Week 1

Culture

-It is defined as the customary beliefs,social forms, and traits that defines a specific racial,religious or
social group

Types of culture

Material Culture-It is a type of culture that are created by human person or is tangible.Example are
food,clothing and technology

Non-Materialn Culture-It is a type of culture that are being learned or observed by humans.Examples
are religions,folk,behavior,gestures and customs

Society

-Comes from the latin word :socius”which means comrade,companion or friend

-Pertains to a group of individuals involved in social interaction or sharing the same geographical or
social territory

Politics

-Comes from the greek word “Politika”which means affair of the cities

-Refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance over a human community

• Since our course is Understanding Culture, Society and Politics, we can deepen our
understanding of ourselves as members of society by studying these three specialized fields,
namely: anthropology for culture, sociology for society and political science for politics

Anthropology

Ethymologicak Definition

-“anthropos”(Greek)=”man”

-“logos”(Greek)=”study”

Essential definition

-Branch of knowledge whuch deals with the scientific study of man,his works,body,behavior and values
within specigic name

Anthropology

“Man’s works,body,behavior and values”

-Dicover when,where and why humas appered on earth

-Why these are variations in ohysical features

-Ancient customs and practices

Who started the field of Anthropology?

• Franz Boas –considered as the father of modern American anthropology. His study led to the
doctrine of “historical particularism,” where he stated that each society is considered as having
a unique form of culture that cannot be understood under an overall definiton of general
culture

Concept of Anthropology

• Anthroplogy is the study of people and their culture. It uses a special research method known as
ethnography in which antropologists are required to live with their subject of study for a long
period of time in order to make their writings more reliable and credible.

Subjects Of Inquiry

• Biological anthropology refers to the study of human origins (genetics, race, evolutions, fossils,
primates)

• Cultural anthropology is the study of living people (religion, social system, language, clothing,
foods, beliefs, traditions, etc).

• Linguistics is the study of language, its evolution, its connection to other languages, and others.

• Archeology refers to the study of dead culture (religion, social system, language, how they dress,
foods, beliefs, traditions, etc)

Goals

• See the commonalities among people (tradition, language, kinship, etc).

• - Look at what makes us the same to understand more about human nature.

• - Discover what makes people different from each other in order to understand and preserve
diversity

• - Produce new knowledge and new theories about mankind and behavior.

• - Look at one’s own culture more objectively

Sociology

Who started Sociology?

• Auguste Comte – French philosopher and mathematician. He coined the term sociology. He saw
the need for a systematic science of studying society and in dealing with the solution of its basic
problems.

-“socius”(Latin)=group/partners”
 -“logos” (Greek)=”study”

Essential Definition of Sociology

-Scientific study of patterns of human interaction that deals with the study of group of life(Joseph
Fichter)

Subjects of Inquiry

• Anything in a society that influences people’s lives can be subjects of inquiry, like different social
phenomena, issues, and problems.

• Sociologists can also look into things that influence life like family background, socioeconomic
status, ethnicity, social classes, religion, gender, beliefs, traditions, norms, among others.

• Some fields are social organization, social psychology, applied sociology, and human ecology

Goals

• Obtain possible theories and principles about society as well as various aspects of social life.

• Study the nature of humanity to further examine our roles within a society

• Appreciate that all things in society are interdependent. -Expose our minds to different
perspectives in attaining truth

Political Science

• the branch of knowledge that deals with systems of government; systematic study of
governance, the analysis of political activity and behavior.

Goals of Political Science

• Make people better citizens

• Keep social order

• Protect the rights of an individual

• Avoid conflict and promote cooperation

Week 2

Culture

• is a way of life. According to many anthropologists, culture is defined as a set of learned behaviors
and beliefs that characterize a group of people.
• It includes symbols, languages, values, and norms.

Society

• is a community or group of individuals joined together by sustained bonds and interactions.

SOCIETY AND CULTURE AS A COMPLEX WHOLE

Edward B. Tylor defined culture as “that complex

whole which includes knowledge, art, belief, law,

morals, customs and any other capabilities and habits

acquired by man as a member of society.”

With this premise, it can be said that culture is a

product of society. These two exist dependently on

each other.

• Culture, just like every person in the society, is susceptible to

change.

• Society is not constant. Its member change from time to time.

• As a result, culture changes along. New trends exist. New
• technologies are invented, and new means of interaction have been created.
• People evolved over time as a result of their exposure to renewed or changed laws, values and
standards of society.

• Society is not constant. Its member change from time

to time. As a result, culture changes along. New trends
 exist. New technologies are invented and new means
of interaction have been created.

