San Pablo Diocesan Catholic Schools System

Diocese of San Pablo

Liceo de San Pablo
M. Paulino St., San Pablo City
Tel. No. (049) 562-3808
 Senior High School (Core Subject)

The learners demonstrate an understanding of:

1. Human cultural variation, social differences, social change, and political

identities.
2. The significance of studying culture, society, and politics.
3. The rationale for studying anthropology, political science, and sociology.

The learners…

1. Acknowledge human cultural variation, social differences, social

change, and political identities.
2. Adopt an open and critical attitude toward different social, political, and
cultural phenomena through observation and reflection.
3. Appreciates the value of disciplines of Anthropology, Sociology, and
Political Science as Social Sciences.

Discuss the Nature, Goals and Perspectives in/of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political
Science.

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 Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics.
INTRODUCTION

This lesson covers Man’s Social and Cultural Backgrounds, which the students will able to
understand human cultural variations and social change, Significance of studying Culture, Society, and
politics in order to appreciate the different components that are essential to the total development of a
human person, and The Rationale of Studying Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology which is
essential in giving an overview on man’s early development.

The objectives are as follows:

1. Identify human cultural variations and social differences;
2. Distinguish social change and political identities;
3. Point out the significance of studying culture, society, and politics; and
4. Explain the rationale for studying anthropology, political science, and sociology.
Good Luck!

MOTIVATION

Let’s Share: About Me and My Filipino Identity!

HOW ARE YOU?
I want to hear about you as we build our blended learning community. Introduce yourself by
writing/posting here something about yourself, how are you doing, e.g. your hobbies or anything under
the sun.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT UCSP?

State your initial ideas about UCSP. You can write about:
3 things that come to mind when you hear the words “CULTURE, SOCIETY, and POLITICS”
2 expectation from the subject.
1 Filipino Identity that is different from the other nationality.

(Note: After posting your entry, you may read/react to the entries of your classmates in Genyo Shared
Blog)

___

__

DISCUSSION

(Join the 1hr Live Discussion on Google Meet/Zoom)

What is Cultural Variation?
Human Cultural Variation refers to the differences in social behavior that different culture exhibit
around the world. What we considered bad etiquette in one culture maybe considered good etiquette
in another. There are many differences between various cultures across the planet including

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the way people interact, dress, and eat. People from Asian countries
like Philippines eat more rice than the residents of the United States
because paddy field farming is extensively practiced in the
Philippines. Similarly, climate, soil, and geography affect cultural
aspects. If human cultures modify the natural environment, it is also
true that the natural environment initially shaped and still shapes to
some extent, the culture of society.
Variation within Cultures
1. Subcultures- is a segment of society which shares a distinctive pattern of mores, folkways, and
values which differ from the pattern of larger society. These are also groups that have specific
cultural traits that set them apart from the dominant culture.

2. Counterculture- is a group whose values and norms place it at odds with mainstream society
or group that actively rejects dominant cultural values norms. In most Western countries, the
1960’s saw the rise of different countercultural groups and social movements that sought to
dismantle the different inequalities that were then part of the dominant culture.
Social Differences
Social Differences is a distinction made between social groups and persons on the basis of
biological, physiological and sociocultural. These are the complex differences that includes: class, role,
culture, age, ability, sex, etc. This can create discrimination among individuals on the basis of their
social characteristic.

Gender is the socially-constructed characteristics

of being male or female. In short, it refers to
society’s division of humanity into two distinctive
Gender categories based on sex. Sex chiefly centers on
biological differences.

It refers to the category of persons who have

more or less the same socio-economic
privileges. In the Philippines, three type of social
Socioeconomic Status classes are identified: upper, middle, and the
lower classes.

It is the expression of the set of cultural ideas

held by a distinct ethnic or indigenous group.
Ethnicity Ethnic groups are composed of people who
collectively identify themselves as distinct and
unique because of their cultural features, such as
language, ancestry, and traditions.
It is an organized system of ideas about spiritual
sphere or the supernatural, along with associated
Religion ceremonial or ritualistic practices by which
people try to interpret and/or influence aspects of
the universe otherwise beyond
human control.
This refers to the state of being intellectually
gifted and/or having physically or mentally
Exceptionality challenged conditions concerning
personality/behavior, communication, intellect,
physical appearance, or a combination of more
than one specific exceptionality or disability.
This is the legal relationship that binds a person
and a country. Citizenship or nationality gives
Nationality people a sense of identity and belongingness.

