Anthropology looks at how biology and culture shape the self from a holistic perspective
It considers human experiences to be an interplay of both our genes and our sociocultural environment
nature refers to the genes
nuture refers to the sociocultural environment
Perceptions on self in different societies
Egocentric - suggest that although the self is a replica of all of humanity, it can still act on its own
an individual is distinct and have their own inherent characteristics
Sociocentric - suggest that the self is defined by their membership in a particular social group
Identities
People construct their social identities based on their similarities and differences with others
Self-identification may be attained by kinship, family membership, gender, age, language, and etc.—the social group a particular person belongs in or their group identity.
Identity toolbox - the features of a person’s identity that a particular person chooses to emphasize
Naming is a universal practice that provides an individual their social identity and grants them their birthright.
People are not born with an identity, it is something they develop.
Changes in identity usually involve rites of passage that prepare a person from changing between different identities
rites of passage refer to ceremonies that mark important transitional periods in a person’s life
Phases that mark changes in one’s status and identity
Separation phase - people detach from their former identity to another
Liminality phase - person transitioning into another identity
Incorporation phase - incorporation of change in one’s identity