Culture is social because it is the product of behavior.

• Culture does not exist in isolation. It is a product of society. It develops through social interaction.
No man can acquire culture without association with others.

Culture varies from society to society.

• Every society has a culture of its own that differs from other societies. The culture of every society is
unique by itself.

Culture is shared.
• Culture is not something that an individual alone can possess. Culture, in sociological sense, is
shared. For example, people of a society share all customs, traditions, beliefs, ideas, values, morals,
etc.

Culture is learned.
• Culture is not inborn. It is learned. Unlearned behavior then, is not culture. Shaking hands, saying
thanks, etc. are cultural behaviors. Not all behaviors are learned, but most of these can be.

Culture is continuous and cumulative.

- Culture exists as a continuous process. In its historical growth, it tends to become cumulative.
Ralph Linton called culture “the social heritage” of man.

Culture is gratifying and idealistic.

- Culture provides proper opportunities for the satisfaction of our needs and desires. Our needs,
both biological and social, are fulfilled in cultural ways.

Week 3
Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism

Kamaru

Tamilok

Balut

Betute Tugak

Beetle ( Salagubang )
This is an example of ethnocentrism!

Ethnocentrism Examples

• That means you use your own culture as the center and evaluate other cultures based on it. You
are judging, or making assumptions about the food of other countries based on your own
norms, values, or beliefs. Thinking “dried squid is smelly” or “people shouldn’t eat insects” are
examples of ethnocentrism in societies where people may not eat dried squid or insects.

• An example of ethnocentrism in culture is the Asian cultures across all the countries of Asia.
Throughout Asia, the way of eating is to use chopsticks with every meal. These people may find
it unnecessary to find that people in other societies, such as the American society, eat using
forks, spoons, knives, etc.

Is Ethnocentrism bad or good?

William Graham

Summer

Coined the term “ethnocentrism” in 1906

Ethnocentrism

• “ethno” comes from Greek and refers to a people, nation, or cultural grouping

• “centric” comes from Latin and refers, of course to the centre.

• view that one's own culture is better than anyone else's culture

ADVANTAGES

1. An ethnocentric perspective eliminates social order criticisms.

2. It can increase the levels of devotion to a community, country, or society.

 3. Ethnocentrism can enhance solidarity in society.

4. It can produce higher levels of self-esteem.

5. This view can help an evolving society remember who it has always been.

6. Ethnocentrism created the world as we know it today.

7. It creates an attitude of independence.

8. Ethnocentrism can be a way to improve the world.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Decisions are made based on unrealistic comparisons.

2. Ethnocentrism can cause societal polarization.

3. It can impact every aspect of life if we allow it to do so.

4. Ethnocentrism drives people away from what they love.

5. It is a philosophy which limits the human perspective.

6. Ethnocentrism can have deadly results.

7. This philosophy can create isolation.

8. Ethnocentrism limits the choices that people can make.

9. It hinders the work of cultural assimilation.

Week 4 Cultural Relativism

Cultural Relativism - method whereby different societies or cultures
are analyzed objectively without using the values of one culture to
judge the worth of another
- belief that cultures are equally complex. There is no such thing as
superior or inferior culture.
- is the practice by assessing a culture by its own standards rather
that viewing it through the lens of one’s own culture. It is the practice
that one must understood in the context of their locality.
- Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a
willingness to consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms.
Using the lens of cultural relativism, member of the society can be
more tolerant towards different attitudes and practices of others’
culture. It also promotes the idea that a society has to be viewed
from inside so that the inner aspects can be explained.
- Ferraro and Andretta as mentioned by Custodio advocate that
cultural relativism is more culturally relative approach in
understanding human group. They said that one can build
emotional resilience by understanding one’s culture by not
necessarily mean to offend them but be guided by their own cultural
norms.

The Benefits
1. Cultural relativism promotes greater appreciation of the
cultures that an individual might encounter along the way.
2. Cultural relativism is a good way to rehearse the norms and
values of a society –-- a requirement that one must subscribe
to, regardless of his/her cultural origin.
3. It means that the function and meaning of a trait are relative to
its cultural setting.
Culture is evolving. New things are added to material cultures every
day can cause cultural change.
Cultural Change is observed when new ways of living and when new
ideas enter a culture as a result of globalization.