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Social Changes

Change is an enduring force in history, is inevitable as this takes place from time to time.
Changes is generally pervasive and takes place in culture, society, and politics. Changes in culture
bring change in society and human beings; likewise, changes in society and human beings bring
change in culture and politics.
Social Change refer to variations or modifications in the patterns of social organization, of sub-
groups within a society, or of the entire society itself. There are three causes of social change: invention,
discovery, and diffusion.
Invention is often defined as a new combination or a new use of existing knowledge. Discovery
on the other hand, takes place when people reorganized existing elements of the world they had not
noticed before or learned to see in a new way. Diffusion refers to the spread of culture traits from one
group to another.
In our society today, we can see a lot of changes and
developments that affect our life. Machines have made our work
easier. Computers have allowed us to communicate with more people
faster. Genetic engineering has helped us produce disease resistant
plants. Changes such as these have resulted in modernization of
nation-states. Nation-state is a sovereign state whose citizen s or
subjects have a common culture. They speak the same language,
have a common descent, and share a common history. Having
citizens with common culture, the nation-state, therefore, is a major
component of personal identity. Personal Identity is the concept you
develop about yourself that evolves over the course of your life. A
naturalized Filipina in Japan, may identify herself as a Filipina,
having come from a nation-state called the Philippines and possessing the culture of most Filipinos.
However, another Filipina may identify herself as a Muslim because of her Islamic tradition. Her
identification of herself as a Muslim may be considered political if her objective is to make a statement
that she belongs to a different political group in our nation-state. Our personal identity is both cultural
and political which is guided by our personal encounters or experiences.

To understand man’s social experience, it is necessary to make a wider analysis of man’s

relationship to his natural environment. However, we need to identify the siginificance of culture,
society, and politics in order to appreciate the different components that are essential to the total
development of a human person. According to Mark Banaag, culture functions in the following ways
and from which we can realize the significance of culture as well.

Watch a video on YouTube entitled “What are identity politics?” to understand the
political identities
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9x6Qx_zYmk,
(also available in the flash drive provided by the school)

What is Culture?
Culture is generally defined as the sum of an individual’s way of life, ranging from the food he
or she eats, the clothes he or she wears, and the house where he or she lives.

Significance of Culture
• Culture makes it possible for man to adapt and integrate himself to his environment by being
creative and resourceful in coming up with ways and means of survival
• Culture establishes patterns of acceptable behaviour such as etiquette, protocols, good
manners and right conduct, roles and duties, etc. as established by folkways, mores, and laws
• Culture conveys and facilitates meaning through verbal and nonverbal communication, written
and non-written language, forms of expression, and symbolisms.
• Culture produces manmade things such as clothings, tools, instruments, machines, equipment,
structures, etc. made possible by technological know-how
• 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.

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 What is Society?
Society is generally defined as an organized group or groups of interdependent people who
share a common territory, language, and culture, and who act together for collective survival and well-
being.

Studying society provides us an idea on its importance in creating

an equal, just, and humane society. The schematic diagram simply shows
the significance of studying society.

What is Politics?
Politics refers to the “theory, art, and practice of government”. The political institution is a
relatively stable cluster of statuses, general norms, and role behavior, which are involved in the
acquisition and exercise of power and decision making in society.

According to Ricardo Lazo, politics may be viewed in different ways.

• Public affair
• Art of government
• Power and distribution of resources
• Society
• Consensus and compromise
• Academics

Also, Haque defines politics in different ways but whatever definition is attached to it, there are
four important points inherent to it:
a. Politics is a collective activity
b. Politics presumes an initial diversity of views
c. Politics involves reconciling differences

Aforementioned concepts-culture, society, and politics-are essential in understanding human

behavior and social groups. They are interrelated and to some extent reflective of each other. Though
similarities and areas of convergence exist among them, they are not identical.

THE RATIONALE OF STUDYING ANTHROPOLOGY, POLITICAL SCIENCE, AND SOCIOLOGY

There are different ways of understanding social reality. These areas of studies provide us
important ideas in analyzing our society which is essential in creating a productive society.

Sociology
According to Joseph Fichter, sociology is the study of patterned, shared human behavior. It
analyses human interaction which is essential in understanding man’s cultural make-up. 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 “good” or
“bad” behavior depends upon the norms of conduct of the society in which behavior takes place
(Panopio, 1994 p2.)

Watch a video on YouTube entitled “Basagan ng Trip with Leloy Claudio:

The importance of sociology” to see the relevance of studying Sociology in the
Filipino context.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB5V-0ZIatQ ,
(also available in the flash drive provided by the school)

Anthropology
It is the branch of knowledge which deals with the scientific study of man, his works, his body,
his behaviors and values, in time and spaces (Palispis, 2007, p6). It also includes man’s physical,
social, and cultural development that describes and explains the phenomenon of human life.
Anthropology helps by providing insights into strange aspects of past or even present societies which
historians and sociologists find difficult to comprehend and explain.

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 Watch a video on YouTube entitled “Why study Anthropology?”

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcRqWbhwSq4&t=44s,
(also available in the flash drive provided by the school)

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 groups to the state itself, and with the relations of a state
with other sovereign state abroad (Palispis, 2009, p14) It emphasizes the use of power, interest,
influence, and diplomacy which is important in creating a well-ordered society.
According to Ricardo Lazo, the primary goal of Political Science is citizenship education. It
requires the students to understand and appreciate the duties and obligations of being a member of a
society. Political Science includes core competencies, knowledge and skills that help earners become
participative and productive members of the community.

IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

•It provides the students the knowledge and
KNOWLEDGE BASED understanding of a government, with all its
component.
•Inculcate the objectives and underlying principles
COMPETENCE BASED of curricula the state that should be abided by the
officials and its citizens.
•Prepares the students for future career path, be it
SKILLS BASED in legal profession, government service, politics,
teaching, and many more.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

✓ Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics (2018), Phoenix Publishing House by Antonio P.
Contreras, PhD, et. al. pp.6-26
✓ Social, Cultural, and Political Change Examples
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_mWqXhq4TS3p9QkzFDu4X8k6W2NUMobw
✓ An Introduction to the discipline of Anthropology (video clip)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5aglbgTEig

PRACTICE and ENRICHMENT

I. PRACTICE: (You can also access this in Genyo Quiz)

A. Test your Memory. Column B consist of scrambled words. Form the correct words and match them
in the given definition found in Column A. Write the letter of your answer on the space provided before
each number.
A B
1. It refers to variations or modifications in the patterns of a. TYCIESO
social organization, of sub-groups within a society or of
the entire society itself.
2. It is the socially constructed characteristics of being b. NEGRED
male or female.
3. It is the expression of the set of the cultural ideas held c. LIOPCATIL NIECCES
by a distinct indigenous group.
4. It is the state of being intellectually gifted and/or d. POLOTHROGYAN
having physically or mentally challenged conditions.
5. It is the branch of knowledge which deals with the e. NALITYTIONA
scientific study of man, his works, his body, his
behaviors and values, in time and spaces.
6. It refers to the legal relationship that binds a person f. RECUTUL
and a country.
7. It refers to an organized group of interdependent g. CILOAS GANEHC

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 people who share a common territory, language, and
culture.
8. It is a systematic study of a state and its government h. RELUTUCBUS

9. These are groups that have specific cultural traits that i. CIETHTYNI
set them apart from the dominant culture.
10. It is the sum of an individual’s way of life. j. CEPEXTIOLITYNA

B. Identification. (You can also access this on Genyo Quiz)

Identify the terms being described below. Write your answer in the blanks provided before the
number.
1. The most fundamental, intrusive and limiting social label attached to members
of society.
2. It encompasses the complex processes and dynamics that characterize the
great variety of “ways of living” practiced and observed around the world.
3. These are a person’s or a collectivity’s principles or standards of behavior and
are considered as judgement of what is important in life.
4. It refers to firmly held opinion or conviction, regardless of the lack of verifiable
evidence.
5. It is represented by new technological platforms facilitating communication,
self-expression, and interactions.

II. ENRICHMENT: (Individual Activity)

• Using a word processing software/Google Docs, copy then complete the tables below.
• Name your file as UCSP-Full name-DRC (ex. UCSP-Dela Cruz, Juan-DRC)
• Save your work in your sections’ UCSP Google Drive Folder>Individual Work.
• Create your own folder in the UCSP Google Drive Folder, use this format to name your folder
UCSP-Section-FULLNAME (ex. UCSP-St. Paul the First Hermit-Dela Cruz, Juan).
• You only have 1hr. to finish the task.

A. Complete the Matrix

The Compartmentalized Life Matrix
I am (your name) and I am (boy/girl).
The following are the compartments representing what I can and cannot do.
Things I can do Things I cannot do

B. Complete the data retrieval chart to show deeper understanding of the lesson.
How can the discipline
provide explanation
Social Science Historical and address social
Discipline Definition Main Concerns Development inequality, cultural
diversity, and social
diversity?

Sociology

Anthropology

Political Science

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 DEMONSTRATION/EVALUATION

Editorial Essay Writing

(Collaborative Activity)
The class will be divided into 10 groups. Each group must write an editorial essay that explains
the social, political, and cultural contexts of a particular phenomenon, issue or problem faced by the
Filipinos at the present time. You should be able to explain how the social sciences disciplines, namely
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science can help understand the issue. At the end of the
performance task, you should demonstrate an open and critical perspective on the importance of
studying issues/phenomenon through the use of the observation and reflection. You should also explain
how issues/problems can be understood through the use of the social, political, and cultural lens.
Mechanics:
1. Groups must think of a phenomenon/issue/problem that your group want to explore in your
editorial essay.
2. Your group must create a group chat with your teacher for communication and monitoring
purposes of your work.
3. Once the topic is approved by the teacher, your group must gather data and relevant
information about the social, political and cultural contexts of the topic.
4. Search and post a picture related to your group chosen phenomenon/issue/problem approved
by your teacher on the Genyo Shared Blogs. (NO TEXT, JUST PICTURE)
(Note: You can guess the other groups chosen phenomenon/issue/problem by typing it in the
comment section of the Genyo Shared Blogs)
5. It’s time to write your editorial essay, synthesize the data gathered by your members.
6. Use the following guide questions in writing your groups editorial essay:
a) What is the issue/problem/phenomenon that you chose?
b) What is the nature of the issue/problem/phenomenon?
c) Why is it an issue/ problem/ phenomenon in the Philippines?
d) Can you cite statistics or give relevant data about the nature of the
issue/problem/phenomenon?
e) Can you explain the social, cultural and political context of the issue/ problem/
phenomenon?
f) Based from your analysis, how can the social sciences help explain and/or address the
issue/problem/phenomenon?
7. At the end of the editorial essay discuss your conclusion or recommendations.
8. Make it a newsletter and be creative then save it in your Google Drive UCSP group folder with
the file name UCSP-SECTION-GROUP#-EEW (ex. UCSP-St. Paul the First Hermit-G1- EEW)
9. Make sure to also put your names in the newsletter.
Criteria Excellent (5) Very Good (4) Good (3) Poor (2)
Quality of Editorial essay is well- Editorial essay is Editorial essay is poorly Editorial essay does not
writing written. It discussed the interesting. organized. provide any discussion
social, political, and cultural The discussion of the The discussion of the about social, political, and
context of the social, political, and cultural social, political, and cultural cultural context of the
issue/problem/phenomenon context of the context of the issue/problem/phenomenon.
in a well-organized manner. issue/problem/phenomenon issue/problem/phenomenon
is somewhat informative is not informative and
and organized. poorly organized.
Grammar The editorial essay has no The editorial essay has few The editorial essay has a The editorial essay has
and grammatical, spelling, or grammatical, spelling, or number of grammatical, or many grammatical, spelling,
Mechanics punctuation errors. punctuation errors. punctuation errors. or punctuation errors.
Clarity of The editorial essay is very The editorial essay is clear. The editorial essay is The editorial essay is
Discussion clear. acceptable. vague.
Depth of The editorial essay is very The editorial essay is clear. The editorial essay is The editorial essay lacks
Discussion thorough. acceptable. depth and thoroughness.

