The Interconnected Self: How Society and Culture Shape Identity
Prince Joshua D. Palo-ay
1st Year, Nursing, Block 4
The Interconnected Self: How Society and Culture Shape Identity
The self is not an isolated entity; it is born, shaped, and continually reshaped within a social and
cultural context. Sociologists and anthropologists have long emphasized the intricate relationship
between individuals, the societies they live in, and the cultural frameworks that guide behavior,
beliefs, and identity. This essay explores how the self is molded by society and culture, and
conversely, how individuals contribute to societal change and cultural evolution. Through theoretical
analysis and personal reflections, I will demonstrate that the self is both a product and a producer of
society and culture.
Theoretical Foundations: Understanding the Self
Theories from sociology and anthropology offer essential insights into identity formation. George
Herbert Mead's concept of the "self" in symbolic interactionism illustrates that the self emerges from
social interactions. According to Mead (1934), individuals develop self-awareness by taking the role
of others, internalizing societal expectations, and engaging in reflective thought.
Similarly, Pierre Bourdieu's idea of habitus emphasizes how culture is embodied in individuals.
Habitus refers to the deeply ingrained habits, skills, and dispositions we acquire from our social
environment (Bourdieu, 1977). These shape how we perceive the world and act within it, often
unconsciously reproducing cultural norms.
In anthropology, Clifford Geertz (1973) argued that humans are "incomplete" creatures who require
The Interconnected Self: How Society and Culture Shape Identity
culture to function. Culture, in this sense, is not just a backdrop but an active framework for
constructing meaning, guiding behavior, and expressing identity.
How Society and Culture Shape the Self
From early childhood, cultural norms and societal expectations inform who we are. For instance,
growing up in the Philippines, pakikisama (harmony in social relationships) was a value consistently
reinforced by family, school, and media. This collectivist orientation shaped my sense of self as
relational. I learned to prioritize group harmony over personal desire, which influenced my
decision-making and interpersonal behavior.
Society also imposes gender roles, class norms, and religious practices that further define identity.
As a student from a Christian household, I was taught to embody humility, modesty, and
service-traits consistent with cultural expectations of both faith and gender. These values became
part of my internal compass, influencing how I define "right" and "wrong," how I dress, and how I
interact in school or church.
Moreover, language is a crucial carrier of culture. Speaking in Filipino or regional dialects provides a
sense of belonging, while the use of English in academic settings connects me to a globalized
identity. This linguistic shift reflects a dual self, one rooted in local culture, another shaped by global
influences.
The Self as an Agent of Change
While society and culture shape individuals, people also have the agency to question, negotiate,
and transform cultural and societal norms. For example, the rise of youth-led movements on climate
change or gender equality shows how individual voices can challenge dominant ideologies.
The Interconnected Self: How Society and Culture Shape Identity
In my own experience, I noticed how I challenged the expectation to follow a predetermined career
path. In a society that often values courses like medicine or engineering, choosing nursing was an
assertion of both personal passion and a redefinition of success within my family's expectations.
Through conversations, I also encouraged others to pursue fields aligned with their
interests-showing that self-expression can ripple out into cultural change.
The use of social media amplifies this dynamic. Platforms like TikTok or Facebook allow individuals
to share diverse identities, challenge stereotypes, and even introduce new cultural trends. This
demonstrates how culture is not static but evolves through the participation of its members.
Conclusion
The self, society, and culture are intricately interwoven. Sociological and anthropological theories
reveal how identity is shaped by external forces, while personal experiences and contemporary
examples show that individuals are not passive recipients; they are active participants in shaping
culture and society. Understanding this dynamic relationship is essential for fostering empathy,
promoting inclusion, and empowering individuals to become agents of positive change in their
communities.
References
Bourdieu, P. (1977). *Outline of a theory of practice* (R. Nice, Trans.). Cambridge University Press.
(Original work published 1972)
Geertz, C. (1973). *The interpretation of cultures*. Basic Books.
Mead, G. H. (1934). *Mind, self, and society: From the standpoint of a social behaviorist* (C. W.
Morris, Ed.). University of Chicago Press.
