CHAPTER 3:
ANTHROPOLOGY
- considers human experience as an interplay of “nature” and “nurture”
- In other words, both biological and cultural factors have significant influence in the
development of self-awareness among individuals within society.
Nature – refers to genetic inheritance
which sets the individual’s potential.
Nurture – refers to a sociocultural
environment.
THE CULTURAL CONSTRUCTIONS OF SELF AND IDENTITY
CULTURE
- “…that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs, and any
other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society” (Edward Taylor)
- Anthropologist emphasized that culture is not behavior itself but the shared
understandings that guide behavior and are expressed in behavior
- Provides patterns of “ways of life”
ETHNIC IDENTITY
- Sameness of the self with other, that is, to a consciousness of sharing certain
characteristics (e.g., language, culture, etc.) within the group
- Makes a human being a person and an individual
- Individual is neither a robot nor an entirely independent self-willed little god but is a cultural
individual – existing in freedom but also embodying that cultural mold in which he/she is
cast in his/her particular society and historical epoch. (Peacock)
TWO SIDES OF IDENTITY FOUND IN EVERY PERSON IN EVERY CULTURE
1. EGOCENTRIC VIEW
o The self is viewed as autonomous and distinct individual.
o Defines each person as a replica of all humanity but capable of acting independently
from others
o One who is without regard for the feelings or desires of others; self-centered
o Each person is seen as a separate entity with characteristics which reside within an
individual
2. SOCIOCENTRIC VIEW
o The self is viewed as contingent on a situation or social setting
o View of the self that is context dependent; there is no intrinsic self that can possess
enduring qualities
o Focuses on one’s own social group; socially oriented
