UTS-COMPREHENSIVE-REPORT-GROUP-3-ANTHROPOLOGY PDF

Leyte Normal University Bachelor of Arts in Communication AC11 The Self From Various Perspective: Anthropology The Self and person and contemporary anthropology & The self embedded in culture...

Leyte Normal University Bachelor of Arts in Communication AC11 The Self From Various Perspective: Anthropology The Self and person and contemporary anthropology & The self embedded in culture Group 3: Members: Faith C. Lastra Ikiel M. Dagandan Danielle A. Cadiong Jan Michael R. Joser  “The Self from Various Perspectives: Anthropology” Introduction Anthropology came from two Greek words ‘anthropos’ meaning Man ‘logus’ meaning study or science. Anthropology is the holistic study of humans, examining their cultural, social, and biological dimensions. It emphasizes how societies evolve, how individuals interact, and how cultures influence human behavior. In anthropology, the concept of “the self” is a crucial area of study, focusing on how identity is shaped by collective experiences, social interactions, and historical contexts. This report will explore two primary perspectives in anthropology: “The Self and Person in Contemporary Anthropology” and “The Self Embedded in Culture”. These perspectives will be analyzed in the context of Filipino culture, where the self is viewed through a relational lens, embedded in social obligations, familial bonds, and shared cultural values. A comparative analysis will also be provided, contrasting Filipino selfhood with other cultural frameworks to highlight the distinctive ways in which Filipino values shapes the “self” or how it shapes the identity. I. The Self and Person in Contemporary Anthropology In contemporary anthropology, the concept of “the self” and “personhood” is dynamic and multifaceted. Anthropologists today view the self not as a fixed entity but as a construct shaped by various social, cultural, and personal influences. The self is often understood through the lens of interactions within societal structures, reflecting a blend of individual identity and collective belonging. A. The Concept of the Self in Anthropology In anthropology, the self is not viewed as an isolated, autonomous entity but as a product of social and cultural forces. This contrasts significantly with the Western notion of selfhood, which emphasizes individuality, personal freedom, and autonomy. In many non-Western societies, including  the Philippines, the self is relational, constructed through interactions with others, and deeply tied to community and familial roles. In contemporary anthropology, the concept of “the self” and “personhood” is dynamic and multifaceted. Anthropologists today View the self not as a fixed entity but as a construct shaped by Various social, cultural, and personal influences. The self is often Understood through the lens of interactions within societal Structures, reflecting a blend of individual identity and collective belonging. SELF- Refers to an individual’s internal Sense of identity, including personal Thoughts, emotions, and experiences. PERSONHOOD- Refers to an individual’s social Identity, recognized and defined By society. B. The Relational Self in Filipino Culture In Filipino culture, the “relational self” plays a dominant role in shaping identity. Personal relationships and communal responsibilities take precedence over individual autonomy. The concept of **pakikisama** (getting along with others) exemplifies this. It highlights the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships, sometimes at the expense of personal desires or individuality. This value reinforces the idea that identity in Filipino culture is relational, constructed through social bonds, obligations, and cultural participation. For example, a Filipino might make sign ificant life decisions, such as career choices or marriage, not solely based on personal preferences but considering the impact on their family. The self, in this context, is defined not just by personal attributes but by how well an individual fulfills their role within the family and community. In contrast, Western cultures, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe, emphasize “Individualism”. The self is often viewed as an autonomous entity that should pursue personal goals and self-expression. This cultural framework promotes the idea of “self-actualization,” where individuals are encouraged to seek personal fulfillment, often independent of social or familial expectations. For Filipinos, such notions may feel alien, as their sense of self is deeply rooted in “collectivism” and relational identity. Filipino identity is further shaped by strong social obligations, particularly through values like **utang na loob** (debt of gratitude) and **hiya** (sense of propriety or shame). These values enforce a sense of duty and responsibility within social relationships, further embedding the self within the cultural fabric of Filipino society. **Utang na Loob**: This refers to the profound sense of gratitude one feels toward those who have helped them. Repaying this debt is crucial in Filipino society, as it maintains social balance and personal integrity. **Hiya**: This sense of shame or propriety ensures that individuals conform to societal expectations, protecting both family honor and community cohesion. In comparison to other cultures, “utang na loob” and “hiya” reflect the deep interconnectedness of Filipinos. C. Case Study: Family as a Core Unit of Identity in Filipino Culture The Filipino family plays a central role in shaping the self. Unlike the Western nuclear family, Filipino families are often extended, with strong bonds between grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family events, such as “fiestas”, “baptisms”, and “weddings”, are communal gatherings that strengthen familial ties and reinforce a collective sense of identity. II. The Self Embedded in Culture The self as embedded in culture refers to the idea that an Individual’s identity is inseparable from the cultural Environment in which they are raised. Anthropology