Understanding The Self PDF

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF Lesson 4 At the end of the lesson, you should be able to: 1. Explain the concept of “self” in several Asian perspectives. 2. Differentiate the concept of “self” according to Western thought against Eastern thought. 3. Create a representation of the Filipino self....

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF Lesson 4 At the end of the lesson, you should be able to: 1. Explain the concept of “self” in several Asian perspectives. 2. Differentiate the concept of “self” according to Western thought against Eastern thought. 3. Create a representation of the Filipino self. Case Study GlobalTech Solutions, a multinational technology company, is facing a conflict between its two main regional offices: one in Japan (a collectivist culture) and the other in the United States (an individualist culture). Both offices are collaborating on the development of a new software product. However, differences in cultural values are leading to misunderstandings and inefficiencies. The primary issue is the clash in work culture, communication styles, and decision-making process between the Japanese and American teams, leading to misunderstandings and delays in the project. LET US ANALYZE! How can GlobalTech Solutions effectively bridge the gap in communication styles between its Japanese and American teams to improve collaboration on the software development project? What strategies could GlobalTech Solutions implement to integrate elements of both collectivist and individualist cultural values into its decision-making process, ensuring efficiency while also fostering team alignment? Different cultures and varying environments tend to create different perceptions of the “self”. One of the most common distinctions between cultures and people is the Eastern vs. Western dichotomy, wherein Eastern represents Asia and Western represents Europe, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. It must be understood that this distinction and the countries included were politically colored during their inception. Thus, we should be more open to other cultural differences in the perspective, formation, and expression of the “self”. In the Philippines alone, each region may have a similar or varying perception regarding the self. Did you know that Easterners are more likely to talk about their relationships with people when completing this sentence? Ex. “I am the eldest of the five siblings.” On the other hand, Westerners would like to talk about their personal characteristics because they highlight how separate they are from other people and consider themselves unique individuals. Ex. “I am a good player.” INDIVIDUALISTIC SELF Through the process of introspection and reflection, man begins to search for clues as to the probable purpose of his existence and the role he plays in the general order of the things of the world. As a result of his introspection, he decides that since he has only one life to live and that death is inevitable, he should make the most of this life he was given. This is an example of a person manifesting his individualistic self.  He sees himself as being capable of living his own life, doing the things that he would love to do, making his own mistakes and learning from his experiences. He is aware of his rights and the limitations of his freedom in the extant society; he sets goals and works hard to achieve them. INDIVIDUALISM is a philosophy of life emphasizing the priority of the person's needs over the group. It is a preference for loosely knit social relationships that are caring for oneself and the family members only and the desire to be autonomous or independent from each other's influence. In an individualistic culture, the person gives priority to personal goals. Examples of individualistic cultures are the United States of America and Great Britain. TYPES Egoistical individualism – the idea that individual freedom is associated with self-interest and self-reliance Developmental Individualism – the idea that individual freedom is linked to human flourishing.  He knows that he is the one who will suffer the most if he wastes his chance to live a life that he and his family can be proud of. Something that would define him and inspire others that being in the world meant making it better not only for himself but also for others. COLLECTIVE SELF The identity of the individual is lost and does not exist except as a part of the group. The family and the society control how the group members should think, act and generally conduct themselves in society. It is observed that strong bonds of unity are formed and developed in collectivism.  In an extreme sense, all decisions made are group decisions. They are bound by the customs, beliefs and traditions by the group. Some examples of issues decided upon by the group are gender roles, marriage practices, and patriarchy. In such cases, individual freedom is sacrificed for the benefit of the group.  COLLECTIVISM - represents a preference for a tightly knit social framework in which a person can expect their family and other relatives of the social group to look after them in exchange for unquestioned loyalty. The loyalty of the family is highly stressed. in a collectivistic culture, there is a distinction between personal and group goals. However, if they make a distinction, collectivists minimize the personal goals to the collective good. Examples of collective cultures are Japan, China, Mexico, Korea, and Central America. The Philippines is considered a collective culture. Asian Philosophies and the Self CONFUCIUS was the name for which Kong Zhongni of China was known in the West. Born in the period of the Zhou dynasty in 551 BCE in the small state of Lu. He grew up poor even though he descended from a scholarly family. The Zhou dynasty was characterized by political, social, and moral disintegration in China. CONFUCIUS Through all of there unrest, Confucius’ family made sure that he received proper education. Through scholarly study, Confucius came to be known as ‘Master Kong’ and as ‘Great Sage and Teacher’ (Koller, 2007) His experiences in politics made him focus on social reforms. His philosophy came to be known as humanistic social philosophy. He considers society and its communities as the main source of values for both human beings and society in general.  