UNDERSTANDING THE

SELF
 The Self from
Anthropological
Perspectives
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module, the student is expected to
1. Define anthropology
2. Explain culture and the mechanisms of enculturation
3. Synthesize anthropological perspectives on self-awareness and self-reflexive
conduct
4. Show appreciation of one's cultural identity through the practice of one’s
cultural values
- NEIL ARMSTRONG
 ANTHROPOGICAL VIEW OF THE SELF

What is the anthropological

perspective? Why is it important?
 ANTHROPOGICAL VIEW OF THE SELF

An understanding of “self,” therefore, affirms a person’s identity

in a social environment, allowing him/her to recognize others
besides oneself (Sorabji 13). In other words, the way human
beings socialize solely depends on how they perceive themselves
and others through daily social interactions.
 ANTHROPOGICAL VIEW OF THE SELF
Anthropology
Anthropology is a study of all the aspects of human condition. This includes human
history, the present human condition, and even the future possibilities. It also examines
the biology, interactions in society, language and especially culture (Kottak, 2009).
Anthropology explores the interconnectedness and interdependence of human cultural
experiences in all places and ages. his Kind of broad and holistic perspective of
anthropological inquiry equips the anthropologists the ascendancy in explaining human
nature (Havilland, et. al., 2014)
 ANTHROPOGICAL VIEW OF THE SELF

Now, let us examine the two very important

concepts in anthropology before we discuss further
about the self, the contemporary seif. These
concepts are culture and enculturation.
 ANTHROPOGICAL VIEW OF THE SELF

Culture is traditionally defined as systems of human behavior

and thought. This covers all customs, traditions and capabilities
of humans as they function in society. In other words, culture
are those complex structures of knowledge, beliefs, arts,
religion, morals, law, language, traditional practices and all
other aspects needed by humans to function in society.
 ANTHROPOGICAL VIEW OF THE SELF
The Self Embedded in Culture
When the self is able to distinguish what is acceptable behavior and what is not, it only follows that
the self is already able to recognize the differences of one's self and the other. This ability to manage
the differences between selves is what makes the self – embedded in culture. Psychological
anthropologists recognize the thin line that distinguishes the cultural self and the "actual self. The
latter includes all the feelings, thoughts, experiences, biological and psychological constitutions,
language and memory. However, the actual self is also being shaped by all these same elements
and more. Therefore what remains in this distinction is the solid identity of the self in relation to
everything else.
 ANTHROPOGICAL VIEW OF THE SELF

Self-Project.
This activity speaks about the anthropological perspective
of the self. Given this perspective, what aspects of yourself
do you want to further develop? Identify these aspects and
make it a Self-Project. You may use the table below.
 ANTHROPOGICAL VIEW OF THE SELF
Project Title   Date:

Rationale  

General Goal  

Objectives Activities Strengths Possible Sources Projected Difficulties Duration Measures of Success

1.              

2.              

3.