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Nature, Goals, and Perspectives in Anthropology, Sociology and Political Science

Here are some possible reasons for cultural variations and similarities: Variations: - Different environments/geography - Isolation from other groups - Different histories and experiences - Adaptation to available resources Similarities: - Shared human needs (food, shelter, social interaction) - Spread of ideas and practices through contact/trade - Universal human experiences (birth, death, family) - Common solutions to similar problems 5 Page Activity 2. Understanding culture through daily experiences Guide Questions: 1. What are some aspects of your daily life that reflect your culture? (e.g. food, clothing, housing, transportation, communication, beliefs) __
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
765 views32 pages

Nature, Goals, and Perspectives in Anthropology, Sociology and Political Science

Here are some possible reasons for cultural variations and similarities: Variations: - Different environments/geography - Isolation from other groups - Different histories and experiences - Adaptation to available resources Similarities: - Shared human needs (food, shelter, social interaction) - Spread of ideas and practices through contact/trade - Universal human experiences (birth, death, family) - Common solutions to similar problems 5 Page Activity 2. Understanding culture through daily experiences Guide Questions: 1. What are some aspects of your daily life that reflect your culture? (e.g. food, clothing, housing, transportation, communication, beliefs) __
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Cordillera Administrative Region
Division of Tabuk City
TABUK CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Nature, Goals, and Perspectives


in Anthropology, Sociology and
Political Science
MODULE IN UNDESTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY,
AND POLITICS
First Quarter – Week 1

Subject Teachers
Kaylyn L. Duclan – 09770719858 Shanandoah Diaz – 09053590976
Mariel Damagon – 09653320906 Creedence Munar - 09276667990

-
Name of Student
Barangay
Cluster
Mobile Number
There are different ways of understanding the interaction of people
in society. The easy access to technology has opened us to a whole
wide world where we may interact with other people from different places
whose perspectives may differ from ours. We may wonder, “Why do
other people have different beliefs from my own?”, “Why do we have
different ways?”, “How am I supposed to deal with these people whose
beliefs and behavior are different from mine?” Or maybe we are amazed
to see similarities in the cultural practices of people on the other side of
the world. In this module, we are going to explore human cultural
variations and similarities, social differences, social change, and political
identities. We are also going to discuss the importance of studying
culture, society, and politics through insights from Anthropology, Political
Science, and Sociology.

This module aims to help students develop a unique way of looking


at and interpreting the world around us. It attempts to help students
acknowledge and understand human cultural variation and connections,
social differences, social change, and political identities. It also intends
for students to appreciate the values of the disciplines of Anthropology,
Sociology, and Political Science in its endeavor to understand
phenomenon that happen in society. And this module attempts to help
educate students to become sensitive and more tolerant of human
differences in daily life so that we may all peacefully and equitably live
together in this world.

The module will start with a pre-assessment to determine the


student’s prior knowledge on the topic. It will be followed by a lecture
and a series of activities and assessments that will encourage students
to explore and learn more about the topic.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the module, we hope for the learners


1. To acknowledge human cultural variation, social differences,
social change, and political identities,

2. To adopt an open and critical attitude toward the different social,


political, and cultural phenomena through observation and
reflection, and

3. To appreciate the values of disciplines of Anthropology,


Sociology, and Political Science in understanding culture and
1
Page

society.
Choose the LETTER of the BEST answer. Write your answer on the
BLANK provided before each number.

_____1. Which of the following is referred to as the totality of the ways of life
of a people in a certain geographic location?
A. Culture B. Tribe C. Laws D. Institutions

_____ 2. Which of the following statements is true about culture?


A. Culture is learned.
B. Culture is genetically inherited
C. Culture is limited to rich people only.
D. All of the above

_____ 3. What is society?


A. It is found only among humans.
B. It is created only by technologically advanced people.
C. It is a group of directly and indirectly interacting people.
D. None of the above.

_____ 4. Which of the following are characteristics of anthropology?


A. It focuses only on artifacts and fossils.
B. It is concerned with both human biology and culture.
C. It is concerned with human variation, evolution, and adaptation.
D. B and C

_____ 5. Which field of anthropology is primarily concerned with the non-


cultural aspects of humans and near-humans?
A. Archaeology C. Linguistic anthropology
B. Cultural anthropology D.Biological anthropology

_____ 6. What is cultural sensitivity?


A. A set of skills that allows you to know who you are.
B. A set of skills that allows you to identify different cultures easily
C. A set of skills that allows you to understand and learn about
people whose cultural background differs from yours
D. A set of skills that allows you to understand and learn about
people whose cultural background is the same as yours.
_____ 7. It is the scientific study of patterned, shared human behavior.
A. History C. Sociology
B. Anthropology D. Political Science
2
Page
____ 8. Which of the following describes Political Science?
A. It is the scientific study of patterned, shared behavior.
B. It is the study of the human mind and behavior.
C. It is the scientific study of the state and politics which deals with
the nature, principles, and mechanics of rule, authority, power,
and influences.
D. It is the scientific study of man, his works, body, behavior, and
values, in time and space.