You made it! Congratulations!

“We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.”
-Kofi Annan

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Senior High School (Core Subject)

The learners demonstrate an understanding of:

1. Culture and society as anthropological and sociological concepts

2. Perspectives in/approaches to the study of culture and society (i.e.,
comparative, historical, structural functional, interpretive, critical)

The learners…

1. Appreciate the nature of culture and society from the perspectives of

anthropology and sociology
2. Demonstrate a holistic understanding of culture and society
3. Values cultural heritage and express pride of place without being ethnocentric

Analyze the concept, aspects and changes in/of culture and society.

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 Defining Culture and Society
INTRODUCTION

In the previous lesson, we discussed the importance of anthropology, political science, and
sociology as tools in understanding society and culture. In this chapter, we will look closely at the nature
of culture and society primarily from the vantage point of anthropology and sociology.

The objectives are as follows:

1. Interpret the key sociological theories regarding the possibility of society.
2. Explain anthropological and sociological perspectives on culture and society;
3. Describe society and culture as a complex whole; and
4. Identify aspects of culture and society.

MOTIVATION

Photo Analysis

Examine the image and identify the concepts that you can associate with culture and society. Write
your answers with explanations in the table below.
CULTURE SOCIETY

What do you think?

Can society exist without culture? Why or why not?

_

_
_

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 DISCUSSION

The relationship between society, culture, and personality is stressed by Ralph Linton: “A society
is an organized group of individuals. A culture is an organized group of learned responses. The
individual is a living organism capable of independent thought, feeling, and action, but his independence
is limited and all his resources are profoundly modified by contact with the society and culture in which
he develops.”
A society cannot exist apart from culture. A society is always made of persons and their
groupings. People carry and transmit culture, but they are not culture. No culture can exist except as it
is embodied in a human society; no society can operate without cultural directives. Like matter and
energy, like mind and body, culture and society are interdependent and interactive yet they express
different aspects of the human situation. One must always keep in mind the interdependence and the
reciprocal relationships between culture and society. Each is a distinguishable concept in which the
pattern and organization of the whole is more important than any of the component parts.

SOCIETY AS A FACTICITY
Society is formally defined as constituting a fairly large number of people who are living in the
same territory, are relatively independent of people outside their area, and participate in a common
culture. The definition simply means that society only exist if there are people interacting and their
interaction constitute the process that defines society.
We can liken society to a deity. A deity or God is supposed to possess the tripartite (i.e.,
threefold) powers received for him alone -omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence (all-powerful, all-
knowing, and everywhere). The analogy of society to a God suggests the immense power of society to
make or unmake lives of people. Society is all-powerful because it ‘agents’ control and runs the
machinery of social control. It is all-knowing because its ‘library’ keeps all the possible knowledge and
collects the memory of the people who form it. It is everywhere because its ‘spies’ are scattered in the
four corners of the land.
If we are to translate the tripartite powers of society to the language of the social sciences, then
we can look at this way:

FEATURES OF SOCIETY AS GOD

Omniscience Omnipotence Omnipresent

(All-knowing) (All-powerful) (Everywhere)
In the God metaphor Its library creates, Its agents occupy and Its spies are present in
“Society as God” collects, stores, control all the influential the four corners of its
retrieves, and positions in its domain. territory.
manipulates human
memories.
In the language of Symbols system, Machineries and Socialization agents
sociology “Society as a language rules, and armory of social control are present
Fact” use of language for everywhere, even at
communication the very start of a
person’s life.
Examples in social Language, symbols, Laws, norms, values, Family, peers, school,
science concepts arts, science. belief system, religion, church, government
education

THE COMPLEXITY OF CULTURE

Culture is a people’s way of life. This classic definition appears generic, yet it prefigures both the
processes and structures that account not only for the development of such a way of life, but also for
the inherent system that lend it its self-perpetuating nature. This is perhaps the reason why E.B. Taylor
describes culture as “that complex whole, which encompasses beliefs, practices, values, attitudes,
laws, norms, artifacts, symbols, knowledge, and everything that the person learns and shares as a
member of the society.”
The “complex whole” in the above paragraph suggest that culture cannot be simply broken down
into a set of attributes. It means that an understanding of a part can only be achieved (or is only possible)
in relation to the other part of the system. This then requires an approach where one can, all

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at once, get an appreciation of what culture is all about without being bothered by its complexity or by
any definition that attempts to capture such complexity.

