Anthropology as a Science
According to James Peacock, anthropology
overlaps with both the science and the humanities.
Anthropology
Thus, anthropology is an academic field for
understanding the interconnection and
interdependence of biological and cultural aspects
of the human experience at all times and in all
places.
It is the systematic study of humanity; also known
as the science of humanity.
Approaches the definition of self holistically:
The discipline concerned with how cultural and
biological processes interact to shape human
experience.
Therefore, both biological and sociocultural factors
influence the development of the self.
Possesses a holistic (internal and external) and
integrated approach in examining human nature.
The Cultural Construction of Self and
Identity
Branches of Specializations of
Anthropology
According to Edward Taylor:
A. Biological Anthropology
• Study a variety of human biological
evolutionary biology.
• Some examine fossils or adaptations.
• Observing behavior to understand
the roots of human behavior.
B. Sociocultural Anthropology
• Interpret the content of particular
cultures, explain variation among
cultures, and study processes of
cultural change and social
transformation,
• Sample research topics to name a
few:
➢ Gender relations
➢ Race
➢ Class
➢ Gender inequality
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It considers both nature and nurture.
“Culture is the complex whole which
includes knowledge, belief, arts, morals, laws,
customs, and any other capabilities and habits
acquired by man as a member of society.”
Culture is a shared understanding that guide
behavior and is expressed in behavior:
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It is how people make sense of their
experiences and behave according to
socially shared ideas, values, and
perceptions.
Culture provides patterns of “ways of lives”.
and subordination to
authority figures.
Anthropological Views on the Self
According to Martin Sokefeld:
“The concept of the self is necessary to
supplement the concept of culture.”
According to Social Anthropologists:
“Identity is discussed mostly in the context
of “ethnic identity,” thus, emphasizing the
sameness of the self with others.”
This includes the sharing of certain characteristics
within common ethnic identities such as:
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Language
Culture
Social Identity
A concept that is constructed from the similarities
and differences in characteristics among
individuals.
Common characteristics constitute:
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Age
Gender
Sex
Sexual Preference
Identity Toolbox
According to James Peacock:
These are features in a person’s identity that the
person emphasizes in constructing the social self.
“People are not robots or little Gods, rather,
people are cultural individuals—we have freedom
but at the same time embody the cultural mold
where he or she is cast.”
Common determinants in establishing social
identity:
Concept of Self in Different Societies
A. Egocentric
• The self is seen as an autonomous
and distinct individual.
• Individuals are capable of acting
independently.
➢ Example: Americans and
Europeans place an
importance on being
assertive and independent.
B. Sociocentric
• The self is contingent on a situation
or social setting.
• The self is context-dependent. There
is no intrinsic self that can possess
enduring qualities.
➢ Example: Asian cultures,
where interdependence is
more valued than
independence (or selfreliance); these place an
importance on compliance
A. Family Membership
• This could be the most significant
feature to determine a person’s
social identity.
B. Language
• Another important identity
determinant.
C. Religious Affiliation
• In other places, this may also serve
as an important marker of group
identity.
D. Personal Naming
• This establishes a child’s birthright
and social identity individualizes a
person and legitimizes him or her as
a member of a social group.
• A name may symbolically represent
his or her cultural self.
Identity is continuously developed throughout life.
Status and Identity
According to Arnold van Gennep, status and
identity are marked by a three-phased rite of
passage:
1. Separation Phase – People detach from
their former identity to another.
➢ Example: The Wedding
2. Liminality Phase – Person transitions from
one identity to another.
➢ Example: The Wedding Ceremony
3. Incorporation Phase – Change in one’s
status is officially incorporated.
➢ Example: The Wedding Ceremony
and Party
Identity Struggles
There is a discrepancy between the identity that a
person claims to possess, and the identity
attributed to that person by others.
There is a clash between self-identification and
collective identification (conflicting norms and
values).
Identity struggles can lead to an identity crisis.
The Self as Embedded in Culture
By Clifford Geertz
He redefined the definition of culture.
He defines culture as a system of inherited
conceptions expressed in symbolic forms by means
of which people communicate, perpetuate, and
develop their knowledge about and attitudes
towards life.
He gleans that it is necessary for people to give
meaning to their experiences.
The two (2) main ideas of Geertz:
1) Culture can be viewed as a set of control
mechanisms for governing behavior.
• Examples: Rules, instructions, etc.
2) Man is dependent on external control
mechanisms such as cultural programs to
order his behavior.
• Hence, human nature is
interdependent with culture.
Cultural Differences
A phenomenon that occurs when groups of people
assign different meanings to different life events
and things.
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This is exemplified by:
➢ Ways of dressing
➢ Work culture
➢ Assertiveness
Overall, the self is embedded in culture.