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