CHAPTER 3:

Anthropological
Perspective of
the Self:
The Self as Embedded in Culture
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Appreciate the science of anthropology and

recognize its relevance in elucidating the
development of self and identity;
2. Understand how the sense of self is shaped
and influenced by culture.
 Introduction
• ⊹
Anthropology considered as one
of the most complex areas of
⊹
discipline, that has explored
⊹ various meanings of culture, self
and identity in the desire to come
up with a better understanding of
the self.
3
 Introduction
⊹

• Anthropology is concerned with

⊹
how cultural and biological
⊹
processes interact to shape human
experience.

4
 Introduction
⊹
• The field of anthropology has
⊹
contributed indirectly to the
⊹
understanding of the nature of
self through ethnographic
investigations.

5
 Introduction
⊹
✔ Ethnographic Investigations (e.g.,
⊹ sampling method, sentence completion,

⊹
interviews)
- discuss that cultural variations that may
affect one’s mental state, language, and behavior.

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The Concept of Culture

7
Culture defined: Culture is shared, symbolic,
natural, learned, integrated, encompassing and
maladaptive and adaptive.
THE CONCEPT OF CULTURE
A broad construct that covers a wide range of
elements – from your clothing designs to your food
preferences, the dialect you use for communicating,
the festivals you enjoy, the religious beliefs and
customs you observe, the set of values you
conform to, or even the kinds of books you read, or
the jokes you crack – all these illuminate your way
of life and all these elements form part of the
culture you were raised to.
The Concept of Culture
⊹
 Cultural anthropology being
⊹ one of the sub-disciplines of

⊹ anthropology underscores
the concept of culture and
its influence in shaping the
self.
1
0
The Concept of Culture

⊹Cultural Symbols
- It aids in establishing the
⊹
uniqueness of a particular culture.
When properly preserved and
⊹
accurately passed on from one
generation to the other, it continues
to be an indelible representation of
one’s personhood.
Our Bodies and Culture
 Our Bodies and Culture

Apo Whang-Od Oggay, the Living Legend A woman from the Mursi Tribe in South
Mambabatok (Tattoo Artist) of the Butbut Ethiopia, Africa with her profound lip and
Tribe in Buscalan, Kalinga. earlobe plates.
 Our Bodies and Culture

A woman from the Karen Tribe (also known A member of the Bagobo people from
as Padaung People) of Thailand with heavy coastal Mindanao in the Philippines with
brass rings on her neck. filed and blackened teeth.
  He has a research, The Self and
Social Behavior in Differing
Cultural Contexts (1989).

 He introduced the three aspects of

the self:
a. The Private Self
HARRY TRIANDIS b. The Public Self
Psychology Professor c. Collective Self
University of Illinois
 PRIVATE SELF
- The private self-cognitions involve
traits, states, or behaviors of the
person. It is an assessment of the
self by the self.

- Example: I am outspoken.
I am amiable.
 PUBLIC SELF
- Cognitions, concerning the
generalized other’s view of the self.
The Public Self is an assessment of
the self by the generalized others.

- Example: People think I’m shy.

 COLLECTIVE SELF
- The Collective Self corresponds to an
assessment of the self by a specific
reference group. These aspects of the
self are heavily influenced by culture.

- Example: My family thinks I’m

introvert.
ACTIVITY:
CULTURAL CULTURAL TRADITIONS BELIEFS AND
ETHNIC GROUPS FESTIVAL SYMBOLS PRACTICES

ILOKANO
TAGALOG
IBANAG
ITAWES
CEBUANO
ITAWES