____ 9. Which is considered as the main connection between sociology


and anthropology?
A. Emergence of community
B. Language use by people
C. Culture shared by men
D. Fossils of early humans

____10. Which of the following is describes as customary patterns of


everyday life that specify what is socially correct and proper in
everyday life?

A. Norms B. Mores C. Laws D. Folkway

TRUE or FALSE

Direction: Read the cultural practice on the first column and determine if
such practice is true or false. Check the column that corresponds to your
answer.

Practices in some parts of the world TRUE FALSE


1. Eating with the left hand is taboo in Saudi
Arabia.
2. Food is always shared from a single plate
using their hands in Ethiopia.
3. Eating with your hands is offensive in the
Philippines.
4. Spaniards like to maintain eye contact
during conversations.
5. All Arabs are Muslims.
3
Page
Every day that we live our lives, from the way we cook our food,
the transportation that we take to school, the way we interact with our
parents, classmates, and other people up to the structural style of the
houses we live in; we are living our culture. It is the political and
economic systems that we have, it is the beliefs that we hold, and it is
the laws that we follow. Did you ever marvel at how all these come
together to form a person’s or a group’s complex existence which we
call culture?

Language, values, rules, tools, technologies, products,


organizations, and customs, people all have these. Have you observed
that some of our practices are unique? But at the same time, there also
exists similarities of culture among different groups. What attitudes to
we have toward our culture and the culture of others? If other persons
have different practices from ours, how do we feel about it? How do we
deal with these people? Will studying the differences and similarities in
cultural practices help us understand culture, society, and politics better
and consequently be able to have better interaction with other people?

In this module, we are going to build a deeper understanding of


culture. We will do this by looking at our own experiences and
observations. Then we will discuss the importance of studying culture,
society, and politics. And later look into the contributions of the
disciplines of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science in
understanding human interactions in society.
4
Page
Activity 1. Looking at cultural variations and similarities

Guide Questions:

1. Using the picture above, what cultural variation can you see?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

2. Why do you think is there variety or diversity in the cultures or the ways
of living of people?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Amid this variety, we also see similarities in practices among societies,


what could be reasons for these?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

4. When we study differences and similarities in human culture, how


does it help us understand culture, society, and politics better?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5
Page

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Acknowledging human cultural variation, social differences, social
change, and political identities

Cultural Variation

People think, act, and cope differently. We live in the same world, but
we have different ways of looking at it. We may be looking at one same
situation but our interpretation of it may be different. This is because the way
we see the world around us is dependent on our practices, beliefs, values,
and past experiences which are also diverse. We call these differences in
social behaviors exhibited in different cultures, cultural variation.

People see things differently. And some factors contribute to this. For
example, the Ifugaos perform Bogwa to show honor and lover for departed
loved ones. They will do this rite by exhuming the remains of their loved
one, clean it and bring it to their home where they will hold vigil and feast,
and offer prayers to the dead for three or more days. During these days,
relatives, friends, and neighbors of the family are welcome to join the family.
This is done by the Ifugaos as a show of love and respect for their departed
relatives, but this practice would perplex if not horrify other people who are
not familiar with the practice.

Some people are disgusted by the thought of eating kiwit (rice eel),
ararawan (mole cricket), tukak (frog), or abal abal (bug) but some people
would call it delicacies. Some people have pigs for a pet while others raise
it for food. This existence of different backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions
among societies is what causes cultural diversity.

People not only have varied practices but also have varied sets of
morals and values. For example, the concepts of honor and shame vary
from culture to culture. In another country, when a public official is caught
doing an illegal act, he immediately steps down from his position because,
in his society, it is the way to uphold one’s dignity. But in other societies,
when a public official is faced with controversies and irregularities, they do
not resign. They do not resign because resignation means being guilty of
the accusation. Differences in race, sex, language, ethnicity, religion, and
local practices are important aspects of cultural variation.
6
Page
Social change

Social change refers to any significant alteration over time in


behavior patterns and cultural values and norms. This change in society
is created through social movements as well as external factors like
environmental shifts or technological innovations.