Confucianism  A code of ethical conduct, of how should properly act according to their relationship with other people, thus, it is also focused on having a harmonious social life. The identity and self-concept of the individual, therefore, is interwoven with the identity and status of his/her community or culture, sharing its pride as well as its failures (Ho 1995).  Self-cultivation is seen as the ultimate purpose of life, but the characteristics of a chun-tzu, a man of virtue or noble character, is still embedded in his/her social relationships.  The cultivated self in Confucianism is what some scholars call a “subdued self” wherein personal needs are repressed (subdued) for the good of many, making Confucian society also hierarchal to maintain order and balance in society. THE SELF IN CONFUCIAN THOUGHT Ren – the center of the philosophical concept of Confucianism which can be manifested through: 1. Li (propriety) 2. Xiao (filiality) 3. Yi (rightness) It can also be understood as human goodness  It involves feelings and thinking which serve as the foundation of all human relationships. Ren further signifies the Chinese culture’s emphasis on feelings (heart) as the most important instead of the head in human nature. 1. Li (propriety) – in order to guide human actions, rules of propriety should be followed. Such rules involve adherence to the rituals of the community. In connection with the Li, Confucius stated “ to master oneself and return to propriety is humanity”. 2. Xiao (filiality) – the virtue of reverence and respect for family. Parents should be revered for the life they have given. Children should show respect to their parents by exerting efforts to take care of themselves.  The family is a reflection of the person. How the person interacts socially and the values he emulates can all be traced back to his family environment. This forms the basis of the person’s moral and social virtue. 3. Yi (rightness)– the right way of behaving. It is unconditional and absolute. Actions must be performed and carried out because they are the right actions. Obedience to parents, for instance, is expected of children because it is morally right and obligatory to do so.  Confucius emphasized that actions should be performed because they are right and not for the selfish benefits that they provide. Li, Xiao, and Yi are virtues observed in a person whose humanity is developed, morally cultivated and aware.  Taoism  Taoism (also called Daoism) is a religion and a philosophy from ancient China that has influenced folk and national belief. Taoism has been connected to the philosopher Lao Tzu, who around 500 B.C.E. wrote the main bible of Taoists’, the Tao Te Ching. Tao Te Ching (or Dao De Jing) - It is often associated with the teachings of Laozi (or Lao Tzu), a legendary figure attributed to the authorship of the foundational Taoist  Taoism  Taoism holds that humans and animals should live in balance with the Tao, or the universe. However, Taoism rejects having one definition of what the Tao is, and one can only state clues of what it is as they adopt a free-flowing, relative, unitary, as well as paradoxical view of almost everything.  It rejects the hierarchy and strictness brought by Confucianism and would prefer a simple lifestyle. Thus, its teachings aim to describe how to attain that life (Ho 1995).  The self is not just an extension of the family or the community; it is part of the universe, one of the forms and manifestations of the Tao (Ho 1995).  The ideal self is selflessness, but this is not forgetting about the self, it is living a balanced life with society and nature, being open and accepting to change, forgetting about prejudices and egocentric ideas, and thinking about equality, complementarity among humans as well as other beings (Ho 1995).  In this way, you will be able to act spontaneously because you will not be restricted by some legalistic standards, since you are in harmony with everything. BUDDHISM  Buddhism is one of the world’s largest religions. It originated in India in 563– 483 B.C.E. with Siddhartha Gautama, and over the next millennia it spread across Asia and the rest of the world.  Buddhists believe that human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, but that if one achieves a state of enlightenment (nirvana), it is possible to escape this cycle forever.  They do not believe in any kind of deity or god, although there are supernatural figures who can help or hinder people on the path towards enlightenment.  Siddhartha Gautama was the first person to reach this state of enlightenment and was, and is still today, known as the Buddha.  Siddhartha Gautama was an Indian prince in the fifth century B.C.E. who, upon seeing people poor and dying, realized that human life is suffering. He renounced his wealth and spent time as a poor beggar, meditating and travelling but ultimately, remaining unsatisfied, settling on something called “the Middle Way.” This idea meant that neither extreme asceticism or extreme wealth were the path to enlightenment, but rather, a way of life between the two extremes. Source: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/buddhism  There are various groups who have adapted Buddhism; thus, you may find differences in their teachings, but most likely , their core concepts remained the same.  