The Self in Anthropology

Anthropological Perspective

• Anthropology studies people and cultures, past and present across the world.
• Includes evolutionary history, behavior, adaptation, communication, and socialization.
• Aims to understand similarities and differences in human societies.

Subfields of Anthropology

• There are 4 main subfields of anthropology
• Archeology studies past human life through artifacts like pottery, tools, and relics.
• Physical Anthropology studies human biology, adaptation, and evolution, including nonhuman primates.
• Linguistic Anthropology studies language development, evolution, and its impact on thought and culture change.
• Cultural Anthropology studies current and past lives, tools, food production, and consumption.

The Self in Anthropology

• Foundation is understanding man in the context of culture.
• The self is a set of implicit cultural values that guide our lives.

Culture

• According to Sir Edward B. Taylor, culture includes knowledge, beliefs, morals, laws, customs and capabilities acquired as a society member.
• Culture can be seen in symbols, heroes, rituals and values

Aspects of Culture

• Symbols are words, images, or gestures with specific cultural meanings, like flags or clothing
• Heroes are role models, real or fictional, embodying important cultural characteristics
• Rituals are actions or patterns used in specific situations
• Values are guiding principles, like respect for elders

Types of Culture

Material

• Material culture includes physical objects and spaces, defining culture.
• Examples are homes, schools, factories, tools, and goods, reflecting human technology.

Non-Material

• Non-material culture includes intangible creations like beliefs, values, norms, morals, language, and organizations.

Characteristics of Culture

Culture is Learned

• Culture is learned from families, peers, institutions, and media.
• Enculturation is the process of learning culture.

Culture is Shared

• Shared culture enables socially appropriate behavior and predictability within a group.

Culture Changes

• Culture evolves over time to adapt to changing environments.

Catherine Raeff's Cultural Influences (2010)

• Relationships are influenced by culture.
• Personality: Culture shapes the value of traits like humility and assertiveness.
• Achievement: Culture influences definitions of success, whether individual or group-oriented.
• Emotions: Culture dictates expression, public or private.

Customs and Traditions

• Inherited patterns of thought, action, or behavior e.g. religious or social.
• Mano po is a gesture of respect toward elders which roughly translates to “hand” in Spanish.
• Hospitality involves serving others.
• Close family ties are valued beyond cultural traditions.
• Bayanihan is communal unity for a common goal.
• Courtship is done romantically.
• Strong religious devotion, and guidance in daily life are commonly observed.
• Superstitions aim to prevent danger or influence behavior.
• Cuisine varies by region, with each province having its own specialties.
• Wedding customs involve a sacred union after courtship and engagement.
• Death rituals are unique, religious, and superstitious.

Western Self

• Analytical thinking uses deductive reasoning with causal links (part to whole).
• Monotheistic belief in one Supreme Being creating the universe independently.
• Individualistic promotes individual desire and independence over a group.
• Materialistic and rationalistic focus on material over immaterial things.

Eastern Self

• Eastern Thought is composed of four great systems: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism

Hinduism

• Hinduism stems from Indian religion and dharma, or way of life.
• It is the world's third largest religion.
• Brahman is an absolute reality and ultimate unchanging eternal and infinite source.
• Atman (soul or spirit) is the true knowledge of self.
• Vedanta defines suffering as failing to realize the distinction between the true self and the non-true self.
• The Law of Karma states Actions lead to good or bad outcomes.

Buddhism

• Buddhism states there is no eternal Self in rebirth process.
• Buddhism denies all kinds of eternal beings.
• Life leads to suffering.
• Suffering is caused by attachment to desires can be stopped through the elimination of suffering.

Taoism

• Taoists believe living with simplicity, spontaneity, and harmony with nature will enrich one's life.
• A Taoist lives in harmony with themselves and their instincts.

Confucianism

• Confucianism is anchored in the Golden Rule.
• Good relationships are a virtue and treat others how you want to be treated.
• The concept of "no-self" denotes serving without selfish motives.
• Heart of Righteousness (Yi) symbolizes doing things the right way.
• Heart of Compassion (Jen) is is being willing to do what is best for everyone.
• Heart of Propriety (Li) establishes principles of order for good relationships.
• Heart of Wisdom (Chih) denotes people are born knowing the difference between right and wrong.

Individualistic vs. Collective Self

• Collectivistic people participate in collectivist culture and more likely to attend to interdependent and interconnected aspects.
• Individualists like to be independent.
• Collectivists value social relationships and harmony whereas Individualists value independence.