Understanding The Self - PDF

Unpacking the Self §Part 1: The Physical Self §Part 2: The Sexual Self §Part 3: The Material/Economic Self §Part 4: The Spiritual Self §Part 5: The Political Self §Part 6: The Digital Self PART 1: PHYSICAL SELF “Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else...

Unpacking the Self §Part 1: The Physical Self §Part 2: The Sexual Self §Part 3: The Material/Economic Self §Part 4: The Spiritual Self §Part 5: The Political Self §Part 6: The Digital Self PART 1: PHYSICAL SELF “Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.” – Leonardo da Vinci "Iam not who I think I am. I am not who you think I am. I am who I think you think I am." Physical Self - is the concrete dimension, the tangible aspect of the person that can be directly observed and examined. Physical Self/Body is an initial source of sensation and necessary for the origin and maintenance of personality –William James In Psychoanalytical school, Sigmund Freud's construction of self and personality makes the physical body the core of human experience. Erik Erikson - the role of bodily organs is especially important in early developmental stages of a persons life. Later in life, the development of physical as well as intellectual skills help determine whether the individual will achieve a sense of competence and ability to choose demanding roles in a complex society. How they view themselves How they view others How they think others view them The sociology of the body become an established discipline in the 1990’s. Bryan Turner, coined the term “somatic society” which means the new found importance of the body in contemporary society. THE OBSESSION TO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FACE & BODY EATING DISORDER SUCH AS ANOREXIA NERVOSA AND BULIMIA THE DEMAND FOR COSMETIC SURGERY AND SKIN WHITENERS BODY DYSMORPHIC BODY SHAMING Many people especially women spend tremendous expenditure of time, effort and money to alter their appearances to resemble an ideal image. WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL PHYSIQUE OF A MAN AND A WOMAN?  “MIRROR..MIRROR ON THE WALL WHO’S THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL” BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER WE ARE NOT OUR BODIES. WE LIVE IN OUR BODIES, BUT OUR BODIES DO NOT MAKE UP WHO WE ARE. Part 2: My Sexual Self ME AND MY SEXUALITY  §Sex is biological – male, female, also intersex (reproductive differences SEX based on genitalia, chromosomes, hormones)  § A person’s identity based on their physical characteristics, genes and hormones. § Men: penis § Women: vagina SEX § Intersex: chromosomes and hormones of a female but external genital is like that of a male : chromosomes and hormones of a male but external genital is like that of a female  §Also refers to sexual acts, as in ‘having sex’ SEX §Primary and secondary sex characteristics  §Gender is ‘the structure of social relations that centres on the reproductive arena, and the set of practices that bring reproductive distinctions into GENDER social processes (Connell 2002: 10) §A term that refers to social or cultural distinctions associated with a given sex; it is generally considered to be a socially constructed concept.  §Gender underlies assumptions regarding GENDER ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ behaviour  §Your sexuality is about who you’re attracted to sexually and romantically. §Human sexuality refers to SEXUALITY people’s sexual interest in and attraction to others, as well as their capacity to have erotic experiences and responses. § Straight/Heterosexual § Attracted mostly to people of the opposite sex or gender. § Gay/Homosexual § Attracted mostly to people of the same sex or gender (refers to guys – and often to girls, too). § Lesbian § Attracted mostly to people of the same sex or gender (refers to women). § Bisexual § Attracted to both men and women. § At conception, egg and sperm unite to create a new organism that incorporates some characteristics of each parent. § The first 22 pairs are called AUTOSOMES. The last pair is known as the SEX CHROMOSOMES. §Genetic basis for sex determination: §X chromosome §Y chromosome My Sexual Self My Sexual Self THE SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE § The hypothalamus is the most important part of the brain for sexual functioning; it produces important sexual hormones that are then secreted by the pituitary gland. § Sex hormones that influence sexual behavior include: § oxytocin, § prolactin, § vasopressin, § follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) and § luteinizing hormone (LH), § others include testosterone in males and estrogen and progesterone in females.  §The stage in which a man 5 Stages: or woman begins to want Desire or "desire" sexual intimacy or (libido) gratification, may last anywhere from a moment to many years.  § Muscle tension increases. § Heart rate quickens and breathing is accelerated. § Skin may become flushed (blotches of 5 Stages: redness appear on the chest and back). Excitement § Nipples become hardened or erect. § Blood flow to the genitals increases, (arousal) resulting in swelling of the woman's clitoris and labia minora (inner lips), and erection of the man's penis. § Vaginal lubrication begins. § The woman's breasts become fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell.  § The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified. § The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal walls turn a dark purple. § The woman's clitoris becomes highly 5 Stages: sensitive (may even be painful to touch) and retracts under the clitoral hood to Plateau avoid direct stimulation from the penis. § The man's testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum. § Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure continue to increase. § Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face, and hands.  § Involuntary muscle contractions begin. § Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of oxygen. § Muscles in the feet spasm. 5 Stages: § There is a sudden, forceful release Orgasm of sexual tension. § In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus also undergoes rhythmic contractions. § In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in the ejaculation of semen.  § Swelled and erect body parts return to their 5 Stages: previous size and color. Resolution § This phase is marked by a general sense of well- being, enhanced intimacy and, often, fatigue. § Refractory period PHASE BOTH SEXES WOMEN MEN Desire Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable (Duration: anywhere from a moment to many years) PHASE BOTH SEXES WOMEN MEN Excitement Heart rate and blood The vagina lengthens and The penis becomes (Duration: pressure increase, widens, the clitoris swells and erect, the scrotum anywhere from a body muscles tense, enlarges, breasts increase in thickens, and the few minutes to sexual flush occurs, size, the labia swell and testes rise closer to several hours) nipples become erect, separate, the vagina becomes the body. Erection genital and pelvic blood lubricated, and the uterus rises of the penis is the vessels become slightly. Vaginal lubrication is key indicator of engorged, and the key indicator of sexual sexual excitement. involuntary and excitement. Note: Women Note: Men generally voluntary muscles generally reach this stage more reach this stage contract. slowly than men do. faster stage than women do. PHASE BOTH SEXES WOMEN MEN Plateau Breathing rate, heart The clitoris withdraws, the The ridge of the glans (Duration: rate, and blood Bartholin’s glands lubricate, penis becomes more between 30 pressure further the areolae around nipples prominent, the seconds and 3 increase, sexual flush become larger, the labia Cowper’s glands minutes) deepens, and muscle continue to swell, the uterus secrete preejaculatory tension increases. tips to stand high in the fluid, and the testes There is a sense of abdomen, and the “orgasmic rise closer to the body. impending orgasm. platform” develops (the lower vagina swells, narrows, and tightens). PHASE BOTH SEXES WOMEN MEN Orgasm Heart rate, breathing, The uterus, vagina, anus, Ejaculation occurs (Duration: less and blood pressure and muscles of the pelvic (contractions of the than 1 minute) reach their peak, floor contract 5 to 12 times ejaculatory duct in the sexual flush spreads at 0.8-second intervals. prostate gland cause over the body, and Note: Women can have semen to be ejected there is a loss of orgasm, move back into through the urethra and muscle control plateau stage, and penis), and the urethra, (spasms). achieve another orgasm anus, and muscles of (called “multiple pelvic floor contract 3 to 6 orgasms”). times at 0.8-second intervals. MY SEXUAL SELF PHASE BOTH SEXES WOMEN MEN Resolution Heart rate and Blood vessels dilate to drain the Nipples lose their (Duration: blood pressure dip pelvic tissues and decrease erection; the penis varies greatly) below normal, engorgement; the breasts and becomes softer and returning to normal areolae decrease in size; nipples smaller; the scrotum soon afterward; the lose their erection; the clitoris relaxes, and the testes whole body, resumes its prearousal position drop farther away from including the palms and shrinks slightly; the labia the body. Depending on of hands and soles return to normal size and position; a number of factors of feet, sweats; the vagina relaxes; the cervix (including age), the there is a loss of opens to help semen travel up into refractory period in men, muscle tension, the uterus—closing 20–30 minutes during which erection increased after orgasm; and the uterus cannot be achieved, relaxation, and lowers into the upper vagina may last anywhere from drowsiness. 5 minutes to 24 hours or more. CHEMISTRY OF LUST ANDLOVE  The parts of the brain that function when we fall in love are the following: The prefrontal cortex shuts off whenever we experience lust and attraction LUST The hypothalamus of the brain plays a big role in this, stimulating the production of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen from the testes and ovaries  ATTRACTION While we can certainly lust for someone we are attracted to, and vice versa, one can happen w ithout the other. Attraction involves the brain pathways that control “reward” behavior which partly explains why the first few weeks or months of a relationship can be so exhilarating and even all- consuming.  ATTRACTION The hypothalamus releases DOPAMINE and NOREPINEPHRINE, hormones that are released when we do things that feel do to us. Such release can lead to decreased appetite and insomnia Norepinephrine is also known as NORADREANALIN, a hormone that plays a large role in the fight or flight response  ATTACHMENT Attachment is the predominant factor in long-term relationships. While lust and attraction are pretty much exclusive to romantic entanglements, attachment mediates friendships, parent- infant bonding, social cordiality, and many other intimacies as well. Known as the “cuddle hormone,” that is released in large quantities during sex, breastfeeding & childbirth. EROGENOUS ZONE SEXUAL DIVERSITY § Sex and gender are often thought of as binary categories; that is, we can be either male or female, or feminine or masculine. However, this is a FALSE assumption. § Although sex can be quantified by DNA and genetic testing, sometimes the results are difficult to make sense of with regard to their social implications.  