An example is the creation of the mobile application, Facebook. This


technological innovation has made huge changes in the way people
communicate with each other up to the way they purchase and sell goods
and services. It also became a significant tool in political movements all over
the world.

Essentially, any disruptive shift in the status quo, be it intentional or


random, human-caused, or natural, can lead to social change. Changes to
technology, social institutions, population, and the environment, alone or in
some combination, create change.

Political identity

Identity shapes many aspects of life, from how one sees the world to
how he behaves. Identity is the story that one tells himself and others about
who he is, who he was, and who he foresees himself to be in the future.
The concept of political identity can then be understood as a narrative of
one’s political self.

It may be comprised of the perceptions and political positions that one has
regarding issues in society. An example may be the advocacies that one
supports like transparency on the spending of public funds or rights and
privileges given to single parents or environmental preservation or animal
rights. It is the stand and participation of an individual in crafting and
implementing policies that he thinks will provide equal opportunities to
people. It may also involve race, nationality or tribe, social and political
affiliation, gender, and age.

Adopting an open and critical attitude toward the different social,


political, and cultural phenomena through observation and reflection

Earlier, we talked about cultural diversity or the variedness of


practices, values, economic and social status, and experiences. These
things influence the way people perceive the world. It means that there can
be no single way of interpreting a phenomenon. What is right or good for
one group of people may not be the same for another. That is the reason
7
Page

why there is the idea of cultural relativism. Cultural relativism refers to a


perspective that suggests that beliefs, values, and norms should derive their
meaning within a specific social context. It fosters that judgment on another
culture is not made using one’s own culture. The goal of this perspective is
to promote an understanding of cultural practices that are not part of one’s
own culture.

Cultural relativism claims that no one culture is superior to another


culture when compared to systems of morality, law, politics, etc. It says that
there is no absolute standard of good or evil, therefore every decision and
judgment of what is right and wrong is individually decided in each society.

Let us go back to the Bogwa practice of the Ifugao people. When


applying the concept of cultural relativism, how should a person who is not
from Ifugao understand their practice? Judging the Ifugao people from an
outsider’s perspective, we may say that their practice is not healthy or that
it is creepy. But such quick judgment may not allow us to be able to truly
understand their practice. That is why it is important to look at it from the
Ifugao’s perspective. From the Ifugao’s perspective, Bogwa is necessary
for the living to prosper and live in peace with their departed loved one. It is
a way of showing respect, love, and value for the deceased loved one. It is
also needed when a widow or widower wishes to remarry or if a member of
the family has been ill for no apparent reason or if a member of the family
is constantly dreaming of their departed loved one. We should recognize
that the practice of honoring departed loved ones differ from culture to
culture.

It is however important to understand that while cultural relativism is a


perspective which suggests that we should understand each other’s beliefs
in its contexts, it does not mean that we disregard ideas of universal human
rights. Cultural relativism encourages people to express an open mind
toward others’ cultures, but it is not to be used as an excuse for all of man’s
practices, norms, and beliefs.

Willingness to consider other cultures is good but if taken into the


extreme then it can lead to xenocentrism. Xenocentrism is the preference
for other’s products, beliefs, ideas, technology, and style rather than one’s
own. This can be seen in the perception that imported products such as
shoes, clothes, phones, bags, food, etc., are of better quality than local
products.

And while there are people who favor other cultures than their own,
there are also those who think their own culture is better than that of
everyone else’s. This belief that one’s own culture is superior to others is
called ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is usually accompanied by
discrimination. To discriminate is to be prejudiced and bigoted and to treat
8
Page

people differently and unfairly based on their gender, age, race, culture,
sexual orientation, and other social and biological concepts that define our
identity.

Appreciating the values of the disciplines of anthropology, sociology


and political science in understanding culture and society significance
of studying culture, society, and politics

Culture

To understand the components that lead to the total development of


man, we need to identify the significance of culture, society, and politics.

Culture is the learned set of practices, beliefs, values, rules for proper
conduct, and material objects that are shared by members of society, is a
powerful force in the lives of all people. Culture serves as a foundation of
man’s continuing interaction with his surroundings. People develop a
culture of their own out of their learnings and experiences from their
environmental exposure (Banaag, 2012, p. 46). Culture is related to the
word “cultus” which means a way of life.

Culture functions in the following ways according to Mark Banaag, and


from these, we can realize the significance of culture as well.

