UTS Series: Self From the Anthropological Perspective

Summary

This lecture discusses the concept of the self from an anthropological perspective, highlighting how human societies and cultures shape identity. Anthropology is introduced as the study of humanity, with a focus on biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological aspects. The relationship between culture and self is emphasized, illustrating how physical traits and cultural practices influence one another. The lecture explores individualism versus collectivism, with the Filipino concept of 'kapwa'—a relational understanding of self and others—playing a central role in the formation of Filipino identity.

Takeaways

• 📚 Anthropology is the study of humanity, focusing on the origin and development of human societies and cultures.
• 🧬 Biological anthropology studies the evolution of human beings, looking at how humans have developed over time.
• 🌐 Cultural anthropology examines learned behavior and how it varies across different environments and cultures.
• 🗣️ Linguistic anthropology explores how language influences social life and how we interact within society.
• 🏺 Archaeology investigates past human life through material remains, such as artifacts and architecture.
• 🌉 Physical features significantly influence the formation of a culture and how people behave within it.
• 🏠 Culture influences our physical body and how we perceive ourselves and others.
• 👥 Inculturation is the transmission of culture from one generation to the next, often through oral or written traditions.
• 🔄 Culture affects our self-concept, shaping our attitudes and behaviors according to societal norms.
• 🌐 Sociocentric cultures emphasize collectivism and interdependence, valuing the group over the individual.
• 💡 Ego-centric cultures promote individualism, where personal success and independence are highly valued.

Q & A

What is the definition of anthropology as mentioned in the script?

Anthropology is defined as the study of humanity, particularly the origin and development of human societies and cultures.

What are the four main branches of anthropology discussed in the script?

The four main branches of anthropology discussed are biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology.

How does the physical aspect of humans influence the formation of culture according to the script?

The script suggests that the physical features of humans, such as the ability to walk upright and think, have a significant influence on the creation of culture.

What is the relationship between culture and the physical body as explained in the script?

The script explains that culture influences how we deal with our physical body, and in return, our physical body also influences the culture we create.

What is the term for the transmission of culture from one generation to the next as mentioned in the script?

The term used for the transmission of culture from one generation to the next is 'enculturation'.

How does culture affect the development of one's self-concept according to the script?

Culture affects the development of one's self-concept by influencing attitudes, beliefs, practices, norms, rituals, and even family and societal behaviors.

What is the difference between sociocentric and egocentric views of self as discussed in the script?

Sociocentric views focus on the group and interdependence, while egocentric views focus on individual self and personal goals.

How is the Filipino concept of self described in the script?

The Filipino concept of self is described as collectivist, embodying relational being, focusing on harmony, interdependence, and respect for social relationships.

What is the significance of the term 'kapwa' in Filipino culture as explained in the script?

The term 'kapwa' signifies a deep sense of unity with others, suggesting that one's identity is connected to relationships with other people, regardless of whether they are considered outsiders or not.

What is the assignment given at the end of the script for the students to reflect upon?

The assignment is for students to reflect on their own culture as Filipinos and write down who they are based on their cultural understanding.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Anthropology and the Concept of Self

The lecture introduces the topic of understanding the self from an anthropological perspective. Anthropology is defined as the study of humanity, including the origin and development of societies and cultures. The lecture outlines the different branches of anthropology: biological (physical) anthropology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology. The anthropological perspective of the self is intrinsically linked to our societies and cultures, emphasizing the influence of our physical characteristics on the development of culture.

05:00

🧠 The Influence of Culture on the Self

This section discusses how our physical appearance influences the culture we develop and how, in turn, culture affects our physical body. It highlights the role of culture in shaping our identity and the transmission of culture from one generation to the next through inculturation, which can be oral or written. The summary also touches on how culture affects our attitudes, social control, and the norms that govern societal behavior.

10:29

🌐 Sociocentric vs. Egocentric Culture

The lecture contrasts sociocentric and egocentric cultures. Sociocentric cultures value collectivism, where the group's identity and success are paramount, while egocentric cultures emphasize individualism and personal success. It discusses how humans have elements of both sociocentric and egocentric tendencies, and how different cultures may encourage one over the other.

