The Self and Culture According to Marcel Mauss, the French Anthropologist, every self has two faces: personne and moi. Moi refers to a person’s sense of who he is, his body and. his basic identity. Personne, is composed of the social concepts of what it means to be who he is. Personne has much to do with what it means to live in a particular institution, a particular family, a particular religion, a particular nationality and how to behave given expectations and influences from others. Can you please explain this to easily understand and cite some examples.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Marcel Mauss, a French anthropologist, proposed that every individual possesses two facets of self: moi and personne. Understanding these concepts helps us grasp how personal identity is shaped by both internal and external factors.
Moi refers to a person’s intrinsic sense of self. It encompasses one’s self-awareness, physical body, and core identity. This aspect is deeply personal and internal, reflecting how an individual perceives themselves. For example, a person might identify as an artist, feeling a deep connection to creativity and expression.
Personne, on the other hand, represents the social dimensions of identity. It includes the roles and expectations imposed by society, such as those related to family, religion, nationality, and other social institutions. This facet is shaped by cultural norms and societal influences, dictating how one is expected to behave in various contexts. For instance, a person might be expected to act as a responsible parent, a loyal friend, or a dedicated employee, based on societal expectations.
Example:
Consider an individual named Sarah:
- Moi: Sarah feels a strong connection to nature and identifies as an environmentalist. She finds peace and purpose in activities like hiking and advocating for conservation.
- Personne: Sarah is a mother, a teacher, and a member of a local community group. Society expects her to balance her professional responsibilities with her family duties and community involvement.
In this example, Sarah’s moi reflects her personal passions and self-perception, while her personne encompasses the roles and expectations society has for her. These two facets interact, influencing how she navigates her personal and social life.
Mauss’s distinction between moi and personne highlights the dual nature of self-identity, emphasizing the interplay between individual self-awareness and societal roles. This framework underscores that our sense of self is not only a personal construct but also a social one, shaped by the cultural and institutional contexts we inhabit.