1. Culture makes it possible for a man to adapt and integrate himself into
his environment by being creative and resourceful in coming up with
ways and means of survival.
2. Culture establishes patterns of acceptable behavior such as etiquette,
protocols, good manners and right conduct, roles, and duties, etc. as
established by folkways, mores, and laws.

3. Culture conveys and facilitates meanings through verbal and non-


verbal communication, written and non-written language, forms of
expression, and symbolism.

4. Culture produces man-made things such as clothing, tools,


instruments, machines, equipment, structures, etc. All these are made
possible by technological know-how.

5. Culture contributes to overall human satisfaction as we develop ways


to make life more enjoyable, more comfortable, easier, and more
rewarding such as recreational activities, leisure, entertainment, and
arts, etc.

Therefore, culture creates the identities of individuals which makes


them distinct from one another. Geographical or territorial boundaries
9
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contribute to cultural diversities of human society.


Society

As individuals continue to interact, societies form. Society refers to a


group of people sharing a common culture within defined territorial
boundaries.

Societies are formed out of social processes intended to meet man’s


basic needs for survival. Every society is organized in such a way that there
are rules of conduct, customs, traditions folkways, mores, and expectations
that ensure appropriate behavior among members (Palispis, 2007, p254).
Thus, society is a product of human interaction and human
interconnectedness. It symbolizes the group within which human beings
can live a totally connected life. For example, a village is formed because a
group of people can provide mutual support to each member. This is seen
when village people help secure the village, its residents, and their
resources, from the attack of other tribes. Another is when village people
come together to help each other in planting and harvesting in the rice fields.

Significance of society:

Representation of our identity

Characterize the totality of a territory

Symbol of political independence

Avenue for economic interdependence

Politics

Politics happens in society as a way of creating structure to the


exercise of power and authority over the distribution of resources. Politics
may be loosely defined as the social process through which people and
groups acquire, exercise, maintain, or lose power over others. Politics talks
about the collective decision of individuals based on defined rules of society.
10

These rules bind people together to preserve culture and improve human
life.
Page
According to Haque, there are five inherent points to politics:

Collective Activity

Inherent Initial
Authorative
Policy
Points to diversity of
Politics views

Reconciliation of
Differences

a. Politics is a collective activity, involving people who accept a common


membership or at least acknowledge a shared goal.

b. Politics presumes an initial diversity of view, if not about goals then at


least about means.
c. Politics involve reconciling differences through discussion and
persuasion.

d. Political decisions become authoritative policy for a group, binding


members to decisions that are implemented by force if necessary.

Rationale of studying anthropology, political science, and sociology


There are different ways of understanding our world. Anthropology,
Sociology, and Political Science are areas of study that will provide us with
important ideas in analyzing society and thereby provide insights that can
help in improving it.
Anthropology

Are you familiar with the picture below? Perhaps you even own one.
What do objects like these jewelleries say about the life of the Cordillera
people? What do objects like a Lingling-o necklace symbolize?
Anthropology studies these kinds of objects, which they refer to as artifacts,
to learn more about cultures.
Three designs of Lingling-o
from the Philippines, and now
housed at the Musée du Quai
Branly in Paris, France.
11

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Lingling-o
Page
Anthropology is the branch of knowledge that deals with the scientific
study of man, his works, his body, his behavior, and values, in time and
space (Palispis, 2007 p. 6).

Anthropology has five branches.

A. Social anthropology studies patterns of behavior.

B. Cultural anthropology studies cultural meaning, including norms and


values.

C. Linguistic anthropology studies how language influences social life.

D. Biological or physical anthropology studies the biological development


of humans.
E. Archaeology, which studies human activity through investigation of
physical evidence, is thought of as a branch of anthropology in the
United States and Canada, while in Europe, it is viewed as a discipline
in its own right or grouped under other related disciplines, such as
history. It also studies man’s physical, social, and cultural
development which influences human life.

Anthropology helps by providing insights to aspects of past or even


present societies which historians and sociologist find difficult to comprehend
and explain. Examples of these are witchcraft, fashion, paintings, myths and
legends, rituals like weddings and death rites, and others. Hence,
anthropology gives us information concerning man’s behavior in relation to
his social and natural environment.

Political Science

Political Science is a systematic study of a state and its government,


with the relationship of men in the community, with relations of men and
group to the state itself and with the relations of the state with other sovereign
states abroad (Palispis, 2009 p. 14). It emphasizes the use of power, interest,
influence, and diplomacy which is important in creating a well-ordered
society. Political scientists analyze how people attain a political position in
society, how they maintain their position and the outcomes of their policy
implementation within a definite social territory.