15:33

🤝 Filipino Concept of Self and Kapwa

This section delves into the Filipino concept of self, which is rooted in collectivism and relational being. It focuses on harmony, interdependence, and respect for social relationships. The concept of 'kapwa' is introduced, emphasizing a deep sense of unity and interconnectedness with others, whether they are considered outsiders or part of the community. The lecture suggests that Filipino culture values relationships and the collective over individualism.

20:36

📝 Assignment: Reflecting on One's Culture

The lecture concludes with an assignment for the students to reflect on their own culture from an anthropological perspective. They are asked to consider who they are based on the lessons learned about the Filipino concept of self and to write down their reflections, integrating the idea of relational identity and the importance of 'kapwa' in their culture.

Keywords

💡Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humanity, focusing on the origin and development of human societies and cultures. In the video, it is emphasized that anthropology examines how societies and cultures shape human behavior and identity. The anthropological perspective plays a central role in understanding the self, especially in relation to one's culture and social environment.

💡Cultural Anthropology

Cultural anthropology studies learned behaviors and practices among groups of people in specific environments. The video explains that cultural anthropology focuses on how culture influences human behavior and the formation of identity. For example, different cultures such as American and Filipino cultures shape the behaviors and beliefs of individuals within those societies.

💡Physical Anthropology

Also known as biological anthropology, physical anthropology is the study of the evolution of human beings and how biological traits influence cultural development. The video connects physical characteristics, such as the human ability to walk upright, with the formation of culture, highlighting how biological aspects influence cultural practices.

💡Linguistic Anthropology

Linguistic anthropology explores how language influences social life. In the video, it is noted that language shapes how people interact within a society, affecting social relationships and cultural identity. For example, the way language is used can reflect societal norms and shape perceptions within a culture.

💡Inculturation

Inculturation refers to the transmission of culture from one generation to the next, whether through oral tradition or written practices. The video highlights that through inculturation, people learn cultural values, norms, and behaviors, such as religious practices or social customs like 'pagmamano' in Filipino culture, which is passed down through generations.

💡Ego-centric Culture

An ego-centric culture emphasizes individualism, where personal goals and independence are highly valued. The video contrasts ego-centric cultures, such as those in Western societies, with socio-centric or collectivist cultures, where the focus is on the group's well-being over individual success. In an ego-centric culture, success is often measured by personal achievements.

💡Sociocentric Culture

Sociocentric culture values the collective group over the individual, emphasizing interdependence and social harmony. The video describes how collectivist societies, such as those in the Philippines or Japan, prioritize the success of the community, with people working together for the common good rather than for individual gain.

💡Kapwa

Kapwa, a Filipino concept, refers to the sense of shared identity and unity with others. The video discusses how the Filipino self is relational, built on the idea of 'pakikipagkapwa,' or the act of engaging with others. Kapwa highlights a deep sense of connection with others, where relationships are seen as integral to one's identity.

💡Collectivism

Collectivism is a cultural orientation that values the group over the individual. In the video, collectivism is described as a key aspect of Filipino culture, where the well-being of the family or community is prioritized. This contrasts with individualism, and collectivism is reflected in Filipino practices such as shared responsibilities and mutual support.

💡Pakikipagkapwa-tao

Pakikipagkapwa-tao, which translates to 'relating with others,' is a concept in Filipino culture that emphasizes respect, empathy, and cooperation with others, regardless of whether they are close to you or strangers. The video explains that this concept is central to the Filipino identity and represents how Filipinos build social relationships through mutual trust and respect.

Highlights

Anthropology is the study of humanity, including the origin and development of human societies and cultures.

Anthropological perspectives of the self are intrinsically linked to our societies and cultures.

Biological anthropology studies the evolution of human beings.

Cultural anthropology examines learned behavior and culture in specific environments.

Linguistic anthropology explores how language influences social life.

Archaeology investigates past human life through material remains.

Physical features have a significant impact on the formation of culture.

Culture influences how we perceive and deal with our physical bodies.

Inculturation is the transmission of culture from one generation to the next.

Culture shapes our attitudes and serves as a means of social control.

Filipino culture emphasizes collectivism and relational being.

The concept of 'kapwa' in Filipino culture signifies a deep understanding of relationships.

