CHAPTER 4: THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE SELF



Chapter 3, on the anthropological perspective on the self, emphasizes the importance of cultural norms and societal structures in shaping one's identity. It explores the difference between individuality and collectivism, as well as the influence of practices, community, and globalization on how people identify themselves.


Anthropologists emphasize that the self is not universal, but rather varies by culture. Cultural ideas, traditions, and practices shape how people perceive themselves and their social roles.


Self and Social Identity

    The self is not viewed as an independent, autonomous entity, but rather as interdependent with others. Family, community, and society all influence a person's perception of self.

Collectivism vs. Individualism

    Individualism is emphasized in some cultures, particularly in Western countries, in which the self is viewed as an autonomous and self-sufficient entity. In contrast, many non-Western cultures place an emphasis on collectivism, which defines the self in terms of others and community.


Symbolic Interactionism

    Anthropologists, influenced by sociological theories such as Mead's, study symbolic interactionism, which argues that the self develops through interactions with others and the meanings attached to such interactions in specific cultural contexts.


The Impact of Modernization and Globalization

    Modernization and globalization have affected traditional self-concepts, introducing ideals such as individual rights, self-expression, and personal independence. However, these changes can cause conflicts between traditional communal identities and more Westernized, individualistic self-concepts.



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