Analyze the table and answer the guide questions below based from your understanding.

THE ANATOMY OF CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Anthropology Sociology
The WHAT The HOW The WHY
Refers to the Refers to the processes Refers to the reasons for compliance and the
contents of culture that guarantee the mechanisms that facilitate performance
transmission of the
contents
Actions Learned Through socialization/enculturation:
Individuals are exposed to and experience
lessons in everyday interactions. The
lessons are practical and address their
basic social needs.
Language Shared Through conformity:
Actions of individuals are routinized and
institutionalized in contexts like family,
church, schools, and government. In time,
they become part of their habits.
Attitude Through social control:
Conformity, or its absence thereof, is
meted out through the system of giving
Communicated rewards and imposing punishments.

Guide Questions:
1. How does anthropology explain the “what” and the “how” of culture?
_

_
_

2. How does sociology explain the “why” of culture?

(*You can write or type your answer using the template available in the flash drive. Save your work in
your UCSP Gdrive individual folder with the file name “UCSP-A1-Your Full Name” (ex. UCSP-A1-
DelaCruz, Juan) or pass your work along with the flash drive at the end of the week.)

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ASPECTS OF CULTURE

Culture is a composite or multifarious area that comprise beliefs, practices, values, attitudes,
laws, norms, artifacts, symbols, knowledge, and everything that a person learns and share as a member
of society.

Basic Elements of Culture

Culture is the totality of learned and socially transmitted behaviors. It is shared and practicing in
all societies of the world. Basic Elements of culture includes ideas, beliefs, values, customs which make
it a whole configuration. Culture is transmitted form one generation to another. Each culture has some
basic elements. There are some basic Cultural Elements given below:

1. Language
A group of words or ideas having common meaning and is shared to a social situation is called
language. Language is the entrance to a culture. Language is a set of socially sound pattern, words,
and sentences having specific meaning and terminology common to the same culture. you can learn
effects of ethnocentrism.

Language is a source of communication and to transmit message from one person to another.
It is the method to mold the behavior and experience of a person. Language differs from culture to
culture and is transmitted from one generation to another.

Language is like a vehicle through which we can carry out our complex social activities.
Language is the foundation of a culture and ticket to the entrance of a social life. Animal have not culture
because they have no specific language to transmit worlds to others. So, language is the key to open
a social life of an individual with some special characteristics.

2. Symbols
Culture is a system of symbols. Symbols are anything used to represent express and stand for
an event situation. Symbols direct to guide our behavior. It is used to show an event of past, present or
future. For example, the heap of ash shows that the something has been burnt or the wet street shows
that it has rained.

Bowing head, whistling, winkling of eyes situation, all are the symbols, which express a specific
object idea about other. BaithUllah is the symbol of God and we pray to it. American Shake their hand
to answer for No. Other examples are flag, anthem, picture, statues are symbols. Symbols are the short
expression for the identification of an object or situation.

3. Norms
Norms as elements of culture are the rules and the guidelines which specify the behavior of an
individual. Norms keep a person within the boundary of society and its culture. It gives us restriction
about something which to do and which not to do. It molds our behavior and gives as knowledge about
wrong and right. Norms can be divided into:

a. Folkways. Folkways are the simple customary ways of the people. It is the normal and
habitual action of people within a culture. Folkways are the recognized or accepted ways of
behavior. These are the behavior pattern which a person use generally in his daily life.

b. Mores. Mores is a Latin word and the plural of mos which means customs or beliefs
accordance with a group customary expectation. It is the “must” behavior of a person. Mores

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 refers to “what ought to be and what ought not to be.” Mores are serious norms but are informed
like folkways. They have a serious binding on a group the violation of mores threats to social
order. Punishment may be both formal and informal for the violation of mores.

c. Taboos. Strong negative norm; violating it results in extreme disgust.

d. Laws. Norm that is formally inscribed at the state or federal level.

4. Values
Anything getting importance in our daily life becomes our values. The origin of values is not
biological but it is social production while living in society the values develop. Values depend upon the
culture. Culture varies from society to society and thus values are different in every social situation.
Values are what we like and what we say will in our society values are the good idea and thinking of a
person.

Some values are hereditary which we gain from our elders, books and parents. The culture is
full of values and can transmit from one generation to another. When a natural object get a meaning it
becomes a value.

5. Beliefs
Every sect within a culture having some beliefs for cultural refuge. These beliefs are responsible
fro the spiritual fulfillment of needs and wants. Muslims believe in God, Holly Prophet, The Day of
Judgment, recitation of Holly Quran, Hajj etc.

Sikh wear bangle in one hand, bear a long beard, keeping a dagger. Cross for Christians and a
necklace or a cotton thread around nick, the water of ganga and are sacred for Hindus.