Filipino self-identity is connected to our relationships with others through 'pakikipagkapwa tao'.

The assignment is to reflect on one's own culture and write down who you are based on your culture.

Filipino culture values harmony, interdependence, and respect for social relationships.

Collectivistic cultures prioritize the group over the individual.

Individualistic cultures encourage independence and individual goals.

Sociocentric cultures value collectivism, while egocentric cultures value individualism.

Filipinos are both sociocentric and egocentric, balancing individual and community needs.

Transcripts

good everyone and once again welcome to

our class in understanding the s so our

topic for today is from the

anthropological

perspectives so bagang lahat ito muna

ang dapat nating matandaan or

maintindihan after natin matalakay itong

lesson na ito the end of this lon you be

able to exp the concept of s according

to anthropological

perspectives and then after that of

course we can relate the anthropological

perspectives of the self to

oneself But before we move on to

our discussion Let us first Uh define

anthropology So ano ba ang anthropology

Actually It came

from the Greek words

anop which means human

at saka logos meaning study So it is

study of

humanity so ang anthropology po is the

study of humanity particularly the

origin and development of human

societies and cultures k titingan origin

and then

how human societ devel

culture so when it comes to the

anthropological perspective of the

s Hindi po mawawala yung connection

natin sa ating societies as well as sa

kultura na meron

tayo so ang anthropology po ay

may biological

anthropology that is known as physical

anthropology which is the study of the

evolution of human beings So paano ba

nag-evolve yung human beings okay Kaya

nga po meron tayong pag-aaral about the

origin of the human

species especially kung saan talaga

nagmula ang tao so meron din tayong

tinatawag na cultural anthropologies or

anthropology ang cultural anthropology

pinapag-aral po dito yung learn behavior

groups of people in a specific

environment kasi iba't ibaang

environment iba't iba pong learn

behavior o yung tinatawag na kultura so

sa american american culture is

different from Philippine Culture Okay

so the next one is linguistic

anthropology Dito naman how language

influences social life language is very

powerful even ung yung paggamit natin ng

lenggwahe it actually influence how we

deal with other people in our society

and number four is archaeology okay ang

archaeology ay pinag pag-aralan po yung

past human past through material remains

like Ah yung mga nahuhukay sa kweba or

mayung

mga ung mga ah buildings or

architectures na ah

nabaon na sa lupa at nakikita nila

nahuhukay nila Like for example yung

yung nangyari sa sa kuweba dito sa

Pilipinas na meron silang Nahukay ng mga

ornaments it actually speaks about our

human past or about our past Ito po yung

mga hindi nagsalita

ors

nan yung buhay ng nakaraan So paano ba

nabubuo yung o how yourself emerge from

the philos from the anthropological

perspective sabi daw

dito ang ating daang physical

pictures ay malaki ang

impluwensya sa pagbuo ng isang

kultura okay yun po yung

katotohanan kasi Paano daw K ang tao ay

gumagapang at hindi nakakalakad ng tuwid

Anong magiging kultura ng

tao So kaya nga dahil tayo ay

nakakalakad ng matuwid at tayo ay

nakakapag-isip ang laki po ng naidudulot

ng ating physical picture sa paggawa ng

isang kultura

so dahil tayo ay tao tayo po ay mas

malaki ang ating utak and it actually

influence doon sa kung anong

kultura na gusto

nating Actually sinasabi din dito that

our

culture Punta ka sa mga tribo right sa

iba minsan nakikita mo ang dami nilang

Tato right Ang dami nilang Tato yung

kanilang katawan at ang laki ng

naidudulot ng kultura ng isang

community at ito y nakakaapekto sa

kanyang physical

pictures like in in Africa or in other

place meron silang mga kultura na yung

kanilang ano yung kanilang mga earrings

very big even here dito sa kanila tapos

ang habang buhok It also

influence the

way we form our physical body

Okay so kung ang physical pictures a

nakin kung

paano gumawa ng isang kultura Ganon din

po ang kultura in return it also

influence how we deal our physical body

Okay Like for example sa China Korea

makikita natin yung kanilang mga bahay

