UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY AND POLITICS

I. Work in group (5 members). Answer the following questions. Please encode

your answers. (For November 18, 19, 20, 2019)

1. What is Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science as social

sciences?
a) Anthropology-The study of human biological and
physiological characteristics and their evolution.
Understanding the many different aspects of the human
experience which we call holism. Considers the past,
through archaeology, to see how human groups lived
hundreds or thousands of years ago and what was important
to them. Consider what makes up our biological bodies and
genetics, as well as our bones, diet and health.

b) Sociology-A social science involving the study of social

lives of people, groups and societies. The study of our
behaviour as social beings, covering everything from the
analysis of short contacts between anonymous individuals.

c) Political Science- It is the social scientific study of political

institutions. Deals with the systems of governance, and the
analysis of political activities, political thoughts and
political behaviour.

2. How would Sociology and Anthropology contribute in the better

understanding of society?

Sociology and Anthropology involve the systematic study of social life

and culture in order to understand the causes and consequences of
human action. These two are significant to each other because they
help us understand that society differs across the world and they aim to
study and help us in understanding these differences. Knowledge and
understanding of these societal differences can help create a more
tolerant society.

3. Why is culture important in our society?

Culture is the lifeblood of a vibrant society, expressed in many ways

we tell our stories, celebrate, remember the past, entertain ourselves
and imagine the future. Culture provides important social and
 economic benefits. Culture enhances our quality of life and increases
overall well-being for both individuals and communities. Culture
shapes the society.

4. How would you differentiate ethnocentrism and cultural relativism?

Ethnocentrism is the belief or attitude that one’s own culture is

superior or better than all other while Cultural Relativism is the
practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing
it through one’s own culture, requires an open mind and a willingness
to consider and even adapt.

5. Is there such superior and inferior culture? Explain.

There is no superior nor inferior culture though cultures differ from

one another. Most people with claim that their own culture is better
form others while others would believe that other culture is superior
than one’s own. We cannot measure if a culture is superior or inferior
for there are only differences in cultural patterns one has.
 UNDERSTANDING
CULTURE, SOCIETY AND
POLITICS

JOANNA NICOLE M. MARIBBAY

ARTS & DESIGN XI- PIETA
 UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY AND POLITICS
 RESEARCH: Describe the following items/concepts in the study of culture.
CULTURE PHILIPPINES
RELIGION Is marked by a majority of
people being adherents of
the Christian faith. The
Philippines proudly boasts
to be the only Christian
nation in Asia. More than
86% of its population is
Roman Catholic.
FOOD In most Asian countries,
the staple food in the
Philippines is rice. It is
most often steamed and
always served with meat,
fish, and vegetable dishes.
Leftover rice is often
cooked with garlic to make
“sinangag”, which is
usually served at breakfast
together with fried egg and
cured meat or sausages.
MUSIC Music is composed on
various genres and styles.
Mixture of Asian, Spanish,
Latin American, American
and indigenous influences.
OPM or Original Pilipino
Music are mostly in ballad
form. Love songs, poetic,
emotional.
DANCE Dance incorporates
influences from
immigrants and
conquerors. Rural dances
include Tinikling, the
traditional dance, which
usually involves a pair of
two bamboo poles.
SONG Songs talk about Filipino
pride, freedom fighting
spirit, stroke of inspiration
and has patriotic senses.
HOLIDAY AND Holidays in the Philippines
CEREMONY are celebrated with
amazing food and
decorations, the whole
USA
73.7% out of total
population represent
Christians, 48.9% are
Protestants, 23.0% as
Catholics, 1.8% are
Mormons and 18.2% are
identified to have no
religion.
American food or cuisine
incorporates various
culinary contributions from
different countries. Food
here has been blended with
European cooking.
Cuisines having the
similarity to British,
French, Dutch and Swedish
cuisines.
Diverse array of styles. A
mixture of West-African,
Irish, Scottish and
European. Genres are jazz,
blues, country, rock,
rhythm and blues, funk, hip
hop, disco, reggaeton,
salsa, folk music, soul,
techno and americana.
There is a great variety of
dances. It is the home of
hip hop dance, tap dance
and rock and roll. Ballet,
ethnic dance, jazz, folk
dance and modern.
Songs talk about
independence, freedom and
liberty.
Some holidays in the USA
have a political or
historical background
while others are rooted in
 family, and even friends
are gathered around, God is
the center of it all.
Filipinos do not forget to
pray and thank God for the
blessings he has bestowed
upon.
COSTUME The national attire of the
Philippines for men is
Barong Tagalog, worn
over a Chinese shirt called
Camisa de Chino while the
national costume of a
Filipina is Baro’t Saya.
The Baro is the top blouse,
the Saya is a skirt.
SPORT There are major sports in
this country: basketball,
boxing, tennis, football,
billiards and volleyball.
Athletics, weightlifting,
aerobics, and martial arts
are also popular
recreations.
TRADITION Filipinos are like
chameleons who easily
adapt to different
environments. They are
survivors. The Philippines
is a country that has varied
cultural influences:
previous colonization. And
these influences shaped the
Filipinos’ way of living,
beliefs, customs and
tradition.
religious beliefs. Food
plays a central role in their
celebrations, family
gathering around, eating
dishes together.
In this country, the
Cowboy look is famous. A
cowboy hat, boots and a
whip completes the Texas
cowboy icon.
Sports is an important part
of this country’s culture.
Football is a popular sport,
followed by baseball,
basketball and ice hockey.
Other sports like
volleyball, tennis, golf,
wrestling and others. These
sports and being played on
Olympic Games and World
Championships.
America has a variety of
traditions; diversity and
freedom of choice. This
country has greater
influences; European and
African.

