photo.jpg
Transcript
# The Concept of Self Varies With Culture - Markus & Kitayama (1991) pointed out that the primary method in which cultural values influence psychological processes is in terms of how individuals define and see their "selves" in relation to others in their social network. - Our concept of self is...
# The Concept of Self Varies With Culture - Markus & Kitayama (1991) pointed out that the primary method in which cultural values influence psychological processes is in terms of how individuals define and see their "selves" in relation to others in their social network. - Our concept of self is relative to how we construe ourselves within our group. # Confucius - The Eastern/Oriental View of Self - Many of the previous perspectives on the self have been influenced by the philosophy of seeking personal independence, and have spread throughout the Western parts of the world (e.g., The US, UK). Thus, the concept of the self is seen as a separate whole among other wholes in society. - In the Eastern Hemisphere, other philosophies were more prevalent than others. These philosophies espoused a more interrelated conceptualization of the self. - For Eastern Societies, the self is seen as an emerging concept from a combined set of multiple identities. - Confucius, one of the most prominent philosophers in the East, laid out the Chinese philosophy which defined the self in terms of cardinal relationships (e.g., ruler-minister, father-son, etc.) nurtured by reciprocity, interdependence, and interrelatedness. - This philosophy eventually spread throughout the Eastern parts, influencing societies and cultures within it. - Confucian philosophy focuses on relational identity as defined by significant relationships. - Not all relationships impinge upon our self-view, but only those which we consider significant. - Most often, this self-view is influenced by societal values and expectation. # Salient Features of Individualist and Collectivist Cultures ## Individualist Cultures - Fosters independence and individual achievement - Promotes self-expression, individual thinking, and personal choice - Associated with egalitarian relationships and flexibility in roles - Associated with private property and individual ownership ## Collectivist Cultures - Fosters interdependence and group success - Promotes adherence to norms, respect for authority/elders, and group consensus - Associated with stable, hierarchical roles - Associated with shared property and group ownership