Advantages of Cultural Relativism

1. It promotes cooperation. Embracing the differences of the
different society can create cooperation because it allows a
stronger bond with one another in the society.
2. Respect and Equality is encouraged. People from different culture
with different ideas that share their own perspectives and
experiences in the society can promote respect and equality.
3. It preserves human cultures. Respect with the diverse set of
traditions, ideas and practices would help preserve the culture.
4. Cultural relativism creates a society without judgement. Worrying
and practicing your own culture prevent disagreement & judgement
in the society.

Variation Between Cultures

Subculture - is a culture that is shared with a distinctive pattern of

mores, folkways, and values which differ from a larger society. The
group of society who exhibit subculture have a specific and unique
set of beliefs and values that set them apart from the dominant
culture.
Counter Culture - is a culture practice by groups whose values and
norms place it at odds with mainstream society or a group that
actively rejects the dominant cultural values and norms.
Examples: Paramilitary is a semi-militarized force whose
organizational structure, tactics, trainings, and functions are like
professional military and not included as a part of formal armed
forces like NPA and ISIS groups.
High Culture - is a culture practiced and patronized by the upper
classes of the society.
Examples: watching opera, classical music and live theater
Popular Culture - is a culture practiced or patronized by the middle
and working classes of the society.
Examples: Watching soap opera over the televisions, movies
and rock concerts
 WEEK 5

SIGNIGICANCE OF CULTURAL SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SYMBOLS AND PRACTICES.

Panahon ng paleolitiko (paleolithic age)

- people were nomads and able to use simple tools and weapons made of unpolished stone
discovered to use the fire, through the use of stone, for their protection
- against cold temperature and to cook their own food Human beings in this time were grouped
together in small societies such as bands, and subsisted by gathering plants and fishing, hunting
or scavenging wild animals. According to study of Dr. Jesus T.
- Earth was extremely cold Ocean levels were much lower than they are now

Example: crude stone axes, for hunting birds and wild animals.

panahon ng Neolitiko (Neolithic Period or age)

- Developed boat as means of transportation and for fishing Develop a sedentary type of society
Transition from a lifestyle of hunting and gathering to agriculture and settlement.
- Pottery
- Weaving
- Domesticated animals

Panahon ng metal (age of metals)

- Discovered metallurgy(combination of alloy and tin First used by Sumerian Started the system of
writing, ziggurat and pyramid.
 -

the alteration of

mechanisms within the social

structure, characterized by

changes in cultural symbols,

rules of behaviour, social

organizations, or value

systems.11/8/2021

SOCIAL CHANGE is the alteration of mechanisms within the social structure, characterized by
changes in cultural symbols, rules of behavior, social organizations, or value systems.

- happens when there is a significant disruption in a government that leads to new or modified
leadership or policies.
 SOCIO – political evolution

- Chiefdoms (megalithic culture)

- Neolithic revolution
- Rise of states
- Democratization

Cultural change

- - happens when there is a significant disruption in a government that leads to new or modified
leadership or policies.

Democratic state

- happens when there is a significant disruption in a government that leads to new or

modified leadership or policies.

Symbols and symbolism

Symbol – is an object, word, or action that stands for something else without natural relationship, that is
culturally defined.

Symbols, such as gestures, signs, objects, signals, and words, help people understand the world.
Symbols provide clues to understanding experiences. They convey recognizable meanings that are
shared by the societies.

Symbols

Cultural symbols – manifestation that signifies the ideology of a particular culture that has meaning
culture.

Social symbols – relating to human societies and tis mode of organization (I.e. social classes, social
problems, social issues, etc.

Political symbols – used to represent a political standpoint; seen in various media and forms such as
banners, flag motto, etc.
Economic symbols – used in production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services like
currency, market, labor, demands and other economic activities.

Functions of symbols and symbolism

Social symbols are used to transfer culture, ideologies or beliefs from a group to another group of
people, or from our elders to the new generations of people.

Symbols are also used to preserve traditions or beliefs of a certain group of people.

Cultural symbols and practices

Examples are objectsm figures, sounds, and colors.

Cultural practices

- These are the manifestation of a culture or sub-culture.

Examples: Religious and spiritual

Medical treatment

Culinary

Child-rearing
TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTICES

- Traditional medical practices – belief in “albularyo’ herbal medicines, alternative medicines.

-
Common economic symbols

- They represent economic standpoints which may be seen in various media such as stock
exchange, money and currency, gold and petroleum, life insurance.
Significance of symbols and symbolism

- As rational thinkers, we have been aking and giving meaning to symbols for a long time.
- Symbols have been a part of our lives and growth as human kind.
- The usage of symbols and symbolism has given mankind an avenue to communicate with
different groups of people

Week 6

Socialization

SOCIALIZATION

• process of learning one’s society and its culture. It is moreover the same as interacting, mingling
and being with other people or groups within/outside of your society.