 USING THE NET: Cooperative Learning/Investigations

a) Explore the internet for examples of the seven types of subcultures
(ethnic, occupational, religion, political, geographic, social class,
and deviant.) What are the characteristics of each type of subculture, and what
is distinctive about its relative to large norm of Filipino culture of which they
are part?
Ethic-Some people who have unique shared behaviors linked to a common racial,
language, or national background identify themselves as members of a specific
 subculture. Ex: African Americans, Latinos/Latinas (Hispanic Americans) and
Native Americans.
Occupational-Designed to include any groupings of people that share common
socialization, education and shared knowledge to perform a specific task and the
control over that knowledge. Ex: Teacher, Cook, Driver, Artist, Engineer
Religion-Religious Movements. Ex: Catholic, Protestant, Born-Again, Jewish and
Muslim
Political-Smaller groups usually identify with their larger party in many possess
certain beliefs or ideas that differentiate themselves from the larger party. Shares
beliefs or values with one or both parties. Ex: Democratic, Republican
Geographic-Can be an important variable for detecting differences in consumptive
and nonconsumptive behaviors. Physical region and urban-rural-suburban
categories provide the basis for specifically identifying rational subcultures. Ex:
Human landscape, Physical landscape
Social Class-It is the social mobility, status, attitude toward money. Ex: Upper
Class, Upper Middle Class, Lower Middle Class, Working Class, Lower Class
Deviant-Involves people holding perspectives or engaging in behaviors that
contradict what societies and cultures usually consider acceptable. Ex: Engaging
in drug addiction, crime or non-traditional sexual behaviors.

b) Humor may be close to a cultural universal, as it seems to appear in most

societies. What is/are the functions of humor? Some theories maintain that
humor may have a therapeutic function. To examine this possibility, check out
the Laughter Therapy homepage at http://www.rampage.onramp.net/-ejunkins/
. Develop a presentation on laughter as a form of cultural therapy. Consider
how the interpretation of laughter may vary across cultures
throughout the world.
Laughter is a physical reaction in humans consisting
usually rhythmical, often audible contractions of the
Laughter diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system.

Therapy Medical treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.

Humor is a universal phenomenon. Laughter plays the

As Cultural same important role in social bonding across cultures,
Therapy meaning laughter is an evolved social norm that aids
human cooperation regardless of cultural differences.

c) In the discussion about the topic, the concept of culture has been defined in a
number of different ways over the years. Washington State University has a
website devoted to exploring some of the ways by which scholars had defined
 the concept of culture. Using one of their major search engines the web for a
site called “What is culture?” You may do a subject search using the name of
the site or you can use the
RRL:http://www.wsu.edu:8001/common/opics/culture/culture-index.html.

(a) Once there, click on “a baseline definition of culture.” According to the

authors, what is the “essential feature” of culture?
(b) Read over the brief definitions of culture presented by Matthew Arnold,
Raymond Williams, and Clifford Geertz. In a single paragraph how do these
three different definitions differ from one another?
(c)
 SOME GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH: The output will be shared in a big
group discussion on December 09, 2019, in a big group discussion.

1. Illustrate the main differences between and among the types and components
of culture.
a) Culture was defined earlier as the symbols, language, beliefs,
values, and artifacts that are part of any society. Two basic
components of culture: ideas and symbols. Nonmaterial culture
includes values, beliefs symbols and language that define a
society. Material culture includes all the society’s physical
objects, such as its tools and technology, clothing, eating
utensils, and means of transportation.

