Chapter 5: Western and Eastern Perspectives PDF

WMSU By Prof. Jennifer T. Composa (For instructional purposes only) WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY Chapter 5 The Western and Eastern Concepts of Self Learning Outcomes Explain the Western concept of self...

WMSU By Prof. Jennifer T. Composa (For instructional purposes only) WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY Chapter 5 The Western and Eastern Concepts of Self Learning Outcomes Explain the Western concept of self Enumerate and discuss the different Eastern concepts of self Compare Eastern and Western views of self Examine your own conceptualization of self Asian and Western Views on the Self Film Viewing Guide: List down the characteristics/attitudes manifested by the two main characters, Jackie Chan (Asian) and Chris Tucker (Western). The Self in Eastern thought Individualistic Self The individual identifies primarily with self, with the needs of the individual being satisfied before those of the group. Looking after and taking care of oneself, being self-sufficient, guarantees the well- being of the group.  Independence and self- reliance are greatly stressed and valued. In general, people tend to distance themselves psychologically and emotionally from each other. One may choose to join groups, but group membership is not essential to one’s identity or success.  Individualistic doers are self-assured and very independent people. They are quiet and realistic, very rational, extremely matter of fact people. They strongly cultivate their individualism and enjoy applying their abilities to new tasks. But they are also very spontaneous and impulsive persons who like to follow their sudden inspirations. Traits of Individualism "I" identity. Promotes individual goals, initiative and achievement. Individual rights are seen as being the most important. Rules attempt to ensure self-importance and individualism. Independence is valued; there is much less of a drive to help other citizens or communities than in collectivism. Relying or being dependent on others is frequently seen as shameful. The Collective Self Collectivism views the group as the primary entity, with the individuals lost along the way.  The survival and success of the group ensures the well-being of the individual, so that by considering the needs and feelings of others, one protects oneself.  Both collectivist and individualistic cultures have their failings. People in individualist cultures are susceptible to loneliness, and people in collectivist cultures can have a strong fear of rejection. Traits of Collectivism Each person is encouraged to be an active player in society, to do what is best for society as a whole rather than themselves. The rights of families, communities, and the collective supersede those of the individual. Rules promote unity, brotherhood, and selflessness. Working with others and cooperating is the norm; everyone supports each other. as a community, family or nation more than as an individual  Most Westerners, or at any rate most Americans, are confident that the following generalizations apply to pretty much everyone  Each individual has a set of characteristic, distinctive attributes. Moreover, people want to be distinctive—different from other individuals in important ways. People are largely in control of their own behavior; they feel better when they are in situations in which choice and personal preference determine outcomes. People are oriented toward personal goals of success and achievement; they find that relation-ships and group memberships sometimes get in the way of attaining these goals.  People strive to feel good about themselves; personal successes and assurances that they have positive qualities are important to their sense of well-being. People prefer equality in personal relations or, when relationships are hierarchical, they prefer a superior position. People believe the same rules should apply to everyone— individuals should not be singled out for special treatment because of their personal attributes or connections to important people. Justice should be blind. The Non- Western SELF  There is an Asian expression that reflects a cultural prejudice against individuality: "The peg that stands out is pounded down." In general, East Asians are supposed to be less concerned with personal goals or self-aggrandizement than are Westerners. Group goals and coordinated action are more often the concerns. Maintaining harmonious social relations is likely to take precedence over achieving personal success. Success is often sought as a group goal rather than as a personal badge of merit. Individual distinctiveness is not particularly desirable. For Asians, feeling good about themselves is likely to be tied to the sense that they are in harmony with the wishes of the groups to which they belong and are meeting the group's expectations. Equality of treatment is not assumed nor is it necessarily regarded as desirable.  Easterners feel embedded in their in-groups and distant from their out-groups. They tend to feel they are very similar to in-group members and they are much more trusting of them than of out-group members. Westerners feel relatively detached from their ingroups and tend not to make as great distinctions between in-group and out-group. References Nisbett, Richard E. (2003) “ Living Together vs. Going It Home “ in The Geography of Thought: How Asian and Westerners Think Differently and Why, New York, The Free Press, 47-77