Prelims

• The self, as a social being, is greatly influenced by one's culture, which fills the core of our social self
• Edward B. Tylor defined culture as a complex whole including knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired as a member of society
• Anthropology is the inclusive study of the human race, its culture and society, and its physical development
• Sociology is the scientific study of human life, social groups, whole societies, and the human world, focusing on our behavior as social beings in relationship with others
• Culture is the meeting point of anthropology and sociology in our self-understanding, shaping how we see ourselves in light of diverse cultural influences
• Material culture consists of human technology, all things people make and use, including goods we buy and products we use, which change over time
• Non-material culture includes intangible human creations like beliefs, values, and norms, shaping our perspective of society, ourselves, and the material world
• Humans can change culture since they created it; material culture changes easily, while non-material culture tends to be more resistant to change
• Traditional values may influence our stance on societal changes
• According to George Herbert Mead, the self emerges due to the influence of those who play a prominent role in an individual's self-development
• Key differences between individualist and collectivist societies:

  • Individualist societies focus on self and immediate family, while collectivist societies prioritize extended families or groups
  • Individualist societies emphasize "I" thinking, while collectivist societies emphasize "we" thinking
  • Individual ownership of resources in individualist societies, while resources are shared with relatives in collectivist societies
  • Low-context communication in individualist societies, high-context communication in collectivist societies
  • Media as the primary source of information in individualist societies, social networks in collectivist societies
  • Self-actualization is the ultimate goal in individualist societies, while harmony and consensus in society are the ultimate goal in collectivist societies
  • Occupation mobility tends to be higher in individualist societies and lower in collectivist societies
• • Task prevails over relationships in individualist societies, while relationships prevail over task in collectivist societies
  • Individual interests prevail over collective in individualist societies, while collective interest prevails over individuals in collectivist societies
  • Per capita GDP tends to be higher in individualist societies and lower in collectivist societies
• The self is a cognitive construct that includes the sense of personal identity and who we are as individuals
• William James (1890) conceptualized the self as having two aspects: the "I" (thinking, acting, feeling self) and the "me" (physical characteristics and psychological capabilities)
• Carl Rogers' theory of personality also uses the terms "I" as the one who acts and decides, and "me" as what you think or feel about yourself as an object
• Identity is composed of personal characteristics, social roles, responsibilities, and affiliations that define who one is, while self-concept is an organized set of perceptions and beliefs about oneself
• Self-schemas, formed by factors like past experiences, personality traits, abilities, physical features, values, goals, social roles, observations, and feedback from others, make up our self-concept
• The frontal lobe of the brain is associated with processes concerning the self, including emotional control, personality, decision making, problem solving, movement, and social interaction
• Under symbolic interactionism, the self is created and developed through human interaction, with social interaction and group affiliation being vital in creating our social identity
• Self-awareness involves being aware of our self-concepts, including the private self (internal standard and private thoughts) and the public self (public image geared towards presenting oneself positively to others)
• Self-awareness also presents us with at least three other self-schema: the actual self, the ideal self, and the ought self
• Social comparison theory states that we learn about ourselves and social status by comparing aspects of ourselves with others, including downward social comparison and upward social comparison
• Self-esteem refers to one's overall assessment of one's worth as a person, with high self-esteem leading to outgoing, adventurous behavior and better relationships
• Narcissism, characterized by overly high self-esteem, self-admiration, and self-centeredness, can lead people to focus on self-image and relationships only for self-serving purposes
• People with negative self-esteem may feel threatened by those they perceive as superior
• In Western thought, the self is distinct and acknowledged, with a focus on dualities where individuals are separate from others and the creator is separate from the object created
• Confucianism views the self as a "subdued self," repressing personal needs for the good of many, emphasizing showing courtesy and loyalty to others through the principle of Jen
• Confucianism's hierarchy is maintained through the Five Bonds: Ruler and ruled, Father to son, Husband to wife, Elder brother to younger brother, and Friend to friend
• Taoism rejects hierarchy and strictness, advocating for a simple lifestyle and balance with society and nature, promoting openness, acceptance to change, and equality among humans and other beings
• Buddhism sees the self as an illusion, the source of suffering, and emphasizes becoming a better person beneficial to the community and in harmony with everything else
• The Four Noble Truths in Buddhism: Life is suffering, the cause is greed or desire, the cure is letting go, and following the Eightfold Path
• The Eightfold Path in Buddhism includes: right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration
• Eastern self focuses on social roles and situations, keeping a low profile, and promoting the welfare of their groups through cooperation, while Western self highlights personal attributes, personal achievements, and individualism
• Eastern culture emphasizes hierarchy for harmony and order, while Western culture values equality and the potential for the individual to rise above everything else