i.) Symbol is a nonverbal communication, while other symbols

are material objects. Nonverbal symbols include gestures.
Gestures, movement of the hand, arm or the other parts of
the body that are meant to convey certain ideas or emotions
but in different cultures they mean the opposite or
something else. Ex: If we nod our head up and down, we
mean yes, but in Bulgaria, nodding mean no while shaking
their head back and forth means yes. Most important
symbols are objects, the Philippine Flag or Watawat is a
prime example. For the Filipinos, the flag is not just a piece
of cloth moreover it is a symbol of freedom, pride and
patriotism.
ii.) Language is perhaps the most important symbol. It is
crucial to communication and thus to any society’s culture.
Humans have a capacity for language, our capacity for
language in turn helps make our complex culture possible.
Language of course can be oral or written.
iii.) Norms or standards and expectations for behaving. Formal
norms and Informal norms. Formal norms also called
Mores and Laws, refer to the standards of behaviour
considered the most important in any society. Ex: In the
 United States include traffic laws, criminal codes and in a
college context, student behaviour codes addressing things
as cheating and hate speech. Informal norms also called
Folkways and Customs, refer to standards or behaviour that
are considered less important but still influence how we
behave. Ex: Everyday behaviors as how we interact with a
cashier and how we ride in an elevator.
iv.) Rituals or established procedures and ceremonies that often
mark transitions in the life course. As such, rituals both
reflect and transmit a culture’s norms and other elements
from one generation to the next. Initiation and
commencement ceremonies in colleges and universities are
familiar examples of time-honored rituals. Ex: Special
ceremonies for girls to mark their first menstrual period.
Special ceremonies for boys to mark their circumcision.
v.) Values are another important element of culture and involve
judgments of what is good or bad and desirable or
undesirable. A culture’s values shape its norms. Ex: In
Japan, a central value is group harmony. The Japanese
place great emphasis on harmonious social relationships
and dislike interpersonal conflict.
vi.) Artifacts or material objects that constitute a society’s
material culture. Artifacts are much more numerous and
complex in modern industrial societies.

a) In your own way, illustrate how the following characteristics of culture

work in your daily lives:
a) Culture is learned.
- Individuals will learn their society’s culture by being conscious or
being aware of the happenings around us, for example, we learned
or acquired to wear clothes or to move our body, dancing. We are
“programmed” to learn and this affect our way of living by wanting
to learn more.
b) Culture gratifies human needs.
- Culture provides us our needs, biological and sociological, such as
food, clothing shelter, protection, love, security and even sex, and
these bring satisfaction.
c) Culture is a product of social interaction.
- Our interaction with another develops culture, through mutual
interstimulation and response of people with one another.
d) Culture is integrated.
- All aspects of culture function as an integrated whole because
culture is a system. It is patterned and this helps us in
distinguishing our culture from others.
e) Culture is ideational.
 - Culture is an ideal pattern of behaviour which members are
expected to follow. It is the formation of ideas.
b) Think of one of the following subcultures. Analyze each group as regards
the following items:
a) Values of the group that separate it from the dominant culture
b) Rules of behaviour for dealing with the outside world
c) Non-verbal signs and signals
d) Unique group language
c) What is cultural lag? What two new forms of technological change would
you anticipate will be common in Filipino society by the year 2010? How
might your two forms of technological change be related to behaviors that
might conflict with traditional Filipino values?

Cultural Lag-Term to describe the situation in which technological

advancements or changes in society occur faster than the changes in rules
and norms of the culture that go along with those advancements or
changes. This can lead to moral ethical dilemmas for individuals as the
new social norms are developed.

Technological change lead stop changed cultural consumption.

Technological change does not just mean more, but also more different
and complex. There are three stages: invention, innovation and diffusion.
Invention- creation of a new product or process. Innovation- application of
the invention for the first time. Diffusion- how fast others begin to adopt
the innovation.

d) Interview people who have gone abroad. Ask them what particular aspects
in the culture of the countries they visited are different from their own.
Make a list of these differences.
Japan Philippines

Bowing your head down means respect. Taking the hand of the elderly and
placing it against your forehead means
Japanese are fond of eating spicy food,
respect this is called pagmamano.
especially ramen.
Filipinos are fond of eating rice with
Japanese like playing sports such as
and each of every meal.
baseball.
Filipinos often play on the sidewalks,
Japan is a very clean country.
playing tumbang preso, tagu-taguan
Japanese people obey the rules of their and Chinese garter.
country.
Filipinos are family-oriented people.
When caught driving even drunk, police
Filipinos love to sing karaoke.
will take that citizen him to the station
e) What is a symbol? How are symbols tried to major values and beliefs in a
culture? Using the Filipino culture, identify some symbols and their effects
on the people.

A symbol is a mark or a character used as a conventional representation of

an object, function or process.

Symbols help people define and understand their culture because of the
shared meanings of different symbols that are learned during the process
of socialization, the process through which people learn the values, norms,
beliefs, and expectations of their society.

The Philippine flag is a great symbol, representing freedom, pride and

patriotism. This has a positive effect on the Filipinos for the flag
symbolizes how much pride the Filipinos feel.

f) Present a definition of each of the following types of norms and one

example each as it may be found in Filipino society: folkways, more,
taboo.

Folkways-traditional behaviour or way of life of a particular community or

group of people.
Ex: waiting for fellow diners food to arrive before you start eating.

More-essential or characteristics customs and conventions of a

community.
Ex: not accepting the abuse of drugs

Taboo-social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding discussion of a

particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place
or thing.
Ex: abortion-terminating pregnancy