Chapter 2 - A shift from self to selvations

Summary

In this second chapter, I explain why a shift in assumptions from self to selvations is necessary to facilitate theoretical integration. The main argument is that mainstream assumptions about the importance of the self in what moves and motivates us are culturally biased toward a Western view of self, relationships, and motivation. Shifting assumptions implies a focus on human universals (social relationships) in the study of social motivation, but also implies a focus on the power of culture to transform how we go about regulating relationships in situ. As such, I propose that a deeper and integrative understanding of social motivation relies on individuals’ relational essence that is translated, through the culturally construed self, in culturally appropriate thought, feeling, and action. I apply this analysis to mainstream theory and research on social motivation to show how selvations theory’s relational assumptions provide a new and integrative look at what moves and motivates us. I also connect this relational perspective on social motivation, including self and selvations, to evolutionary theorizing.