The Self and Others: An Anthropological Approach

October 22, 2010

AgendaColours of SocietyIntroduction to Self: An Anthropological

ApproachCultural AnthropologyMargaret Mead and her comparative studyNature vs. Nurture

Case StudiesAssignment: Debate

Colours of SocietyIn your groups, read and understand the cultural

significance for each colour.

Colours of Society

Colours of Society

Introduction to Self: Anthropological ApproachWhat is the self?

Anthropologists believe that concepts of the self, and who we are is culturally constructed.

Cultural Anthropology: the study of how culture shapes human ideas and learned behaviour.

Cultural Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology: the study of how culture shapes human ideas and learned behaviour.

Ethnocentrism: the tendency to judge other cultures b y one’s own values

Cultural Relativism: respecting and accepting all cultures

Margaret Mead (1901-1978)Conducted field work in New Guinea,

Polynesia and other Pacific IslandsFindings supported the notion that the

learned culture, not biology (nurture not nature) largely determines human behaviour

Study: Arapesh/Mundagumor /Tchambuili

Comparative Study

Conclusions Most personality traits associated with

‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’ are due to learned behaviour and not heredity.

Nurture determined human behaviour not nature.

Nature vs. NurtureNature: inherited, biological characteristicsNurture: learned, environmental forces

Which has more of an impact on personality development?

Case Studies“The Boy Who was Raised a Girl” from The

Human Way. Excerpt from the text book Human Way,

Images of Society, about Twin Studies

Assignment- DebateGroups of 42 people will be arguing for nature2 people will be arguing for nurture

Use the examples given in class as well as other resources to compile information for your debate.

Follow the guidelines and rubric on the assignment page.

Due on October 29th, 2010

ConclusionSelf and OthersMargaret MeadNature vs. Nurture