According to Lazo, the primary goal of Political Science is citizenship


education. It requires the students to understand the duties and obligations
of being a member of society. Political Science includes core competencies,
12

knowledge, and skills that help learners become participative and productive
Page

members of society.
KNOWLEDGE BASED- It provides the students with knowledge and
understanding of a government, with all its component curricula like public
law, political theory, public administration, political philosophy and political
dynamics.

COMPETENCE BASED- Inculcates the objectives and underlying


principles of the state that should be abided by the officials and its
citizens.

SKILLS BASED - Prepares the students for future career path, be it in legal
profession, government service, politics, teaching and many more.

Sociology

According to Joseph Fichter, sociology is the scientific study of


patterned, shared human behavior. It analyses human interaction which is
essential in understanding man's cultural makeup. It may focus its attention
on all kinds of social interactions, arts, relationships, structures, and
processes. This social relationship will provide sociological information that
will help in understanding society objectively using scientific investigations
and methodology.

The findings of sociological investigations are essential for leaders,


businessmen or entrepreneurs, and government officials in maintaining
social stability and in creating programs and policies for development. The
study of sociology broadens the experience of individuals as they learn to
discard prejudices and become more understanding of the customs of other
people and realize that truth is relative and that “good” or “bad” behavior
depends upon the norm of society in which the behavior takes place
(Panopio, 1994 p. 2)

Activity 1. Exploring cultural variation, social change, and political identity

Learning Objective:

To acknowledge human cultural variation, social differences, social change,


and political identities

Cultural Variation

Direction: Facebook and other social media platforms have exposed us to a


13

wide variety of cultures. We now can interact directly and indirectly with other
Page

people away from us and in the process, we can know about their culture.
Globalization has also facilitated diversity. Products from other countries like
cell phones, cosmetics, clothes, and others have been imported to our
country and our products are exported to other places also.

1. In this activity, you are tasked to identify a part of the culture that you would
like to know about more. It may be practices related to the following.

• music •wedding rites •agriculture • products


• politics •dispute settlement •food and cooking • child-rearing
• dance •clothes and dressing •medical cure • religious rites

2. Identify the places or the tribes to which the practice belongs. Here, it may
be local tribes or tribes of other countries. Search and read more about
this practice in four other cultures. Summarize the information that you find,
you may also include pictures. Give a title to your work. Below is an
example in the format that you will use. Write your answer on a whole
sheet of paper.

Example 1

Title: Common Greetings in Asian languages

Korean Japanese Chinese Vietnam

Anyeonghaseyo Konnichiwa Ni hao Xin chao

Example 2

Title: Burial rites among Cordilleran Tribes

Ifugao Kalinga Ibaloi Aplai

RUBRIC:
• Identified one specific aspect of culture – 5 pts
• Made clear comparisons among four cultures – 20 pts
14
Page
Social change

3. Study the example below that illustrates changes in the roles of women.
Then identify and illustrate a social change that you have observed in
society using a timeline. You may design your timeline template. Write
your answer on a whole sheet of paper.

Rubric

• Able to identify a change (in roles, system, technology, etc) – 5pts


• Able to illustrate at least four changes – 20

Assessment 1

Direction: Choose the LETTER of the BEST answer. Write your answer on
the BLANK provided before each number.

_________1. From your activity, you were able to see that food, technology,
language, rituals, laws, and other practices vary from one place to another.
What do we call the idea that says that culture may vary as influenced by
gender, values, economic and social status, and experiences?

A. Cultural diversity C. Cultural decay


B. Cultural uniqueness D. Cultural evolution

___________2. Which of the following factors contribute to cultural diversity?


15

A. Gender C. Cultural background


Page

B. Socio-economic status D. All the above


_______ 3. Which of the following concepts arise because cultures differ,
and these different cultures define reality differently?

A. Anthropology C. Politics
B. Cultural relativism D. Sociology

________4. Which is true according to cultural relativism?

A. There are moral codes that are better than others.


B. There a standard against which to judge practices in society.
C. We have moral obligations only to members of our own culture.
D. It is objectively morally right to be tolerant of the views of other
culture.

______ 5. If in your travels you find yourself in the bustling cities or the
calm countrysides of South Korea, avoid using red ink. If the
name of a living person was written in red ink, it is considered
a sign that the person who wrote the name wished harm upon
the other. How should you deal with this practice of Koreans?

