considered body as
However, this aspect of
the initial source of sensation and
our self seems to have
necessary for the origin and
been left behind. But still,
maintenance of personality.
some theories emphasize
 Erik Erikson, the role of bodily
the importance of the
physical self. organs is especially important in
early developmental stages of a
persons life.
 The Indian tradition views growth
and enlightenment as the whole
body event, which is not possible
until one has a pure and strong
body.
 The Concept of the Physical Self
 As a biological entity,
the body has a  It conveys important
functional role, but as a messages about social
social entity it is the status and subculture
most visible way of membership; in turn, it
expressing and receives messages from
presenting someone's the outside
identity.
In search of beauty…
In search of beauty…
Standards of Beauty?

 Symmetry
 defined not with
proportions, but rather with
similarity between the left
and right sides of the face
Gigi Hadid
 Standards of Beauty
Biologists had also hypothesized that we prefer
faces that epitomize the ‘manliness’ or ‘femininity’
of their gender

Itwas only in the most urbanized regions that they

found the strong attraction to more masculine men
and more feminine women; in the smaller, more
remote communities, many women actually
preferred the more “feminine” looking men.
 Beauty and self-expressions
across cultures
Since birth, the socialized body is subjected to
cultural norms. The attitude towards the body
and the bodily practices reflect the value
constellation of each particular society.
Omo tribes in Ethopia
Neck rings
Foot binding in China
Scarification
Body Modification
Beauty through Time
http://www.worldwisebeauty.com/2012/0
9/19/are-you-a-seductive-fox-or-a-
powerful-peacock-find-your-global-
beauty-type-here/
 There are four key components that
women think about when it comes to
building and maintaining their beauty
 Looking Beautiful
 Foundational Beauty
Skincare, haircare,
haircolor. These are the
‘building blocks’ or basics
that provide a solid
foundation for one’s
beauty
 Enhancement Beauty
Color cosmetics,
accessories and style.
These are all the elements
women tend to play with
when they want to take
their beauty to the next
level or reinvent their look
to suit a mood or occasion.
 Feeling Beautiful
 Wellness Beauty
Taking your vitamins, getting
enough sleep, staying out of the
sun and taking
 Emotional Beauty
your make-up off before bed.
The notion of ‘wellness beauty’ Confidence, talent,
is becoming more and more
charisma, kindness,
important around the world. In
fact, when asked what the most intelligence.Nowadays
important thing when it came to women seek to
achieving beauty was, women demonstrate beauty via
put ‘eating the right food’ and substance as well as
‘getting enough exercise’ above
all other factors.
style.
 Key Points
The self as impacted by the body
The impact of culture on body image and self
esteem
The importance of beauty
Self Perception is how you see or
view yourself
So how can we build a strong
and positive body image?
Talk back to the media
De-emphasize numbers.
Realize that we cannot change our body type.
Stop comparingourselves to others.
 We need to move and enjoy our bodies not
because we have to, but because it makes us
feel good.
PPre
 Assignment
Make a Reflection paper

Considering how you look

now, is there anything you
wish to change? Why or
Why not?