Brown Photo Group Project Presentation 2024 PDF

By Group 2 BSME 1-E OBJECTIVES At the end of the learning packet, you will be able to explain: How culture affects the creation of the self, Determine the modern trends in Anthropology as well as to recognize our unique cultural practices; and Value the importance of culture on the creation o...

By Group 2 BSME 1-E OBJECTIVES At the end of the learning packet, you will be able to explain: How culture affects the creation of the self, Determine the modern trends in Anthropology as well as to recognize our unique cultural practices; and Value the importance of culture on the creation of the self. ANTHROPOLOGY is a study of all the aspects of human condition. This includes human history, the present human condition, and even the future possibilities. It also examines the biology, interactions in society, language and especially culture (Kottak, 2009). Anthropology explores the interconnectedness and interdependence of human cultural experiences in all places and ages. This kind of broad and holistic perspective of anthropological inquiry equips the anthropologists the ascendancy in explaining human nature (Havilland, et. al., 2014). ANTHROPOLOGY AND HUMAN NATURE How does anthropology explain human nature? Anthropology views the self as both a biological and cultural entity. The self is an animal species that underwent biological evolution. Shared characteristics with other animals, especially hominids. EVOLUTION OF THE SELF Traditional View of the Self: Evolved from apes around 33 million years ago. Traces origins to hominid species like Homo sapiens. Developed a larger brain with billions of neurons. Adapted for survival, leading to cultural and behavioral changes. PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE SELF The self is superior to other animals because of: Larger brain capacity: The only animal capable of rational thought. Ability to stand upright: Better mobility and capability for complex tasks. SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE SELF Social Factors contributing to human superiority: Use of language and symbols: Dynamic, systematic communication. Ability to preserve history, knowledge, and culture. Cooperation in large, systematic groups. Innovation: Invents tools and systems for survival. KEY CONCEPTS IN ANTHROPOLOGY Two Important Concepts: Culture Enculturation CULTURE Definition of Culture Culture: Systems of human behavior and thought. Includes customs, traditions, knowledge, beliefs, and arts. Encompasses religion, morals, law, language, and practices necessary for functioning in society Symbolism in Culture Adaptive and Maladaptive Culture Culture is symbolic: Tools and symbols Culture is learned and deeply integrated into hold meaning for significant events. customs and beliefs. Examples: Burial sites, ancestral Adaptive culture: Continues to uphold central homes, historical landmarks, rituals. values beneficial to the community. Geertz (1973): Culture is “a Maladaptive culture: Practices that no longer historically transmitted pattern of serve a positive function may need to be meanings embodied in symbols.” discarded to protect community identity. ENCULTURATION Enculturation: Transmission of culture from one generation to the next. Observation, language, adaptation to environment, rituals, and education. Cultural identity: Defined by the differences in how communities do things. Culture shapes how humans think, behave, and function in society. Enculturation ensures the continuation of cultural identity through generations. THE SELF IN CONTEMPORARY ANTHROPOLOGY Holistic View of the Self The anthropological self is viewed holistically, considering both: Biological aspects (genes and evolution). Environmental aspects (cultural exposure). Genes play a key role in the cultural development of an individual. Environmental exposure begins as early as conception and continues after birth. Importance of Early Development Early childhood is crucial for developing self-awareness. In Western cultures, independence is encouraged from an early age. In Asian and African cultures, close contact with parents fosters dependency on family and community. Neuromotor Development Raising practices influence the development of a child’s neuromotor functions. These functions are key to forming self-awareness and identity in relation to their culture and environment. SELF-AWARENESS Anthropology defines self-awareness as "that which permits one to assume responsibility for Stimulation is maximized when the child is one's own conduct, to learn how to react to in close contact with the mother or carer others, and to assume a variety of roles" and all the other members of the family. (Haviland, 2003). It has been observed that a child starts to This develops the neural circuitry or hard conceptualize self-awareness at age two. wiring of the brain faster than with the children However, studies also show that self- with less stimulation. This is particularly awareness is conceptualized much earlier by advantageous for us Filipinos because most of children sleeping with parents and are exposed the time our cultural practice is to sleep with to a variety of stimuli like touch and the like. our parents until at least school age. SELF AND BEHAVIORAL ENVIRONMENT In order to strengthen the identity of the self, one must be able to grasp the different behavioral orientations. These are concepts that will help situate the self in different behavioral conditions. The four environmental orientations are; object orientation, spatial orientation, temporal orientation and normative orientation. Object orientation positions the self in relation to the surrounding objects. The self should be able to act responsively to the cultural objects around. Take for example the T'boli, an indigenous group from South Cotabato. They learn to respect the trees, the lakes, the falls and the animals of the forest. They believe in the spirit of the forest hence they consider the woods as a holy ground where no leaf shall be turned as one walks through.  THE SELF EMBEDDED IN CULTURE The self –concept is an organized collection of beliefs about the self. The self-concept entails your beliefs about your personality (Markus & Cross, 1990) those things that come to mind when you think about yourself (Stets & Burke,2003). These beliefs, also called self-schemas, shape social perception. (Showers & Zeigler –Hill, 2012). These are developed from “past experience”, and are concerned with your personality traits, abilities and physical features, values, goals, and social roles (Campbell, Assanand, & DiPaula 2000). When the self distinguishes acceptable behavior, it recognizes differences between oneself and others, embedding the self in culture. Psychological anthropologists differentiate the cultural self from the "actual self," influenced by feelings, thoughts, experiences, language, and memory. Anthropology contributes to recognizing cultural influence on social reality, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity in relation to others. Cultural degradation or genocide results in the loss of a culture through assimilation or lack of interest. Dominant cultures overshadow inferior ones, causing loss of identity. Globalization, violence, and disrespect for traditions also contribute to cultural loss. Media exposure further impacts language, traditions, and beliefs. Anthropology frees individuals from dominant ideas, recognizing the self's biological response to culture and self-awareness of cultural elements.  REMEMBER "Culture is also not a force or causal agent in the world, but a context in which people live out their lives." (Clifford Geertz, 1973)