6. Cognitive Elements
Cognitive elements of culture are those though which an individual know how to cope with an
existing social situation. How to survive, how make shelter from storms and other natural calamities,
how to travel and transport etc. are the practical knowledge which make a culture. Such knowledge is
carefully thought to every generation.

Read Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics (2018), Phoenix Publishing House, Antonio P.
Contreras, PhD, et.al. pp. 54-60 or Characteristics and Functions of Culture PDF file available in the
flash drive then complete the table below. (*You can write or type your answer using the template
available in the flash drive. Save your work in your UCSP Gdrive individual folder with the file name
“UCSP-A2-Your Full Name” (ex. UCSP-A2-DelaCruz, Juan) or pass your work along with the flash drive
at the end of the week.)

CHARACTERISTICS AND GIVE EXAMPLE TO ILLUSTRATE

FUNCTIONS OF CULTURE WHY? AND/OR HOW? THE EXPLANATION

Culture is social and a product

of behavior.

Culture varies from society to

society.

Culture is shared.

Culture is learned.

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 Culture is transmitted among
members of society.

Culture is continuous and

cumulative.

Culture is gratifying and

idealistic.

Culture defines situations.

Culture defines attitudes values,

and goals.

Culture defines myths, legends,

and the supernatural.

Culture provides behavior

patterns.

Classification of Culture
a. Material Culture-cultural components that are visible and tangible.
b. Non-material Culture-components of culture that are intangible or without representation.
2 categories of nonmaterial culture
1. Cognitive-include the ideas, concepts, philosophies, design etc. that are products of the
mental or intellectual functioning of the human mind.
2. Normative- includes all the expectations, standards and rules for human behavior.

VISIBLE ASPECTS NON-VISIBLE ASPECTS

Language Communication
Literature Beliefs
Music Values
Food Notions of Time
Dress Handling Physical space
Music Handling Emotions
Visual art Ethics
Festivals Competitions vs. Cooperation
Games Notions of Modesty

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

✓ Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics (2018), Phoenix Publishing House by Antonio P.
Contreras, PhD, et. al. pp.40-60

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 PRACTICE and ENRICHMENT

FILM/VIDEO ANALYSIS: Recognizing Unique Cultural Practices

Ded na si Lolo (Grandpa is Dead)

Instruction:
1. In this activity you watch the movie Ded na si Lolo. A copy is available in the flash drive.
2. You may start answering the table while watching the film.
3. After watching the film, start to answer the guide questions.

Title of the Video

Major players or characters in the video

Major themes about culture that you

recognized

What personal insights have you gained

after watching the film.

Guide Questions:

1. What came to your mind as you watched the video? How did you feel after watching the video?

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2. What particular aspects of culture or cultural themes that you realized as you were watching the
video?
_

__
_

_
_

3. Are these themes universal? Are these themes present in different societies? Are these themes
present in our own setting?
_

_
_

__
_
(*You can write or type your answer using the template available in the flash drive. Save your work in your UCSP
Gdrive individual folder with the file name “UCSP-SECTION-Your Full Name-FVA” (ex. UCSP-St. Paul the First
Hermit-DelaCruz, Juan-FVA) or pass your work along with the flash drive at the end of the week.)

DEMONSTRATION/EVALUATION

ANATOMY OF MY CULTURE
(Individual Activity)

Directions: In column A, identify any of your behavior as a Filipino teenager. Then in column B, explain
how you came to imbibe them. In column C, offer an explanation why its performance (if behavior)
seem to be natural to you or why you believe it (if it is a belief).

A B C
The HOW The WHY
The WHAT Refers to the process of Refers to the mechanisms that
Refers to the contents of culture transmission and promote compliance and
circulation performance

(*You can write or type your answer using the template available in the flash drive. Save your work in your UCSP
Gdrive individual folder with the file name “UCSP-SECTION-Your Full Name-AMC” (ex. UCSP-St. Paul the First
Hermit-DelaCruz, Juan-AMC) or pass your work along with the flash drive at the end of the week.)

You made it! Congratulations!

“Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much.”

-Helen Keller

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Senior High School (Core Subject)

The learners demonstrate an understanding of:

1. Culture and society as anthropological and sociological concepts

2. Perspectives in/approaches to the study of culture and society (i.e.,
comparative, historical, structural functional, interpretive, critical)

The learners…

1. Appreciate the nature of culture and society from the perspectives of

anthropology and sociology
2. Demonstrate a holistic understanding of culture and society
3. Values cultural heritage and express pride of place without being ethnocentric

Explain the importance of cultural relativism in attaining cultural understanding

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 .
Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism
INTRODUCTION

Each culture differs from another as each defines reality differently. As a result, some people
find it difficult to get along with or understand other people’s ways of thinking and doing. Moreover,
each group tends to believe that its view of reality is right and proper and anything outside its context
is absolutely the opposite.

The objectives are as follows:

1. Provide a critical inquiry toward a holistic appreciation of culture and society;
2. Generate awareness of why and how cultural relativism mitigates ethnocentrism; and
3. Identify forms of tangible and intangible heritage and their various threats.

