Anthropological Perspective of the Self

Anthropological Perspective of the Self

• Anthropology is the holistic "science of man," encompassing the totality of human existence.
• Derived from Greek "Anthropos" (human) and "logos" (study), it examines cultural and biological similarities and variations among humans.
• Studies human populations across all periods and regions.

Subdivisions of Anthropology

• Two main branches:
  • Physical Anthropology: Focuses on biological aspects of humans.
  • Cultural Anthropology: Explores the origins, history, and development of human cultures.

Cultural Anthropology

• Involves intensive field investigations to understand human behavior.
• Areas of focus include:
  • Political and economic organization
  • Law and conflict resolution
  • Consumption and exchange patterns
  • Kinship, family structure, and gender relations
  • Religion, mythology, and socialization practices
  • The arts and secret societies.

Definition of Culture

• Culture is a complex whole, including knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and habits acquired as members of society (Edward Taylor).
• It encompasses customary ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving transmitted across generations.

Ways Culture is Learned or Acquired

• Imitation: Duplication of others' behaviors.
• Indoctrination: Formal teaching/training in various settings.
• Conditioning: Learning through reinforcement of behaviors by rewards or punishments.
• Acculturation: Modification of cultures through contact.
• Amalgamation: Intermarriage resulting in biological fusion of different cultural groups.

Components of Culture

• Material Culture: Tangible artifacts and tools created by humans.
• Non-Material Culture: Intangible aspects that include:
  • Norms: Guidelines for behavior, divided into:
    • Folkways: Informal rules expected to be followed, not seriously offensive if broken.
    • Mores: Widely observed moral norms determining acceptable conduct (e.g., lying, stealing).
    • Laws: Codified norms with formal sanctions.
  • Ideas, Beliefs, and Values: Non-material aspects reflecting societal perceptions and priorities.
  • Symbols: Language and other forms of communication.

Cultural Diversity

• Represents a wide range of differences in cultural patterns, ideas, and forms of social organization.
• Factors promoting cultural diversity:
  • Environmental differences
  • Isolation of groups
  • Technological advances
  • Cultural themes and influences
  • Diffusion of cultural elements.

Approaches in Analyzing Culture

• Understanding major values and norms is essential in analyzing cultural dynamics.
• Recognition of how these values and norms shape individual and societal behaviors.