Post modernist approach to the self

Although there have been many arguments regarding our sense of self- from nature to nurture, biological to social; post-modernism argues that there is no innate self, rather the self is a constantly changing and fluid model. Therefore the self can be refered to as an ongoing project or development. Each person is responsible for themselves and therefore they are able to determine their own future.

It is through society and the way we are brought up that allows us to become the unique, individual people we are. Our experiences teach us right from wrong and help us to develop a distinct personality. If a person had for example, grown up in very different surroundings or experienced something very traumatic, then this may have had a major impact on their ideas of identity and perhaps change their concept of the 'self'. Furthermore, two people who have had a very similar upbringing (eg. siblings) or endured similar experiences may possess similar traits.

Articles relating to this topic:

McCall, Robert B. Nature-Nurture and the two realms of development: A proposed integration with respect to mental development. Child Development. (March 1981) 52:1, pp. 1-12.