Concept of Self in Different Tradition | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

The concept of self is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that has intrigued humans for centuries. It is an ever-present part of our lives, yet often difficult to articulate. In psychology, the self is defined as one's perception of oneself as an object, the experience of self, how others perceive oneself, and one's understanding of what they are and what they are not. However, the concept of self goes beyond psychology and varies across different traditions and cultures. This article delves into the diverse ways in which the self is understood and conceptualized in various traditions, exploring the impact of culture, religion, socioeconomics, and the evolution of traditions on the development of self-concept.

Self in Culture Taxonomy

Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of self. It encompasses a broad range of norms, beliefs, practices, relationships, attitudes, and values that are shared within a society. To comprehend the differences in the notion of self across various traditions, researchers have classified cultures based on cultural taxonomy, such as the framework proposed by Hofstede.

• Individualistic and Collectivistic Cultures: One dimension of cultural taxonomy revolves around the values attributed to the individual versus the group. Individualistic cultures prioritize the self over the group, while collectivistic cultures emphasize the collective welfare. These differences significantly influence how individuals perceive themselves and shape components of self-concept, such as self-esteem and self-image. In individualistic traditions, independence and personal achievements contribute to a positive self-concept. Conversely, in collectivistic societies, the evaluation of self is based on social abilities, fulfilling societal goals, and maintaining harmonious relationships. Thus, the core of self-concept differs between individualistic and collectivistic cultures, with either the individual or the society playing a central role.
• Power Distance: Power distance refers to the acceptance of societal inequalities based on factors like social status, wealth, power, laws, and physical characteristics. In societies with high power distance, there is a greater inclination to accept and perpetuate existing hierarchies and inequalities without questioning them. The self-concept of individuals in such societies is often shaped by their position within the hierarchy, and differences in status become integral to their identity. Conversely, societies with low power distance are more open to change and exhibit resistance towards power inequalities. In these cultures, the self-concept may not be influenced significantly by societal status.
• Masculinity and Femininity: The dimension of masculinity and femininity is based on the values placed on work goals. Masculine cultures prioritize ego goals, such as success, career advancement, and financial gains. Consequently, individuals in such cultures construct their self-concept around personal achievements and materialistic aspirations. On the other hand, feminine cultures prioritize social goals, including social harmony, relationships, and aiding others. In these traditions, the self is shaped by themes associated with social goals rather than personal achievements.
• Uncertainty Avoidance: Uncertainty avoidance refers to the reactions and strategies employed by different cultures to cope with uncertainty. Some cultures are more accepting of uncertainty, while others actively seek ways to mitigate it through technology, religion, or social customs. High uncertainty avoidance cultures perceive uncertainty as a threat and structure their self-concept around societal norms and rules. In contrast, low uncertainty avoidance cultures are more receptive to uncertainty, resulting in a self-concept that may display less authoritarianism.
• Long and Short-term Orientation: Long-term orientation indicates a focus on future rewards and encompasses values such as persistence, thrift, patience, and harmony. Individuals with a long-term orientation align their self-concept with these values. Lack of adherence to these values may lead to negative self-esteem or self-concept. Conversely, short-term orientation cultures may not place as much emphasis on these long-term values, resulting in a different self-concept formation.

Building of Self in Religious Traditions

Religious traditions also exert a profound influence on the concept of self. Religions often emphasize a higher power or spirituality, which shapes an individual's perception and development of self. For instance, someone with a Hindu upbringing may idealize a deity like Shiva and construct their ideal self based on the teachings of Hinduism. These teachings serve as a moral compass for self-scrutiny, influencing self-esteem and self-image. Similarly, individuals from Christian backgrounds may look up to Jesus as an ideal, shaping their self-image and esteem based on their ability to align with Jesus's teachings. Furthermore, society's role is crucial, as traditionally religious societies exert pressure on individuals to adhere to religious practices. Deviating from these norms can impact one's self-concept through interactions with society.

Socioeconomic Status and Rural-Urban Divide

The concept of self can also differ based on socioeconomic status and the rural-urban divide. Socioeconomic traditions encompass distinct sets of norms, traditions, and people. In elite cultures or higher socioeconomic classes, the perception of self differs significantly from that of poorer societies. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may experience diminished self-esteem when comparing themselves to those of higher economic status. Moreover, the differences between urban and rural societies contribute to varying self-concepts. Urban societies, characterized by industrialization and nuclear families, foster more individualistic selves. In contrast, rural societies often prioritize collectivist values, leading to the formation of a collectivist self.

Self in the Context of Changing Traditions

Notably, the notion of self within a single tradition can change over time. Industrialization, globalization, and societal development have transformed the nature of societies and the ideal self. For example, in countries experiencing rapid development like India, there has been a shift from traditional self-concepts towards a more Westernized culture, influenced by the pursuit of the "American dream." Changes in occupations and traditions have also affected the self-concept within societies. Previously discriminated communities have witnessed a reduction in prejudice, altering their interactions with society and their own self-concept.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of self is a multifaceted construct that is influenced by various factors, including culture, religion, socioeconomic status, and the evolution of traditions. Different cultures prioritize the individual or the collective, accept or question power hierarchies, emphasize personal or social goals, and approach uncertainty and long-term rewards differently. Religious traditions impart distinct ideals and moral frameworks, shaping self-concept through societal interactions. Socioeconomic status and the rural-urban divide also contribute to variations in self-perception. As societies evolve, traditions change, impacting individuals' understanding of self over time. These factors account for the diversity in self-concepts observed across countries and cultures worldwide.