Roles

• is acting in accordance with the expected norms attached to a particular position

• These lines capture the essence of social roles. Think of how many roles you play in a single day,

e.g. son, daughter, sister, brother, students, worker, friend etc. Each social role carries expected
behaviors called norms.

Components of culture:

• Norms-

These are the guidelines people are supposed to follow in their relation with one another; these
are shared rules of conduct that specify how people ought to think and act.(Homans,1950)

• Values–

belief or feeling that is widely shared & considered an important part of community or group
identity

Socialization for Sex Role

- is the processing of learning how males and females are "supposed" to act differently.
Girls Boys
• Like to play dolls • Like to play with cars
• Like to help mother • Like to help father
• Talk a lot • Like to build things
• Never Hit • Say “I can hit you”
• Say “I need some help” • Will grow up to be a boss
• Will grow up to be a nurse or a teacher
Agent Of Socialization

1. Family
2. School
3. Peer Groups
4. Social Media

TIPS on How to Make your Socialization Productive and Meaningful:

1. Bullying is not healthy in socialization.

2. Make your group activities productive.

3. Learn to socialize more often with professional

people.

4. Be critical on information you encounter from

social media.

5. Prioritize more important activities.

ENCULTURATION

- process by which people learn the requirements of their surrounding culture and acquire values
and behaviours appropriate or necessary in that culture
- both a conscious and an unconscious conditioning process whereby man, as child and adult,
achieves competence in his culture, internalizes his culture and becomes thoroughly
enculturated.

Week 7 Concepts of Social Groups

Group - composed of two or more persons interacting with each

other and guided by a set of norms. It is also defined as
specified number of individuals where each recognizes
members as distinct from non-members.
Group within society: Primary and Secondary

Social Group – as a collection of two or more persons who are in

social interactions, who are guided by similar norms, values, and
expectations and who maintain a stable pattern of relations over a
period.

Basic Classifications of Social Groups

1. Primary Group - marked by concern for one another, shared

activities and culture, and long periods of time spent together.
They
are influential in developing an individual’s personal identity.
- Small groups with intimate, kinship-based relationships.
- They can last many years or even generations.
- They are small and display face-to-face interaction.
- Arises spontaneously out of the interactions of two or more
persons.

2. Secondary Group - involve weak emotional ties and little personal

knowledge of one another. In contrast to primary groups, secondary
groups don’t have the goal of maintaining and developing the
relationships themselves.
- Large groups involving formal and institutional relationships.
 - May last for years or may disband after a short time.
- Deliberately formed and their purpose and objectives are
explicitly defined

3. IN-GROUP

Belonging to the same group as others who share the

same common bond and interests who are more likely to
understand each other refers to an in- group

4. OUT-GROUP

Those who do not belong to the in-group are part of the

out-group, which exist in the perceptions of the in-group
members and takes on social reality as a result of
behavior by in-group members who use the out group as
a negative point of reference.
Reference grouuupp
collection of people that we use as a standard of
comparison for ourselves regardless of whether we are
part of that group. We rely on reference groups to
understand social norms, which then shape our values,
ideas, behavior, and appearance. This means that we
also use them to evaluate the relative worth, desirability,
or appropriateness of these things.
Reference group
- These groups to which the individual conceptually relates
him/herself and from which values as a part of his/her identity.
Influence or pressure group
- Groups organized to support or influence social actions
Example: social movement, campaign, groups, political parties

Collections or clusters of people which are not considered as social

groups:
1. Aggregates – cluster of people who may be on close physical
proximity but do not interact with one another.
2. Collectivity – cluster of people interacting with one another on
a passing or short lived manner.
Example: crods, mass, public and social movement

Social category – refers to a collection of people who are classified

or categorized in accordance with some other characteristics
Example: Sex, age, race, religkon, enthnicity, occupation, political
affiliation.

6. Network
collection of people tied together by a specific pattern of
connections. They can be characterized by the number
of people involved, as in the dyad (by twos) and triad
(by threes), but also in terms of their structures (who is
connected to whom) and functions (what flows across
ties).

- A series of social relationship[ that links a person directly to

others, and through them idirectly to still more other people:
- Uses: Finding employment, women leaving their wlfare role to
paid labor force find employment trhough networking,
campaign propaganda.
- Texting the exchange of wireless emails over cellphone which
begun in asia in 200 and has taken of worldweide. The use
shorthand messages