Anthropology Reviewer (1)

1.
Greek Roots:
o "Anthropos": This Greek word means "human being" or "man." It is the root
for the "anthrop-" part of the word.
o "Logos": This Greek word means "study," "discourse," or "science." It is the
root for the "-ology" part of the word.
2. Combining the Roots:

o When combined, "Anthropos" + "Logos" forms "Anthropology".
o "Anthropology" thus means the "study of humans" or "science of
humanity."
ANTHROPOLOGY: approaches the concept of "self" and "person" with a nuanced

understanding, recognizing that they are not fixed entities but rather dynamic constructs
shaped by
 culture,
 social interactions, and
 individual experiences.
1. The Self as a Cultural Construct:

1. Cultural Relativity: Anthropologists recognize that the concept of "self" is
not universal but varies significantly across cultures. What constitutes a
"self" in one society might be very different in another. For example, in some
cultures, the self is seen as interconnected with the community,
2. Embodiment: The self is not just a mental construct but is deeply
intertwined with the body. Cultural practices, rituals, and social interactions
shape our bodily experiences and influence how we perceive and express
ourselves. Anthropologists explore how different cultures understand and
value the body, and how this influences their understanding of the self.
2. The "Person" as a Social Role:
 Social Roles and Expectations: Anthropologists often distinguish between "self"
and "person."
PERSON: refers to the social role an individual play within a specific culture. This role
is shaped by social norms, expectations, and relationships.
SELF is the individual's internal understanding and experience of their place within
these social roles.
 Multiple Personalities: Individuals often have multiple "personalities" or social
roles depending on the context.
 Self-Representation: Anthropologists explore how individuals construct and
present their "selves" to others.
 choices about how we dress, speak, and behave,
 as well as unconscious patterns of behavior that are shaped by our
cultural background and experiences.
3. The Self as a Process of Becoming:
Dynamic and Evolving: Contemporary anthropology recognizes that the self is:
 not static but constantly evolving throughout life.

 Our experiences, relationships, and cultural influences shape and reshape our
understanding of ourselves.
 The self is a process of becoming,
 not a fixed destination.
1. Developmental Perspective
 Lifelong Evolution: From this viewpoint, the self is seen as evolving
throughout an individual's life. Psychological and sociological theories
often highlight that identity formation is a continuous process
influenced by experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
 Developmental Stages: Theories such as Erik Erikson’s stages of

psychosocial development propose that individuals undergo different
phases of identity development throughout their lifespan, each
marked by specific challenges and growth opportunities.
2. Social and Cultural Influences
 Contextual Shaping: The self is shaped by social interactions and

cultural contexts. As individuals engage with different social groups and
cultural practices, their sense of self evolves. For example, moving to a
new cultural setting or joining different social communities can impact
one’s identity.
 Role and Expectations: Social roles and societal expectations play a
significant role in the formation of the self. Individuals negotiate their
identities based on the roles they occupy (e.g., family member,
professional, community member) and the expectations associated with
these roles.
4. The Influence of Modernity:

 Individualism vs. Collectivism: Modernity has had a profound impact on how we
understand the self. The rise of:
o individualism in Western cultures has led to focus on personal autonomy and
self-expression
o collectivism in many cultures, where the self is seen as interconnected with
the community.
 Technology and the Self: Technology, particularly social media, has created new
ways for individuals to construct and present their selves. This has led to questions
about authenticity, identity, and the impact of digital platforms on our sense of
self.
The Self Embedded in Culture
1. Cultural Contexts:
o Cultural Scripts: The self is understood as deeply embedded in cultural
scripts and practices. These cultural frameworks provide the categories and
norms through which individuals understand themselves and others. For
example, cultural rituals, symbols, and social roles shape how individuals
perceive their identity and place within society.
o Socialization Processes: From a young age, individuals are socialized into
their cultural contexts, which influences their self-concept. Anthropologists
study how socialization processes, such as family upbringing, education, and
community practices, contribute to the development of the self.
2. Cultural Variability:
o Diverse Self-Concepts: Anthropologists explore how self-concepts vary
across different cultures. For example, in some cultures, the self might be
seen as a fluid and context-dependent entity, while in others, it might be
perceived as a stable and enduring identity. These variations provide insights
into how cultural values and social structures shape different understandings
of selfhood.
3. Cultural Adaptation and Change:
o Globalization and Cultural Exchange: Contemporary anthropology also
examines how globalization and cultural exchange impact the self. As
cultures interact and influence one another, individuals might experience
shifts in their self-concept and identity. Anthropologists study these
processes to understand how global and local dynamics affect personal and
collective identities.

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1.

2. Combining the Roots:

ANTHROPOLOGY: approaches the concept of "self" and "person" with a nuanced

1. The Self as a Cultural Construct:

3. The Self as a Process of Becoming:

 not static but constantly evolving throughout life.

 Developmental Stages: Theories such as Erik Erikson’s stages of

2. Social and Cultural Influences

 Contextual Shaping: The self is shaped by social interactions and

4. The Influence of Modernity:

The Self Embedded in Culture

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