A. Think of it as a funny practice.


B. Laugh at this belief and use red ink anyway.
C. Insist on Koreans that using red ink does not mean wishing a
person ill.
D. Respect this Korean belief and try to understand the
explanation behind their belief.

Activity 2 Fostering open and critical attitude toward different social,


political, and cultural phenomena

Learning Objective:

To adopt an open and critical attitude toward the different social,


political, and cultural phenomena through observation and reflection.

Guide Questions

1. Below are verbal pictures, you are encouraged to imagine yourself


in these situations. You are tasked to reflect and come up with
reactions if you were to be in these situations. The goal is for you
to come up with possible reactions that are not discriminatory and
16

offensive.
Page
2. The following are guides to help you come up with non-
discriminatory and non-offensive reactions in these situations.

• Cultures are diverse. The practice or culture that you are used to is
not the only practice that exists. There are no single “correct”
culture or practices.

• Learning about other cultures makes living richer and fulfilling.

Imagine sitting down to a dinner of fried bugs (abal abal) at your


friend’s house, how would you react?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Imagine sitting down with a friend at breakfast to a plate of fried eggs,


sunny side up. After eating part of the egg, she picks up the dish and
licks the egg off the plate. What would be your response?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Picture yourself with fellow youth participants in an educational trip


abroad. It is time to greet the Ambassador from that country. In this
culture, the appropriate greeting behavior is for you to kiss each other
on the lips. How would you react?

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
17

________________________________________________________
Page
Imagine traveling in a South Asian country. It is time to eat a delicious
shrimp and coconut curry. The curry is liquid and is placed on some rice.
After washing your hands (a must!), you are expected to begin eating
the curry and rice with your hand (your right hand only). How would you
react?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Assessment 2

A. Xenocentrism B. Ethnocentrism C. Cultural Relativism

Direction: Identify the attitude toward different social, political, and


cultural phenomena that are shown or manifested in the following
situations. Write the letter of your answer on the blank before each
number.

______ 1. Guia prefers to buy products coming from the US because


she believes that these products have better quality than those
which are produced here in the Philippines.

______ 2. The Apartheid was a policy that segregated and discriminated


against non-European groups in the Republic of South Africa.
In this social system, black and white people were forced to live
separately and unequally. It tried to stop all inter-marriage and
social integration between racial groups. During apartheid, to
have a friendship with someone of a different race generally
brought suspicion upon you, or worse. More than this,
apartheid was a social system that severely disadvantaged
most of the population, simply because they did not share the
skin color of the rulers. Many were kept just above poverty
because they were black.

_______ 3. Wookie grew up in a community where chopsticks are the


18

utensils being used to eat food. He thinks that using fork,


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spoon, and knives to eat is foolish.


_______ 4. Many Filipino young women patronize South Korean movies
and dramas because they think that the actors and actresses
and the storylines of the movies are better than those in Filipino
movies.

_______5. The Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards for three


hundred three years. Colonialism refers to the social system in
which the political conquests by one society of another leads
to “cultural domination with enforced social change”.

_______6. Benny offered Mariel some fried grasshopper. It was the first
time of Mariel to eat the grasshopper. So, he asked Benny,
“Why do some cultures eat fried insects?” Benny explained that
fried crickets or grasshoppers are full of protein and in some
places, it is a famous cuisine and has been eaten for thousands
of years as a healthy food source.

_______ 7. Proper gestures and body language are important when


interacting. When Creedence goes to new places and with
other cultures, he is conscious of differences in interpreting
gestures like the eye to eye contact and thumbs up.

_______ 8. Breakfast varies widely from place to place. What is


considered a typical breakfast in Turkey, of nuts, tomatoes,
cucumber, chili, cheese, and coffee, is quite different from what
is considered a typical breakfast of rice, fried fish, or eggs in
the Philippines. It might seem strange to eat fish soup or boiled
vegetables for breakfast in the U.S., in other places, this is
perfectly normal. Sugary cereals and milk or egg sandwiches
loaded with bacon and cheese which is a typical breakfast for
Americans would seem strange to other cultures.

_______ 9. In the Philippines, life revolves a lot around the extended


family. Filipino children live with their parents and sometimes
with siblings together in a house; even when they have their
own new family. In western cultures, children move out of the
homes of their parents at the age of eighteen to establish
homes of their own.

________10. Imagine a man who drives his car every day and has been
taught to stay on the right side of the street. This man then goes
to a country where people drive on the left side. After he has
returned home, he goes to his friend's house for dinner and
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then he says “It is incredible, all the people drive in the opposite
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way. They all drive on the wrong side!”.