MOTIVATION

WORD SEARCH

T I M E O C G E N O C I D E A N A T O M Y
H E R I T A U L A N G U A G E T H N C I O
R S E E G A A L O C A L B E H A V I O N U
E Y E T P O L I T I C S O C I E T Y W T R
A M A H H L I T Y U N D E R S T A N A A B
T B L N A I M P L I C I T D I N G G Y N A
S O I O S I X E N O C E N T R I S M O G N
O L S C E G E N D E R N R A T I O N F I I
C I M E T H E O R Y E S T E A T E E L B Z
I C O N F L I C T C T A Y L L O R C I L A
O I A T H E B E R T S P E N C A E R F E T
L N N R P E R S P E C T I V E A T O E R I
O T T I N A T I O N A L I T Y P P V O N O
G E H S C F U N C T I O N A L I S M I O N
Y R R M E X P L I C I T S H A R E A C S M
E A O A R E N A T E R R I T O R I I H O M
M C P S U R V I V A L F U N C B T T A C P
I T O T E C H N O L O G Y S O C I N N I E
L I L B T A N G I B L E I H N E T E G E R
X O O S Y S T E M O B I P L I T Y M E T S
F N G D U R K H E I M O V E M E N T R Y P
G I Y E E T H N I C N G R O U P G O V E E
C S C I E N C E T E X C E P T I O N A L I
K M K A R M A R X G L A D I A T O R T Y V
L E C U L T U R A L H E R I T A G E N D E

Direction: Circle the 10 words listed below. Words appear vertical, horizontal and diagonal.

ETHNOCENTRISM INTANGIBLE
CULTURE RELATIVISM FUNCTIONALISM
XENOCENTRISM CONFLICT
XENOPHOBIA SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
TANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

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 DISCUSSION

WHAT MAKES SOCIETY POSSIBLE: THREE THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES

The three classical theories of the origin of society are (1) the structural-functional, (2) the conflict
theory, and (3) symbolic interactionism. These theories are called by different names, but their basic
assumptions about the “possibility” of society remain the same. The basic question they ask is not
historical in nature (as referred above); rather it inquire about the nature of the processes that created
the possibilities of human interaction. The question is: “What makes society possible?”

Watch the video entitled “Social Theories Overview part 1”

on https://youtu.be/KpaLchFpJZ8 or
read Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics (2018),
Phoenix Publishing House by Antonio P. Contreras, PhD, et. al. pp.43-44.
.

Use the table below to integrate the assumptions of the different theories.

THEORY BASIC ASSUMPTION AND IDEAS

Structural Functionalism

Conflict Theory

Symbolic Interactionism

(*Write or type your answer using the template available in the flash drive. Save your work in your
UCSP Gdrive individual folder with the file name “UCSP-A3-Your Full Name” (ex. UCSP-A3- DelaCruz,
Juan) or pass your work along with the flash drive at the end of the week.)

Ethnocentrism
• The word ethno comes from the Greeks and it refers to people, nation, or cultural grouping.
Centric, on the other hand comes from Latin and refers to the “center”. The term ethnocentrism
then refers also to the tendency of each society to place its own culture patterns at the center of
things.

• Ethnocentrism is the practice of comparing other cultural practices with those of one’s own and
automatically finding those other cultural practices to be inferior. In other words, it is the act of
evaluating other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs
of one’s own culture.

• It is a perception that arises from the fact that cultures differ and each culture defines reality
differently.

• Judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one’s own culture

• Ethnocentrism is the practice of comparing other cultural practices with those of one’s own and
automatically finding those other cultural practices to be inferior. In other words, it is the act of

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 evaluating other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs
of one’s own culture.

When do we become ethnocentric and what is our way out? Take note of the following:

1. When you judge the behaviour and beliefs of people who are different from you.
Way out: To stop ethnocentric behaviour, you must stop judging others who are different from you.

2. When you believe that there are primitive cultures, especially if their way of life is different from
yours.
Way out: Ethnocentrism is taught. You have to unlearn that your culture is superior and all other
cultures are inferior.

3. When you believe that some cultures are backward if they lack the technology and consumerism of
your own culture.
Way out: Remember that there are no primitive or backward cultures. All culture provides their
members with the means for meeting all human needs.

Cultural Relativism

• The idea that all norms, beliefs, and values are dependent on their cultural context and should
be treated as such.

• A key component of cultural relativism is the concept that no body, not even researchers, comes
from a neutral position. The way to deal them and use the awareness that we are not neutral to
inform our conclusions.

• In a way, cultural relativism is a belief that maintain it does not matter whether cultures are either
equal or different because equality and similarity do not necessarily translate to real or imagined
inferiority/superiority of cultures out there. As an attitude, cultural relativism promotes greater
cultural relativism is a good way to rehearse the norms and values of society- a requirement that
one must subscribe regardless of his or her cultural origin.