okay that is you know Iyung cultural

houses nila It is a material but

immaterial ay

intangible hindi nahawakan pero ang laki

ng impluensya nito kung paano tayo

mag-isip Paano tayo gumalaw at

makisalamuha sa tao even to feel okay

yung mga beliefs natin eticket rituals

and norms

So basically ag self according to

anthropological perspectives maka-focus

tayo doon sa kultura ng tao kaya nga

sinasabi dito na ang kultura is Actually

your

identity as a person yun yung self mo So

kung ang kulturang amerikano ay iba sa

kulturang Pilipino if you're a Filipino

then your identity as a self is bas on

your culture Okay so paano ba

natin nakikilala or natutunan ng isang

kultura it it can Actually learn

inculturation ang inculturation po is a

transmission of culture from one

generation to the next So kaya nga tayo

tinuturuan tayo na

magmano at itong mga picture na ito mag

religious at mag ah tulungin sa kapwa

kasi nga po tayo ay tinuturuan and when

say transm or inculturation it can be

oral tradition kwento stories pangaral

ng iyong tatay SAO orung parents sayo or

lolo mo o lola mo sayo It Could Be also

wr tradition yung mga nakasulat okay or

nakalimbag kung paano

nila sinusulat yung mga values ng

Filipinos or even our history or even

our threats or even our beliefs as

Filipinos So paano ba

nakaimpluwensya yung kultura sa pagbuo

ng self concept or concept ng ating

sarili so sinab sabi dito culture is the

way of life and it affects the

development of our attitude

din po serves as a means of social

control kinontrol tayo through beliefs

practices norms

rituals and even the eet sa pamilya

natin o sa lipunan where people behave

according to the norms of society kung

ano yung norms or standard na sinusunod

ng

ating cure shapes

Kaya nga po kapag hindi ka

nagmano ba sasabihan magmano ka kasi

dapat

ganon kasi ito ang norms natin ng

community kailangan

kang maging hospitable kasi nga ganon

ang Pilipino ganon tayo pinalaki

cultures affects perception perception

paniniwala natin sa mga bagaybagay

ang ang kultura din po ay

doon sa one's social group or ito ay

tinatawag na socially oriented

Okay other oriented or other centered

ang egocentric

naman It is a view of self focuses on

individual self pag sinabi nating

sociocentric Ah naka-focus

ito sa sa isang group Okay so ang ang

tingnan natin dito ay kapakanan ng grupo

buong grupo at ang egocentric naman ang

kapakanan ng sarili

Okay sa atin daw po as a human being or

as a human person Meron po tayong

dalawang sides nito we have Both of this

okay Meron po tayo

nito we we are sociocentric but at the

same time

egocentric because ang paging centri po

ay of course we have our own we have

also our own

dreams We also have our own um We also

wanted to become independent and to to

succeed in Whatever career we have so

that is being or being Uh egocentric

right kumbaga meron tayong inuuna natin

din ang ating sarili right tinitingnan

din natin ang ating pangang kailangan sa

pagiging isang

tao pero meron rin tayong sociocentric

in a s sense

that sa ating puso o sa ating kalooban

tinitingnan din natin ang kapakanan ng

iba May mga time mas inuuna natin yung

kapang kapakanan ng iba kaya sarili may

mga time naman meron kasi tayong mga

pangarap sa buhay na gusto nating maabot

na kailangan nating abutin kasi maging

masaya tayo dito and we become

okay but in in the sociocentric

culture in know self-centered and

egoistic behavior is devalued sa

egocentric culture

naman yung

individualistic Pursuit is highly

encouraged

Okay so meron tayong sociocentric and

egocentric within ourselves But there

are also

and

egocentric

culture So ano ba itong sociocentric and

egocentric culture ang sociocentric po

is more on

collectivism ang egocentric po is more

on individualism Okay kasi meron po

tayong individualistic culture and

collectivist culture or collectivistic

culture

ang individualistic culture

po

ay incourage nila yung pagiging

independent ng isang tao that is why it

is I

identity and it is mostly practic in

western culture Like Us in Europe ah

kasi incourage nila ang kanilang

mga anak yung mga tao sa lipunan na

maging

independent so the encourages individual

goals relying on others is seen as

shameful

Okay mas i-encourage nila Iyung

individual goals pag nag-relax

independent and people strive to be

successful in their own ways ang soci

centric naman is