Activity 3 Appreciating culture, society, and politics through social
science disciplines

Learning Objective:
To appreciate the values of disciplines of Anthropology, Sociology, and
Political Science in understanding culture, society, and politics.
Directions: Complete the following graphic organizers.
1. Significance of studying culture

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
2. Significance of studying society

D SIGNIFICANCE B
OF SOCIETY

C
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3. Identify and define the core competencies of political science.

Assessment 3

A. Directions: Read and analyze. Write C if the statement is


correct and N if not.

_____ 1. Cultures differ depending on the needs of the


individuals.

_____ 2. Culture refers to the complex whole which includes


knowledge, beliefs, morals, laws, and customs, and many other
capabilities and habits acquired by an individual as a member
of society.

_____ 3. People develop a culture of their own out if their learning and
experiences from their environmental exposure.

_____ 4. Society is a result of man’s political and economic benefits.

_____ 5. Political science studies broaden the experience of the


individual as they learn to discard prejudice and become more
21

understanding of the culture of other people.


Page
B. Essay.
According to Lazo, the primary goal of Political Science is citizenship
education. It requires the students to understand the duties and obligations
of being a member of society. What do you think are the duties and
obligations of a youth citizen like you? Identify at least ten (10) duties and
eight (10) obligations. Maximize the space below for your answer.

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_______________________________________________________
C. Essay.
Should there be an inferior or superior culture? What is theExplain
your answer in at least 200 words. Maximize the space below for your
answer.

Rubric

• Presented at least two arguments regarding inferiority or


superiority of culture – 20 pts
• Wrote essay in at least 200 words – 5 pts

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________________________________________________________
Direction: Fill the blanks to complete the concept map below that
summarizes the lessons in this module.

SOCIAL PHENOMENA PERCEPTIONS AND BEHAVIORS


TOWARDS SOCIAL PHENOMENA

_______________________________ 1. What perspective


that suggests that
• These are different social
beliefs, values,
behaviors exhibited in __________
different cultures. and norms should
derive their
meaning within a
________________________________________
specific social
• These are the changes in context?
society caused by social
movements as well as
2. What perspective
external factors like
environmental shifts or claims that one’s
culture is superior
__________
technological innovations.
to all other
cultures?

____________________________________
3. What perspective
• This is the story that we tell says that favors
ourselves and others about
the culture of
__________
our beliefs and actions
regarding politics. others to that of
one’s own culture.

________ ___________ ____________


• The systematic study of a
• The branch of state and its government, • The scientific study of
knowledge that deals with the relationship of patterned, shared
with the scientific study men in the community, human behavior.
of man, his works, his with relations of men and
body, his behavior, and group to the state itself
values, in time and and with the relations of
space. the state with other
sovereign states abroad.
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DISCIPLINES THAT STUDY SOCIAL PHENOMENA


Activity
Direction: Follow the diagram below to apply the concepts we learned
in this module.

Perceptions and behavior


toward cultural practices of
Our cultural practice
others toward my culture and
how I feel about it

What cultural
What possible
practice or social or
perceptions may other
political identity; in
people who do not
your community are
belong to your
you proud of? Write
community have toward
about it like you are
your cultural practice?
telling a story to a
How do you feel toward
newly met friend.
their perception? Explain
You may use
your answer.
pictures to tell your
story.

• What cultural practice in your community would you like to learn


about more? Name that specific culture.
• What will you do to for you to learn more about your culture?
Identify at least three.
• Formulate at least five questions that you will ask that will help
25

you learn more about your culture? List your questions.


Page
Example
Perceptions and behavior
Our cultural practice
toward cultural practices of
others toward my culture and
how I feel about it

I see that a lot of people,


living in and out of my
province, love the weavings.
I am happy that there
seems to be recognition and
What possible
I am especially proud of the appreciation for indigenous
weaving of my Tuwali tribe. My knowledge and practices,
tribe is a subtribe in Ifugao like weaving. They buy the
province. The weavings, which we products and I hope they
call inabol, have turned into will use it in the context of
wraps, dresses, suits, blazers, and my culture. That they use a
other forms of clothing. In the past tribal tapis as tapis, a tribal
years, I notice that these textiles belt as a belt and not as an
have been gaining recognition ordinary tie or cloth or wall
from the international fashion decoration. I hope that when
industry. And I am happy of this this art which is held dear by
because our tribe and other my tribe is shared to the
Cordillera tribes have beautiful wider community, it will still
weaving that we can share to the be treated with the same
world. Our weaving is our art. And respect and dignity that my
for me, this art symbolizes the tribe gives it.
simple, prudent, and efficient life
that we have.

