THE

ANTHROPOLOGICAL
CONCEPTUALIZATION
OF THE SELF
The self as embedded in culture
Anthropology holds a holistic view of human nature.
It is concerned with how cultural and biological
processes interact to shape the self.
Anthropology considers human experiences as an
interplay of “nature” referring to genetic
inheritance which sets the individual’s potentials and
“nurture” which refers to sociocultural
environment.
Both biological and cultural factors have significant
influence in the development of self.
NATURE AND NURTURE
 Nature’s Role: Genetic Influence

Genetic factors inherited from parents plays a significant role in

shaping various aspects of an individual’s self. These factors
contribute to physical traits, such as height, eye color, and
predisposition to certain health conditions.
They can also influence aspects of personality, intelligence, and
even tendencies toward certain behaviors.
NATURE AND NURTURE
 Nurture’s Role: Environmental Impact

The environment in which an individual grows up, including their

family, community, and culture, has a profound impact on self-
development.
Environmental factors include upbringing, social interactions,
education, exposure to media, and cultural practices. These
experiences shape a person’s beliefs, values, interest, and social
skills.
NATURE AND NURTURE
 Complexity of self-development
Self development is a complex interplay between nature and
nurture.
a person’s genetic predisposition interact with their environment to
created a unique individual.
SUMMARY
Nature and nurture are intertwined forces
that contribute to the development of the self.
Genetic factors set a foundation, but the
environment plays a vital role in shaping how
those genetic traits are expressed and
developed.
In the anthropological perspective, there are two
ways in which the concept of the self is viewed in
different societies: Egocentric and Sociocentric
The egocentric concept of the self suggests that
each person is defined as a replica of all humanity
but capable of acting independently from others
In the sociocentric concept of the self, the self is
viewed as dependent on the situation of social
setting
SOCIOCENTRIC PERSPECTIVE
IN THE PHILIPPINES
Philippines exhibits strong sociocentric elements, rooted
in its cultural heritage and community-oriented values.
“Bayanihan,” the Filipino tradition of communal unity
and cooperation, exemplifies this sociocentric perspective
Family and community ties hold significant importance,
and decision often consider the impact on the wider social
network.
EGOCENTRIC PERSPECTIVE IN
THE U.S
In the United States, there is a strong emphasis on
individualism and personal autonomy. People are
encouraged to pursue their own goals, express
opinions freely, and make choices that align with
their personal preferences.
In this society, individual rights, personal
aspirations, and self-expression are highly valued.
Sociocentric perspective prioritizes the
well being of the collective group and
values cooperation.
Egocentric perspective emphasizes
individual autonomy and achievement
IDENTITY TOOL BOX
From the similarities and differences in characteristics
among individuals, people construct their social
identities.
The identities toolbox refers to the “features” of a
person’s identity that he or she chooses to emphasize in
constructing a social self.
Self identification may be attained by: kinship family
membership, gender, age, language, religion, ethnicity,
personal appearance, and socioeconomic status.
IDENTITY TOOL BOX
Some characteristics such as kinship, gender, and age
are almost universally used to differentiate people.
Other characteristics, such as ethnicity, personal
appearance, and socioeconomic status are not always
used in every society
Family membership could be the most significant
feature to determine the person’s social identity.
IDENTITY TOOL BOX
Another important identity determinant that is often
viewed as essentials for the maintenance of a group is
language.
In other societies, religious affiliation is an important
market of group identity.
In Mindanao, being a Christian or a Muslim is
possibly the most important defining of social identity.
IDENTITY TOOL BOX
Personal naming, a universal practice with numerous cross-
cultural variations establishes a child’s birthright and social
identity. A name is an important device to individualize a
person and to have an identity
One’s identity is not inborn. It is something people
continuously develop in life
Changes in one’s identity usually involve rites of passage that
prepares individuals for new roles from one stage of life to
another.
RITE OF PASSAGE
Changes in one’s status and identity are marked by a three-
phased rite of passage: Separation, liminality (transition), and
incorporation.
1. In the separation phase, people detach from their former
identity to another.
2. In the liminality phase, a person transitions from one identity
to another
3. In the incorporation phase, the change in one’s status is
officially incorporated.
SUMMARY
Anthropology: is all about culture
Egocentric and sociocentric
Similarities or differences.
Kinship, family membership, gender, age, language,
religion, ethnicity, personal appearance, and
socioeconomic status.
Three Rite passage
Nature and nurture