collectivism in the collectivistic

culture

interdependence or interdependence is

highly

valued Kaya nga merong tinatawag na we

identity it is not I but we meaning to

say the whole community the group is

mostly practiced in Eastern culture like

in the Philippines in japan in China so

in the collectivistic culture everyone

supports each other and the rights of

families and communities come first ayan

hindi sarili kung ang komunidad at

pamilya ine-encourage din nila to do

what is best for the community rather

than for themselves mas pinahalagaan

nila yung collaboration

and rules foster Unity and

Brotherhood so

kumbaga ako namuhay sa isang community

at ang success ng community ay success

ko hindi po ako

lang so sa collectivistic

culture again I repeat pinapahalagan

yung group more than ones and it belongs

to

understanding of

culture sa egocentric naman belong dito

yung

individualism na ang pinapahalagahan

ay

Independence as well as yung Success ng

individual so gaya ng sinabi

ko kapag Filipino self ang pinag-uusapan

or concept of self Filipino concept of

self

our concept of self is collectivism

rather than

individualism at ang Filipino self

embodies relational being focusing on

Harmony interdependence and respect for

social

relationships so since

Filipino concept of s embodies a

relational being and focusing on

interdependence and respect for social

relationships I think it is

connected to the concept of

kapwa that the

Filipino self identity is eded in our

relationship with other people through

pakikipagkapwa

tao so the word

Kwa which is translated as other in

is actually

not a definite or exact

translation of this

word since the word kapwa is not just

another but a Unity obs

another so you cannot separate an i to

the other when we talk about

Kwa Okay Dito po meron pong tinatawag na

ibang tao outside ID at hindi ibang tao

or One Of Us

Okay sa sa salitang sa way kang Pilipino

So ano ba yung ibang tao or outsider pag

outsider nakipagdeal tayo sa outsider

yun yung pakikitungo okay Doon

pakikitungo pakikibagay or conformity

pakikisama or level of adjusting Kahit

na hindi mo siya gusto outsider okay

makikisama ka lang Okay para walang gulo

di ba pero meron din naman tayong level

ng hindi ibang tao or One Of Us ito yung

pakikipag lagayang loob or level of

mutual trust and pakikiisa

kapag hindi siya ibang tao or

outsider pero sa sa concept of

kapwa whether you are an outsider or

not embrace all of this Okay i-embrace

niya yung lahat kahit na ikaw outsider

or kahit na ikaw ay hindi

outsider the concept of Papa is

embracing all of

this Kaya nga ang pakikipagkapwa

tao ay mas Hindi ka pwedeng magsabi

na Ang pakikisama ay pwedeng walang

pakikipagkapwa tao right pwedeng

nakisama ka lang pero hindi pwede

yung sabihin mo na nakikipag kapwa tao

ka na walang pakisama right so kapwa

is deeper than all of this because it

embrace whether you are an outsider or

not meaning to say you have to to give

respect to that person not just a

respect for that person but you treating

that

person even you do not know that or you

You do not know that person as hindi na

ibang tao whether hindi mo siya kilala

or kilala p nakikipag kapwa tao ka it it

goes Actually a very deep understanding

of a relationship between you and other

people so Filipino culture is more

collec rather than

individualistic but we will not forget

that when it comes to our understanding

of the

s Filipinos are

relational at pag sinabi nating

relationship hindi nawawala yung word na

kapwa or

pakikipag that is our identity as

Filipinos

na tayo ay

nakikipag

Because is we are as

Filipinos we valu other people we Val

the particular group at nakikipag ta

tayo so a person starts kapwa not

because of recn of status

shared

identity Okay Theo or ego and the iba sa

akin others are one and the same in

kapwa psychology hindi ako iba sa aking

kapwa once ako starts Thinking of

himself as different from kapwa the self

in effect denies the status of kapwa to

the other Okay so to end this

class Ito po yung ating

Reflection okay or

assignment who am i based on the

anthropological perspectives Sino ba ako

base sa sa lesson na pinag-aralan

natin So that will be your assignment

try to

reflect about your own culture as

Filipinos and try to write down who you

are based on your culture

Thank you so much and have a good day to

all