Stratigraphic Approach in Understanding the Self Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does anthropology emphasize in the study of the self?

An isolated analysis of physical characteristics

A focus solely on cultural practices

A holistic approach integrating multiple dimensions (correct)

The biological aspects only

How does culture influence individuals according to anthropologists?

It determines one’s psychological traits entirely

It influences a person's ways of life and physical characteristics (correct)

It only affects social interactions

It has no impact on physical characteristics

What is a major flaw of the stratigraphic approach in anthropology?

It stacks independent models without interrelation (correct)

It leads to oversimplification of human behavior

It interrelates multiple models effectively

It requires extensive qualitative data

What can reductionism lead to in anthropological analyses?

Oversimplification by limiting interpretations to a single analysis level Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the concept of culture impacting physical characteristics?

Tattooing practices among the Kalingas Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the anthropological view on the self?

Understanding the self requires integrating multiple models of analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for anthropologists to account for variety in human experience?

To construct a comprehensive theory of humanity Signup and view all the answers

What is the integrated system of learned patterns of behavior, ideas, and products characteristic of a society referred to as?

Culture Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives the id in an individual?

Pleasure and impulse Signup and view all the answers

How does the ego function in relation to the self?

It operates on the reality principle and makes decisions. Signup and view all the answers

In William James's theory, what does the 'Me' represent?

The empirical self that can be observed Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the self includes one's possessions and family?

Material self Signup and view all the answers

What does the social self depend on?

Social interactions and perceptions Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in achieving a high understanding of the spiritual self?

Finding moral and spiritual truths Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the 'I' in William James's model of the self?

It is the thinking self that engages in reflection. Signup and view all the answers

How might social selves differ among individuals?

Different observers may have varied ideas about each social self. Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the belief that one’s culture is superior to others?

Ethnocentrism Signup and view all the answers

How is egocentrism characterized in terms of self-view?

Seeing the self in relation only to one’s own needs and desires Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between sociocentrism and egocentrism?

Sociocentrism is group-centered; egocentrism is self-centered Signup and view all the answers

What concept suggests that an individual's beliefs should be interpreted within their own cultural context?

Cultural relativism Signup and view all the answers

Why is the pursuit of individualism viewed as inappropriate in sociocentric groups?

It threatens group loyalty and unity Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the self is emphasized by Freud's psychological perspective?

The division of the psyche into id, ego, and super-ego Signup and view all the answers

How would xenocentrism influence a person's view of their own culture?

They would see their culture as inferior to others Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of self is described as always being unique and internal to the individual?

Identity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anthropology and the Self

Anthropology views the self as a holistic entity encompassing physical, biological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects.
Physical traits influence cultural practices, illustrated by the Kalingas of the Cordillera with their traditional tattoos.
A comprehensive understanding of humanity considers both universality and diversity across global cultures.

Importance of Holistic Deconstruction

Avoid “stratigraphic approach,” which involves stacking independent models without interrelation.
Reject reductionism, which simplifies complex phenomena into a single level of interpretation, such as reducing culture to biological needs.

Culture's Influence on Self

Culture comprises learned behaviors, ideas, and products unique to a society, deeply shaping individual physical traits and practices.
Hiebert emphasizes how individuals creatively adapt their bodies to fit cultural norms, demonstrating the interplay between culture and personal identity.

Models of Self: Egocentric vs. Sociocentric

Egocentric identity focuses on individual perspectives, while sociocentric identity emphasizes group relationships.
Sociocentrism promotes group-centered behavior, valuing community over individualism, contrasting with egocentrism which prioritizes personal interests.

Understanding Cultural Dimensions

Cultural relativism promotes understanding beliefs and practices within their cultural context, rejecting a universal moral framework.
Ethnocentrism asserts belief in the superiority of one's culture, while xenocentrism views other cultures as superior to one's own.

Psychological Perspective on Self

The sense of self in psychology is dynamic, shaped by individual growth and external influences.

Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalysis

Freud identifies three components of the psyche:
- Id: Unconscious, impulsive, driven by pleasure.
- Ego: Conscious, operates on reality, makes decisions.
- Superego: Moral and ethical standards, guides the self’s behavior.

William James's Theory of Self

The self comprises two parts:
- "I" (the thinker): Pure ego, reflecting self-awareness and personal experiences.
- "Me" (the observed): Composed of the material, social, and spiritual aspects.
Material self includes physical possessions and family.
Social self reflects identity in public contexts, shaped by social perceptions that may conflict between different relationships.
Spiritual self is the inner self, focused on core values and moral questioning, emphasizing introspective understanding as crucial for holistic self-awareness.

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Description

Explore the anthropological perspective of the self in Chapter 3. This chapter discusses how the self encompasses physical, biological, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions. Gain insights into how these aspects influence one another and shape human experiences.

Anthropology Chapter 3: The Self

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