Emphasizes that the self is not just an internal, individual Experience but a product of cultural values, social roles, and collective beliefs. A. Cultural Values  Culture is a central concept in Anthropology, often defined as the shared Practices, beliefs, symbols, values, and Material objects that a group of people use To understand their world and interact with it. In his concept of “thick description”, Clifford Geertz explains how cultural practices carry symbolic meanings that deeply shape identity. In the Philippines, these rituals not only reinforce community bonds but also serve as moments where individuals reaffirm their roles within the community, further embedding the self within culture. There are two types of Culture; MATERIAL (Tangible) and NON-MATERIAL CULTURE (Intangible). C. Language and Hierarchical Relationships in Filipino Culture Language plays a crucial role in shaping Filipino identity, particularly through terms of respect like “po” and “opo”, which are used to show deference to elders. Practices such as “mano po”, where younger individuals take the hand of an elder and place it on their forehead as a sign of respect, further illustrate how cultural norms shape the self. These linguistic and behavioral practices reflect the hierarchical nature of Filipino society, where age and status play significant roles in defining relationships. FRANZ URI BOAS Who: Known as the "Father of American Anthropology, " Franz Boas (1858–1942) was a German-American anthropologist who laid the foundation for cultural anthropology. Contributions: Boas challenged the idea of cultural evolutionism (the belief that cultures progress through similar stages of development) and argued instead for cultural relativism, which suggests that each culture should be understood on its own terms. CLIFFORD JAMES GEERTZ Who: Clifford Geertz (1926–2006) was an American anthropologist known for his work in symbolic and interpretive anthropology. Contributions: Geertz introduced the concept of culture as a "web of meaning" that individuals construct and live by. RUTH FULTON BENEDICT Who: Ruth Benedict (1887–1948) was an American anthropologist and a student of Franz Boas, known for her pioneering work in cultural anthropology. Contributions: Benedict’s work highlighted the diversity of cultural personalities and how cultural norms influence individual behavior and self-concept. MARGARET MEAD Who: Margaret Mead (1901–1978) was an American cultural anthropologist and a student of both Boas and Benedict. She was well known for her studies on adolescence and gender roles in different societies. In anthropology, two major perspectives of the self are commonly discussed: individual-centered (EGOCENTRIC) and society-centered (SOCIOCENTRIC) perspectives. Individual-Centered: Focuses on the self as an individual entity with unique personal identity. Key figures: Geertz, Mead. Society-Centered: Emphasizes the self as shaped by social roles, relationships, and culture. Comparative Analysis: Filipino Identity vs. Other Cultures A. Family-Centered vs. Individual-Centered Societies Filipino culture places a high value on family-centered relationships, where personal success is often measured by one’s contributions to the family. This contrasts sharply with Western societies, where the self is defined by individual accomplishments, personal freedom, and independence. In countries like the United States, young adults are encouraged to pursue their own careers and passions, often moving away from their families at a young age. In Filipino society, children are expected to stay close to their families and contribute to the household, whether emotionally, socially, or financially. This collectivist orientation defines how Filipinos see themselves in relation to others and reinforces the cultural expectation that one’s identity is not independent but communal. B. Resilience and Adaptability in Filipino Culture Filipinos are known for their “resilience”, a trait often described as “bayanihan”, or community cooperation. In times of crisis, Filipinos turn to their communities for support, finding strength in numbers. This contrasts with more formal, structured approaches to problem-solving seen in other cultures, such as in Germany, where individual responsibility and precision are emphasized. I. Conclusion Anthropological studies emphasize that identity is shaped by cultural, social, and historical contexts. In the Philippines, the self is not an isolated entity but one deeply embedded in family, community, and shared cultural values. This collectivist approach to identity contrasts with more individualistic societies, where personal autonomy and self- expression are prioritized. Understanding how different cultures construct the self provides insight into the diverse ways humans. Contemporary anthropology reveals that the self and person are complex constructs shaped by cultural and social contexts. The Filipino perspective emphasizes relational identity and communal values, contrasting with the more individualistic approaches seen in many Western cultures. Understanding the self from these varied perspectives provides valuable insights into how cultural values and social relationships influence personal identity. REFERENCES - Anderson, B. (1983). *Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism*. Verso. - Enriquez, V. G. (1986). *Sikolohiyang Pilipino: Mga Pag-aaral sa Sikolohiya ng Pilipino*. Quezon City: Philippine Psychology Research and Training House. - Geertz, C. (1973). *The Interpretation of Cultures*. New York: Basic Books. - Jocano, F. L. (1998). *Filipino Worldview: Ethnography of Local Knowledge*. Punlad Research House, Inc. - Salazar, Z. (1999). *Pantayong Pananaw: Ugat at Kabuluhan*. Manila: Palimbagan ng Lahi. - Strathern, M. (1988). *The Gender of the Gift: Problems with Women and Problems with Society in Melanesia*. University of California Press. - National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). (Various Publications). *Ethnographic Studies and Historical Analyses of Filipino Culture*.