1. I would like to learn more of the abel (weaving) practices of the Tuwali tribe.
2. I will visit the school for weaving in Kiangan, Ifugao. I can interview some
weavers regarding the patterns of weaving. I can also try weaving using the
Activitytraditional
Sheet 1loom in the museum. And I can also read articles regarding the
traditional weaving patterns and techniques.
3. A. Where do weavers get the thread that which are woven into panel of
cloth?
B. How do they dye the thread?
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C. How do they create the pattern of colors and designs?


Page
Direction: Follow the diagram below to apply the concepts we learned
in this module.

CULTURAL PRACTICE PERCEPTIONS AND BEHAVIOR


TOWARD CULTURAL PRACTICES

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Activity Sheet 2

• What cultural practice in your community would you like to learn


about more? Name that specific culture.
• What will you do to for you to learn more about your culture?
Identify at least three.
• Formulate at least five questions that you will ask that will help you
learn more about your culture? List your questions.

1. I would like to learn more about


___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

2. These are the things that I shall do to learn more about


___________________________________________________
a. _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
c. _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
3. These questions will guide me to have better understanding
about______________________________________________
a. ___________________________________________________
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b. ___________________________________________________
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c. ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
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d. ___________________________________________________
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e. ___________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________
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ASSESSMENT

Direction: Choose the LETTER of the BEST answer. Write your


answer on the BLANK provided before each number.

______ 1. Which refers to the totality of what man has learned as a


member of society?

A. Culture C. Tribe
B. Laws D. Institutions

______ 2. Which refers to the totality of social organizations which


includes social structures and systems?

A. Tribe C. Nation
B. Society D. Community

______ 3. Which refers to the differences in social behaviors that


different cultures exhibit around the world.

A. Ethnocentrism C. Xenocentrism
B. Cultural diversity D. Cultural sensitivity

______ 4. When we understand cultures according to its context, what


perception do we exhibit?

A. Ethnocentrism C. Xenocentrism
B. Cultural diversity D. Cultural relativism

______ 5. Which perception considers the different cultures all over


the world and the differing interpretation of reality by these
cultures?

A. Ethnocentrism C. Xenocentrism
B. Cultural diversity D. Cultural relativism

_______6. When I say that my culture is the only right and good
culture, what behavior am I showing?
A. Zenocentrism C. Ethnocentrism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

______ 7. Which of the following is NOT a field of anthropology?

A. Andragogy C. Archaeology
29

B. Cultural anthropology D. Biological anthropology


Page
______ 8. Globalization is the process of interaction and integration
among people, companies, and governments worldwide. One
of the ways that this happens is the import and export of
products from one country to another. Which of the following
phenomenon does globalization facilitate?

A. Society C. Culture
B. Politics D. Social change

______ 9. Facebook brought changes in the lives of a multitude of


people all over the world. It has changed the way we
communicate; it changed the participation of people in events
as in election and policymaking, it changed how bullying is
done. It also changed the way businesses and customers
interact. What kind of phenomenon did Facebook cause?

A. Political Identity C. Social change


B. Cultural variation D. Cultural diversity

_____ 10. Which of the following consist of the story that we tell
ourselves and others about who we are, who we were, what
causes we believe in, and who we foresee ourselves to be?

A.Society C. Culture
B.Politics D. Political identity

TRUE or FALSE

Direction: Read the statements and determine if true or false. Check the
column on the right that corresponds to your answer.

TRUE FALSE

1. Culture changes over time.


2. A person with an ethnocentric view regards other
cultures as more superior to his own.
3. Cultural anthropology studies cultural meaning,
including norms and values.

4. Different cultures interpret social reality differently.


30

5. Cultural relativism is a perspective that judge


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cultures according to their contexts.


You may read on the following on these links to learn more about the
topic:
Cultural variation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_variation#:~:text=Cultural%20vari
ation%20refers%20to%20the,of%20other%20humanly%20organised%
20behaviours.
Cross-cultural study
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-cultural
Games for learning and social change
https://www.rappler.com/technology/features/231481-games-for-
learning-social-change-feature
How social media affects politics
https://sysomos.com/2016/10/05/social-media-affects-politics/
Advantages and disadvantages of ethnocentrism
https://connectusfund.org/6-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-
ethnocentrism

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