Your Self is a Cultural Reflection

Traditional views of subjectivity as independent and free are challenged by structuralism, which suggests that our identities are shaped by cultural rituals and structures. Every preference, belief, and habit we hold stems from the cultural context we inhabit rather than originating from the self. This perspective illuminates how even basic gestures, like waving as a form of greeting, are learned behaviors influenced by cultural norms instead of innate actions. If we were raised in a different cultural environment, our actions and identities would differ significantly, highlighting the importance of context in shaping the self.