The self is seen as an illusion, born out of ignorance, of trying to hold things, or human-centered needs, thus the self is also the source of all these suffering. It is therefore our quest to forget about the self, forget the cravings of the self, break the attachments you have with the world, and to renounce the self, which is the cause of all suffering, and in doing so, attain the state of Nirvana (Ho 1995). Confucianism and Taoism still situate the self within a bigger context. The person, in striving to be a better person, does not create a self above other people or nature, but a self that is beneficial to his/her community as well as in order and in harmony with everything else. As for Buddhism, the self, with all its connections and selfish ideas, is totally taken, not just out of the center of the picture, but out of the whole picture. Comparing West and East WESTERN EASTERN Always looking toward the Holistic approach – all events self in the universe are ex. interconnected and that you compare yourself so meditation and right living you can be better; are ways to search yourself. you create associations and bask in the glory of that group for your self-esteem; you put primacy in developing yourself.  WESTERN EASTERN Looks at the world in Sees the other person as part dualities (you are distinct of yourself as well as the from the other person, the things you may create, a creator is separate from the drama in which everyone is object he/she created, in interconnected with their which the self is specific roles (Wolter 2012). distinguished and acknowledged (Wolter 2012).  WESTERN EASTERN Americans, for example, Asian in general, would talk talk more about their about their social roles or personal attributes when the social situations that describing themselves. invoked certain traits that they deem positive for themselves (Gleitman et.al. 2011).  WESTERN EASTERN Americans, in terms of self- Asian in general, would rather evaluation, would highlight keep a low profile as their personal promoting the self can be achievements. seen as boastfulness that disrupts social relationships (Gleitman et.al. 2011). individualistic culture, since collectivistic culture, as the their focus is on the person group and social relations is given more importance than individual needs and wants.  WESTERN EASTERN By valuing the individual, Look after the welfare of they may seem to have their groups and values loose associations or even cooperation; more loyalty to their groups. compromising, and they tend to go around the bush in Competition is the name of explaining things, hoping that the game and they are more the other person would “feel” likely straightforward and what they really want to say forceful in their communication (Qingxue 2003). as well as decision making.  WESTERN EASTERN Emphasis is more on the value More emphasis on hierarchy – of equality even if they see as culture wants to keep things that the individual can rise in harmony and in order above everything else. (Qingxue 2003). Because everyone is on their own in the competition, one can say that they also promote ideals that create a “fair” competition and protect the individual.  WESTERN EASTERN Westerners would most likely They have respectful terms to call their boss, parents, or for our seniors and a lot of other seniors by their first workers would not dare go name. against the high ranking officials (Qingxue 2003). The boss can also be approached head-on when conflicts or problems about him/her arise.  It must be emphasized, however, that these are perceived general commonalities. In contemporary society, both the individualistic and collective self may exist in a single individual through: 1. Result of migration and influences and intermarriages between people of the East and the West. 2. Sharing of knowledge and the influx of information from mass media and social media. Theorizing the Filipino Self  It has been a trend for colonized countries to “decolonize” their perspective in order to see themselves from their own social and cultural experience. The Philippines was not left behind by recent studies pushed forth by Pilipinolohiya by Prospero Covar, Pantayong Pananaw by Zeus Salazar, and Sikolohiyang Pilipino by Virgilio Enriquez.  Utilizing tradition, native language and concepts, and even folklore, they uncovered a more context-appropriate perspective of looking at the self. With Sikololohiyang Pilipino, Enriquez described the Filipino “self” or personality as a “shared identity”, specifically connected to the concept of kapwa (Edman and Kameoka 2000; Pe-Pua and Protacio-Marcelino 2000).  Accordingly, we place importance on values that promote cooperation and social acceptance, because we see the other person as fellow human beings and part of who we are (Edman and Kameoka 2000; Pe-Pua and Protacio- Marcelino 2000). That is also why we have concepts, such as hiya, utang na loob, and pakikisama, which reflect how we relate to others or want to be perceived by our kapwa. ACTIVITY: QUICK SURVEY Directions: List down the Top 3 Values that will help the Filipino people and at the same time can also be detrimental to the Filipino people. Values to help Reasons for being Filipinos detrimental Ex. hospitality The host always has some sort of token or present to offer to their guests, even if it is not on 1. their budget. 2. 3. What are some key differences in the ways Eastern and Western cultures approach self- understanding? How do these differences impact the way individuals in these cultures view themselves and their place in society? End of Lesson 4