Anthropological Perspective of the Self

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Questions and Answers

Personal naming establishes a child's birthright and social identity.

True

What is the systematic study of humans called?

Anthropology

How is the sociocentric concept of the self defined?

The self is dependent on the situation or social setting.

What are the three phases of Rites of Passage?

Incorporation Signup and view all the answers

What does the egocentric concept of the self suggest?

Each person is defined as a replica of all humanity, capable of acting independently. Signup and view all the answers

Identity toolbox refers to the features of a person’s identity that s/he chooses to emphasize in constructing a social ______.

self Signup and view all the answers

Which generation is referred to as the 'Selfie' generation?

Generation Z Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor in self-identification?

Hobbies Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of self-awareness?

The ability to perceive and understand the things that make you who you are as an individual. Signup and view all the answers

Who is William James?

A well-known psychologist who formulated a theory of awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ideal self' refer to?

The image of ourselves that we strive to become, shaped by our learning and experiences over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is self-actualization?

The goal of the self involving reaching one’s full potential and achieving the highest level of being. Signup and view all the answers

What does congruence refer to?

The alignment between an individual’s actual behavior or self-image and their ideal self. Signup and view all the answers

The material self refers to psychological aspects of oneself.

False Signup and view all the answers

Incongruence leads to mental well-being.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the true self according to Donald Winnicott?

Represented by our real feelings and desires. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the false self serve?

To hide and protect the true self Signup and view all the answers

What is self-efficacy?

The belief in one’s capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anthropological Perspective of the Self

Anthropology systematically studies humans, exploring biological and cultural influences on the self.
The self develops through an interplay of nature (genetic inheritance) and nurture (sociocultural environment).

Concepts of Self

Egocentric: Individuals are autonomous and independent, with inherent characteristics (e.g., assertive Americans).
Sociocentric: The self is dependent on social context and group affiliations (e.g., Filipinos valuing kinship).

Personal Naming & Identity

Naming is universal, varying cross-culturally, establishing birthright and social identity.
A name individualizes and provides identity across time.

Rites of Passage

Mark changes in status and identity through three phases: separation, liminality (transition), and incorporation.

Generation Z and Cultural Identity

Generation Z actively shapes culture, unlike previous generations.
Gen Z defines cultural identity diversely, transcending traditional race and ethnicity boundaries.
They blend and adapt multiple cultures.

Identity Toolbox

Refers to the identity features individuals emphasize in social settings.
Includes kinship, gender, age, language, religion, appearance, and ethnicity.

The Self: A Psychological Perspective

The self is a fluid concept, shaped by interactions and self-awareness.
Psychology scientifically studies human thoughts and behaviors.

William James' Theory of the Self

James divided the self into two: "I" (the knower) and "Me" (the known).
"I" is the thinking subject, conscious of self and environment.
"Me" is divided into three:
- Material self: Physical possessions (body, clothes, belongings) impacting self-esteem.
- Social self: Social roles, reputation, and relationships influencing self-perception.
- Spiritual self: Innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences defining individuality.

Carl Rogers' Self Theory

Self-concept: How one perceives oneself.
Ideal self: The aspired version of oneself.
Self-actualization: Reaching full potential; the ultimate goal.
Congruence: Alignment between real self and ideal self, leading to well-being.
Incongruence: Misalignment between real and ideal selves, causing distress.

Donald Winnicott's True and False Selves

True self: Represents genuine feelings and desires.
False self: A protective adaptation to survive, hiding the true self.
- Healthy false self: Socially acceptable behavior, preserving the true self.
- Unhealthy false self: Excessive repression, hindering true self expression.

Self-Awareness and Self-Efficacy

Self-awareness: Understanding one's personality, actions, values, beliefs, emotions, and thoughts.
Self-efficacy (Bandura): Belief in one's ability to manage situations.
Self-efficacy is developed through various experiences.

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Description

This quiz explores the anthropological aspects of the self, focusing on the interplay between biology and culture. It covers concepts of egocentrism and sociocentrism, the significance of personal naming, rites of passage, and the cultural identity of Generation Z. Test your understanding of how these elements influence individual and collective identities.