To mitigate the negative effects of ethnocentrism, it has been suggested that cultural relativity be
popularized. Advocates of cultural relativity or relativism assert that cultures must be viewed and
analyzed on their own terms, in the context of their own societal setting. No culture should be
considered better than another; different cultures should be accepted, tolerated, and appreciated rather
than condemned.
Moreover, appreciating and accepting the uniqueness of one society’s cultural trait does not mean
that universal human moral traits of right or wrong no longer apply. For instance, cultural traits that
promote subjugation of women by hurting or killing them do not necessarily mean that they are right by
virtue of one society’s inner logic. There are underlying patterns of human cultural traits that are
common and universally acceptable to humanity. The violent subjugation and elimination of human life
or traits are broadly unacceptable to the rest of humanity. Through a relativist approach consciously
balanced by a universalist understanding of what is humanely acceptable, the dangers of ethnocentrism
can be addressed.

Xenocentrism and Xenophobia

Since we are dealing with behaviors that result in evaluation of culture, we need to include two
related concepts-xenocentrism and xenophobia.

Xenocentrism refers to a preference for the foreign. In this sense, it is the exact opposite of
ethnocentrism. It is characterized by a strong belief that one’s own products, styles, or ideas are inferior
to those which originate elsewhere. For xenocentric individuals, the exotic has a special charm which
the familiar can never achieve. It is based on the glamour of the strange and faraway and the prestige
of distant centers. One clear indication of the existence of xenocentrism is our preference for imported
goods. Filipinos seem happy to pay more for imported goods on the assumption that anything from
abroad is better.
Xenophobia, on the other hand, is the fear of what is perceived as foreign or strange.
Xenophobia can be seen in the relations and perceptions of an in-group toward an out-group. It may
include fear of losing identity, suspicion of the other group’s activities, aggression, and the desire to

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eliminate the presence of the other group to secure a presumed purity. Xenophobia can also be
exhibited in the form of an “uncritical exaltation of another culture” in which a culture is ascribed “an
unreal, stereotyped, and exotic quality.”

Culture as Heritage
In studying culture, it is important to determine its form. A good portion of culture is visible and
tangible since it consists of a huge number of products conceived and manufactured by people.
Tangible cultural heritage includes all material objects, such as artifacts, buildings or landscapes,
tools, furniture, bridges, and any physical substance which has been changed and used by people. The
other form of culture is non-material or intangible. It consists of abstractions that include knowledge,
beliefs, values, rules for behavior, traditional skills and technologies, religious ceremonies, performing
arts, and storytelling. Both the tangible and intangible forms of culture, according to the United Nations,
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), are considered as “cultural heritage”.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

✓ Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics (2018), Phoenix Publishing House by Antonio P.
Contreras, PhD, et. al. pp.60-64
✓ Structural-Functionalhttps://courses.lumenlearning.com/alamo-sociology/chapter/functionalism/
✓ Conflict Theory https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/conflict-theory.asp
✓ Symbolic Interactionism https://courses.lumenlearning.com/alamo-sociology/chapter/reading-
symbolic-interactionist-theory/
✓ Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlXAeOnU520

PRACTICE/ENRICHMENT

I. PRACTICE (available in the Genyo Quiz)

A. Assess whether the statements in column A are true or false. In column B, write T if the
statement is true and F if the statement is false.
A B
1. It is the habit of each group to take for granted the superiority of its culture.
2. Cultural relativism does not mean that all customs are equally valuable, nor
does it imply that no customs are harmful.
3. Equality and similarity do not necessarily translate to real or imagined
inferiority/superiority of cultures out there.
4. As an attitude, ethnocentrism promotes greater appreciation of the cultures
that one encounters along the way.
5. Ethnocentrism is a sense of value and community among people who share
a cultural tradition.
6. As a behavior, cultural relativism is a good way to rehearse the norms and
values of society.
7. People everywhere think that their own expectations, opinions, and customs
are right, true, proper, natural, and moral.
8. Cultural relativism is a research method as well.
9. Ethnocentrism hinders the understanding or cooperation between groups.
10. Ethnocentrism encourages the solidarity of a group.

B. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism.

Advantages Disadvantages
Ethnocentrism

Cultural Relativism

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II. ENRICHMENT
My Culture, My Heritage
Direction: Identify two Philippine cultural heritage under threat, one tangible, and one intangible. For
both, identify the threats and their possible sources, and then come up with a plan of action on how to
deal with these threats. Write your output on the table. (page. 66)

Heritage Threats Plan of Actions

(*You can write or type your answer using the template available in the flash drive. Save your work in your UCSP
Gdrive individual folder with the file name “UCSP-SECTION-Your Full Name-CH” (ex. UCSP-St. Paul the First
Hermit-DelaCruz, Juan-CH) or pass your work along with the flash drive at the end of the week.)

DEMONSTRATION/EVALUATION

Genocide Events
This research-based activity. List down three notorious genocide events in history. You may consider
past and modern events. Try to describe each event in terms of the following items: (p.67)

Event, Time, and Perpetrators Targets Justifications for

Country (Leading figures who (Who were the people Victimization
(When and where the orchestrated the event) victimized in the event) (Articulated reasons by
event happened) the perpetrators)

(*You can write or type your answer using the template available in the flash drive. Save your work in your UCSP
Gdrive individual folder with the file name “UCSP-SECTION-Your Full Name-GE” (ex. UCSP-St. Paul the First
Hermit-DelaCruz, Juan-GE) or pass your work along with the flash drive at the end of the week.

You made it! Congratulations!

“Never judge someone without knowing the whole story.

You may think you understand but you don’t”

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