Understanding the Self in Group 1

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Questions and Answers

What does anthropology primarily focus on?

The study of human emotions

The development of technology in society

Understanding the human condition in its cultural aspect (correct)

The study of human evolution

Which of the following best defines culture according to E.B. Tylor?

The shared knowledge and traditions of a society

A collection of technological advancements

A complex whole that encompasses beliefs, values, and practices (correct)

The sum of all physical artifacts in a society

What component of cultural influences refers to tangible materials inherited from previous generations?

Material Component (correct)

Symbolic Component

Normative Component

Cognitive Component

Which of the following components includes ideas, knowledge, beliefs, and values?

Cognitive Component Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the standards of behavior that govern individual relationships in society?

Social Norms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary objective of studying the self from various disciplines?

To examine the influences that shape individual identity Signup and view all the answers

How does anthropology approach the study of humans?

By examining humans in their cultural context Signup and view all the answers

What role does the normative component play in shaping the self?

It sets standards of behavior in society Signup and view all the answers

What defines Formal Social Norms?

Established written rules to maintain order Signup and view all the answers

What are Folkways characterized by?

Casual behaviors that do not require reprimanding Signup and view all the answers

What does Culture Shock refer to?

The experience of adjusting to a new cultural environment Signup and view all the answers

How is Ethnocentrism defined?

Belief in the superiority of one’s own culture Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of Cultural Lag?

Time delay in the acceptance of new cultural items Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of culture?

Culture is created spontaneously Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of independent constructs in cultural psychology?

Defines success through personal achievements Signup and view all the answers

What does Acculturation involve?

Transfer of values and customs between groups Signup and view all the answers

How do cultural anthropologists view the concept of self?

As deeply embedded within cultural contexts Signup and view all the answers

Which construct is primarily associated with collectivist cultures?

Self-interdependence Signup and view all the answers

How does culture influence emotional expression according to Catherine Raef?

It influences the public display of feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What influences the maintenance of relationships in collectivist cultures?

Duties and obligations to others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits may be valued differently across cultures?

Assertiveness Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of development does Raef consider to interplay with culture?

Nurture from social environments Signup and view all the answers

How might culture affect an individual’s definition of success?

By determining success based on group achievements Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the influence of culture on personality traits?

It affects traits and their perceived values. Signup and view all the answers

What does the egocentric concept of the self prioritize?

Differences and uniqueness Signup and view all the answers

According to Joseph LeDoux, which aspect of the self is not immediately available to consciousness?

Implicit self Signup and view all the answers

What does Katherine Ewing describe as the components of the self?

Physical organism, psychological functioning, and social attributes Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the nature of the self according to Joseph LeDoux?

It evolves with personal experiences and external factors Signup and view all the answers

How does Ewing perceive the nature of self-representations?

They are constructed and can change based on context Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the sociocentric concept of the self?

Dependence on social context and similarities Signup and view all the answers

What did Ewing (1989) assert about the 'self'?

It is largely an illusion created by context Signup and view all the answers

Which of these aspects does NOT contribute to the changes in the self, according to LeDoux?

Cultural indoctrination Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

Discuss representations and conceptualizations of self from various disciplinary perspectives.
Examine factors influencing the development of self and identity.
Compare how the self is represented across different disciplines.
Develop a theory of self through reflective analysis.

Anthropology

Derived from Greek words: "anthropos" (human) and "logos" (reason), and New Latin "anthropologia" (study of humanity).
Focuses on understanding human evolution, cultural aspects, and differentiation among humans.
Anthropology is essentially "humans studying humans."

Culture

Defined by E.B. Tylor as a complex whole encompassing beliefs, practices, values, and more.
People's way of life, influenced by processes and structures sustaining culture.

Cultural Influences on the Self

Material Component: Tangible items inherited from past generations.
Cognitive Component: Ideas, knowledge, beliefs, and values.
Normative Component: Standards of behavior known as social norms, which can be formal or informal.
- Formal Norms: Established rules that maintain societal balance.
- Informal Norms: Casual behaviors learned through observation and socialization.

Types of Norms

Folkways: Everyday behaviors that do not incur serious consequences upon violation.
Mores: Norms embodying moral views, with violations leading to serious repercussions.

Mechanisms of Cultural Change

Cultural Borrowing: Adoption of traits from one society to another.
Culture Lag: Time needed for a new cultural item to be accepted.
Xenocentrism: Preference for traits from other cultures, sometimes excessive usage.
Culture Shock: Discomfort experienced when transitioning to a different cultural environment.
Xenophobia: Fear or hatred of perceived cultural differences.
Ethnocentrism: Belief in the superiority of one's own culture.
Acculturation: Transfer of values and customs between groups.

Nature of Culture

Culture is learned, shared, integrated, and dynamic.

Concept of Self in Anthropology

The self is molded by cultural contexts, reflected through societal norms and practices.
Cultural psychologists identify two constructs:
- Independent Construct: Characteristic of individualistic cultures, focusing on personal attributes.
- Interdependent Construct: Typical of collectivist cultures, emphasizing connections among individuals.
Cultural factors significantly influence achievement, relationships, emotions, and personality traits.

Perspectives on the Self

Egocentric Concept: Individuals seen as unique, independent from others.
Sociocentric Concept: Self defined by social context, emphasizing shared characteristics.

Dual Aspects of Self

Katherine Ewing describes the self as a composite of physical, psychological, and social attributes.
Joseph LeDoux contrasts explicit (consciously aware) and implicit (subconscious) aspects of self, highlighting its dynamic nature influenced by various life experiences.

Self as Representation

Ewing posits the self is illusory, with multiple self-representations shaped by cultural concepts and personal histories.
Individuals adapt self-concepts based on contextual shifts, maintaining a sense of continuity despite changes.

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Description

This quiz explores various representations and conceptualizations of the self from different disciplinary perspectives. Participants will examine factors that shape self-identity and compare contrasting views on the self. Ideal for students looking to deepen their understanding of self-concept and its influences.