SEXUALITY IS DIVERSE § Refers to the attitudes, feelings and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person's biological sex. § Behavior that is compatible with cultural expectations is referred to as gender - normative; behaviors that are viewed as incompatible with these Gender expectations constitute gender non - conformity (APA, 2012). GENDER IDENTITY § One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. § One's gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth. § Gender identity, in nearly all instances, is self- identified, as a result of a combination of inherent and extrinsic or environmental factors § An adjective used to describe a person whose gender identity and gender expression align with sex assigned at birth § Cisgender replaces the terms "nontransgender" or "bio man/bio woman" to refer to individuals who have a match between the gender they were assigned at birth, their bodies and their gender identity § (Schilt & Westbrook, 2009). TRANSGENDER § An adjective that is a umbrella term used to describe the full range of people whose gender identity and/or gender role do not conform to what is typically associated with their sex assigned at birth. TRANSGENDER § An umbrella term that incorporates differences in gender identity wherein one's assigned biological sex doesn't match their felt identity. § This umbrella term includes persons who do not feel they fit into a dichotomous sex structure through which they are identified as male or female. Individuals in this category may feel as if they are in the wrong gender, but this perception may or may not correlate with a desire for surgical or hormonal reassignment § (Meier & Labuski, 2013) § Transwoman is a person who was naturally born or physically assigned as male at birth but feels that this is not an accurate and complete description of him and identifies as a female. § Transman is a person who was naturally born or physically assigned as female at birth, but who feels that this is not an accurate or complete description of her and consequently identifies as a male. GENDER EXPRESSION § Refers to the ways that humans choose to display their gender identity to the world usually expressed through behavior, clothing, haircut or voice, and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated w ith being either masculine or feminine. GENDER EQUALITY § Gender equality is achieved when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society, including economic participation and decision-making, and when the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and men are equally valued and favoured. MY SEXUAL SELF § 1 Million STI cases everyday worldwide (WHO, 2016) § Estimated 357 M each year are infected by 1 of 4 STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis (WHO, 2016) § Drug resistance is a challenge esp. for Gonorrhea (WHO, 2018) § Poor young females more vulnerable than well-off counterparts (Abrigo, n.a.) MY SEXUAL SELF MOST COMMON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: 1) Human papillomavirus - causes genital warts, cervical CA. 2) Neisseria gonorrhoeae - causes gonorrhea infection. 3) Chlamydia trachomatis- causes chlamydia infection 4) Treponema pallidum – cases syphilis. If not treated can cause disability, neurological disorder to death. 5) Human immunodeficiency virus – causative agent of AIDS Note: We can add pictures to show effects of being infected with the disease. MY SEXUAL SELF HOW TO AVOID STDs? 1) Abstinence 2) Vaccination 3) Reduce number of sex partners 4) Mutual monogamy 5) Condoms (CDC, 2016) Note: Show infographic from CDC  Shaping the way we see ourselves: The role of consumer culture on our sense of self and identity “A man’s self is the sum total of all that he can call his, not only his body and his psychic powers, but his clothes and his house, his wife and children, his ancestors and friends, his reputation and works, his lands and horses, and yacht and bank-account. All these things give him the same emotions. If they wax and prosper, he feels triumphant; if they dwindle and die away, he feels cast down,—not necessarily in the same degree for each thing, but in much the same way for all.” - William James Bodily Self Extended Self Possessions can go beyond their functional value. Influence Power Sympathy Social status Emotions  Materialism The importance a consumer attaches to worldly possessions.  There’s an observation that one’s possessions are considered a part of oneself. They are symbols and extensions of the personal and social aspects of her identity/personhood. Possession help people define themselves.  Possessions can enhance one’s image and develop a positive sense of self. It can be a reassurance that one is the person one’s wishes to be. Goods and possessions are used to fill in or to compensate for the person lacks. For example: A recent Ph.D., for example, may prominently display his diploma in an attempt to convince himself (and others) that he is the erudite scholar he aspires to be. Even though you are not too smart or not qualified, so long as you wear an expensive watch, an high-class pair of shoes and you have the latest model of cellphone.  CONSPICIOUS CONSUMPTION Consumers own high-priced, status-oriented goods to impress others and to convince them of their high social status.  Acquisition of material possessions Possessions become symbolic expression of self-identity Loss of possessions Loss of im portant aspect of self Negative reactions  Meaning is in a constant state of flux. Cultural categories of person that help shape identity are subject to constant manipulation by individuals, social groups, and marketing agents. Meanings of objects that are used to make visible and stabilize the categories of culture are also subject to frequent change through their appropriation in advertising, in television programming, and among social subgroups. For example: A teenager who has just purchased his snowboard, the youthful, extreme sports image of snowboarding may soon fade as more people over 40 take up the sport.  Pets have become parts of the extended self. Pets belong to the top 5 possessions. Positive relationship between self-esteem and owning pets (Covert et al, 1985) The dog as “co-therapist” (Levinson, 1962) “It is the preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly.” — Bertrand Russell