The Self From Anthropological Perspectives PDF

GE2405 THE SELF FROM ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES Have you ever wondered what living in different parts of the world is like today? Can you imagine working in Korea or growing up in...

GE2405 THE SELF FROM ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES Have you ever wondered what living in different parts of the world is like today? Can you imagine working in Korea or growing up in a quiet village in the Himalayas? How have societies changed over time, and how have humans evolved? Anthropologists explore these questions. This module offers a fascinating look at how cultures shape who we are. Anthropology The word "anthropology" is derived from the Greek words anthropos (“human”) and logia (“study”). Anthropology is the study of people throughout the world—today, yesterday, and long ago. Subdisciplines of Anthropology 1. Cultural Anthropology – It is also known as ‘social anthropology.’ It studies the learned behavior of groups of people in specific environments. Example: Studying the practices, beliefs, traditions, rituals, and ceremonies of the Ifugao in the Cordillera Region 2. Linguistic Anthropology – It is the study of how language influences social life. Example: Studying the languages spoken by Indigenous communities in Mindanao and documenting how language reflects their cultural values, social organization, and ecological knowledge 3. Biological/Physical Anthropology – It focuses on human evolution within the context of human culture and behavior. Example: Conducting research on the genetic diversity among different ethnic groups in the Philippines 4. Archaeology – It interprets human history by analyzing material remains to interpret the experiences and activities of individuals and civilizations throughout history. Example: Excavating ancient burial sites in Batangas and uncovering artifacts such as burial jars and gold ornaments The Self and Person in Contemporary Anthropology In contemporary anthropology, studying the self and person involves key aspects. Anthropologists emphasize that norms, values, and social practices culturally shape the self. They explore how individuals perceive themselves and manage their identities within cultural contexts. Social relationships within communities also play a crucial role in shaping self-perception and behavior. Symbols, rituals, and cultural behaviors contribute significantly to forming individual and group identities. Anthropology also examines how globalization and cultural exchange impact identity in diverse societies, influencing how individuals adapt to or resist cultural changes. 03 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 1 of 3  GE2405 The Self as Embedded in Culture In understanding how societies influence the identities we are part of, it is essential to understand the self within culture. Anthropologists Clifford Geertz and Margaret Mead emphasized the importance of not only our characteristics but also our perception of ourselves within the wider cultural context. Clifford Geertz (1926 – 2006) Clifford James Geertz was an American anthropologist who contributed to his theories of interpretive anthropology and symbolic significance. Below are the most essential aspects of his contributions. 1. Symbolic Anthropology – Geertz argued that cultural symbols and meanings significantly influence individual identities. Example: In Moroccan souks (market), items like spices or rugs carry symbolic meanings beyond their economic value. Interactions in the souk aren't just transactions but performances reflecting social status and cultural values, demonstrating how cultural norms and values shape personal identity. 2. Cultural Embeddedness – Geertz believed that individuals' sense of self is deeply rooted in cultural contexts. Cultural symbols, rituals, and social norms shape how people perceive themselves and their roles in society. Example: Javanese Shadow Puppet Theater (Wayang Kulit) symbolizes moral ideals and plays a crucial role in religious ceremonies, reflecting and shaping Javanese cultural identity. 3. Performance and Interpretation – Geertz explored social performance, where individuals express and negotiate identities through interactions and interpretations of cultural symbols. The self is not fixed but is continuously negotiated and expressed through these performances. Example: In Indian classical dance like Bharatanatyam or Kathak, dancers use gestures to portray Hindu mythological stories. Audiences interpret these performances based on their cultural knowledge, connecting emotionally with the narrative. Such dances are integral to cultural events, strengthening community ties and shaping cultural identity. Margaret Mead (1901–1978) Margaret Mead was an American cultural anthropologist best known for her studies on cultural relativism, gender roles, and socialization. Below are the most essential aspects of her contributions. 1. Cultural Relativity – Mead showed how cultures have unique norms and values that shape individual identities. Example: Margaret Mead studied the Arapesh tribe in Papua New Guinea and found that both men and women showed nurturing behaviors, caring for others equally. It was different from Western beliefs where nurturing roles are often seen as only for women. Her research showed that gender roles vary across cultures, highlighting how culture shapes identities and social roles. 2. Socialization and Learning – Mead explored how individuals learn cultural norms through upbringing and social interactions. 03 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 2 of 3  GE2405 Example: Margaret Mead studied the Manus people in Papua New Guinea. She observed that Manus children learn societal norms through communal caregiving, observing rituals, and joining ceremonies. This socialization process shapes their roles and identities within the community, showing how culture influences individual development. 3. Flexibility of Identity – Unlike some thinkers, Mead argued that identities are adaptable across cultures. Example: Margaret Mead studied the Tchambuli (Chambri) tribe in Papua New Guinea. She discovered that women held dominant roles in economic and social life while men focused on expressive and artistic activities. These challenges fixed gender roles and show how cultural norms reshape identities in diverse societies. In essence, while both Geertz and Mead highlight the cultural construction of self, Geertz's approach focuses on symbolic interpretation and performance within specific cultural settings. In contrast, Mead's perspective explores the diversity of identities shaped by cultural norms and socialization processes across different societies. Reference: Corpuz, R., et al. (2019). Understanding the Self. C & E Publishing, Inc. Go-Monilla, J., & Ramirez, N. (2018). Understanding the self. Philippines: C & E Publishing, Inc. American Museum of Natural History. (n.d.). What is Anthropology? https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/anthropology/what-is- anthropology#:~:text=The%20word%20%22anthropology%22%20comes%20from,%2C%20yesterday%2C%20and% 20long%20ago.&text=Anthropologists%20study%20people%20from%20every,eat%2C%20celebrate%2C%20or%20 worship. Clifford Geertz: Work and Legacy. (2020, October 13). Institute for Advanced Study. https://www.ias.edu/clifford- geertz-work-and-legacy. History and branches of anthropology. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/history-branches-anthropology/. 03 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 3 of 3