Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Regional Office IX, Zamboanga Peninsula

12 Z est for P rogress

Z P eal of artnership

Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
Second Semester – Module 3: The
Importance of Cultural Relativism in
Attaining Cultural Understanding

Name of Learner: ___________________________

Grade & Section: ___________________________
Name of School: ___________________________
 Development Team of the Module

Writer: Elijah C. Gumintad, MAEd

Editor: Mohamar D. Rindo, PhD

Juvy R. Mustapha, EdD

Evaluator: Edna A. Opog, EdD

Management Team: Majarani M. Jacinto, EdD, CESO VI
OIC, Schools Division Superintendent

Visminda Q. Valde, EdD

OIC, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Raymond M. Salvador, EdD, CESE

OIC, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Juliet A. Magallanes, EdD

CID Chief

Florencio R. Caballero, DTE

EPS - LRMDS

Alma L. Carbonilla, EdD

EPS – Araling Panlipunan

What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to assist
you master the ideas of culture and society. The scope of this module permits it to
be employed in many various learning situations. The language used acknowledges
the various vocabulary levels of students. The teachings are organized to follow the
quality sequence of the course. However, the order within which you browse them
may be modified to correspond with the textbook you are currently using.

The module presents the topics on:

• Concepts of Cultural Relativism

• Importance of Cultural Relativism
After researching this module, you are expected to:
1. Explain the importance of Cultural Relativism in Attaining Cultural
Understanding.
 What I Know
Pretest

Multiple Choice: Encircle the letter that corresponds to your chosen answer.

1. It is known as symbolic communication.

a. Culture c. Universal Perspective
b. Cultural Relativism d. Anthropology

2. It means to tend to the earth and grow or cultivation and nurture.

a. Particular Perspective c. Culture
b. Relativism d. Universal Perspective

3. It refers to the study of human societies and cultures?

a. Anthropology c. Culture
b. Cultural Relativism d. Cultural Practices

4. Which of the following is NOT describe about Universal Perspective?

a. Tries to look for uniqueness
b. Looks something in common
c. Can be found in most societies
d. Existing in every human culture

5. It refers to something distinct or an isolated phenomenon.

a. Ethnocentrism c. Universal Perspective
b. Cultural Relativism d. Particular Perspective
6. The word “ethnos” refers to the word;
a. Center c. People
b. Middle d. Values

7. “Being proud and loyal to one’s own culture”, this view comes from;
a. Cultural Relativism c. Ethnocentrism
b. Universal Perspective d. Anthropology

8. Which of the following is NOT describe about Cultural Relativism?

a. Societies and cultures are qualitatively different
b. Cultures have their own unique inner logic
c. There is no such thing as absolute right and wrong.
d. Evaluating other people from one’s own vantage-point

9. It is considered moral in one society and maybe considered immoral in

another.
a. Cultural Relativism c. Values
b. Anthropology d. Culture
 10. “In India, the bride gives the bridegroom a dowry, in Islam in many countries,
man gives the woman dowry”, this is an example of;
a. Particular Perspective c. Ethnocentrism
b. Universal Perspective d. Anthropology

Lesson Concepts of Cultural

3 Relativism

What’s In
This module will guide and assist you to understand the importance of
Cultural Relativism in attaining cultural understanding. You will learn despite of the
similarities and differences of cultures that should be understood based on that
person’s own culture and not to be judged against the criteria of another. You will
learn that culture has its own distinct but equally valid idea that moral truth is
universal and objective, contends there is no such thing as absolute right and wrong.

Activity 1. Let us Review!

Directions: Let’s have a memory work review. There are important terms below
associated with the previous lesson. Arrange the scrambled letters/words that
corresponds to the phrase/statement. Write your answer on as separate sheet of
paper.
1. LSACOI HGNEC
- Transformation of social institutions over time having a profound effect on
the society.

2. NOTINIAVON
- The social creation and institutionalization of new ideas.

3. SDFIFNIUO
- The spread of innovations from one social setting to another.

4. LOEERC
- It means to cultivate.

5. LACUUTLR HGNEC
- Transformation of culture of the way people live.
6. SCIALPYH NNMEENTIORV
- consist of the particular natural surroundings in which you live.

7. PPOUNLATI MMNTVOEE
- movement of people from one place to another.

8. RWA AND QCNOSTUE

- When a state conquers another territory and the population within that
territory.

9. GYTCEHOOLN
- Application of scientific knowledge to the making of tools to solve specific
problems.

10. LCAITPLOI HGNEC

- When the rulers of a country lose power or when the type of governance in
the country changes.

What’s New
Activity 2. What I Think About This
Directions: List at least 5 Cultures of Muslims, Christians, and Subanen and answer
the follow-up questions below. Write your answer on as separate sheet of paper.

Muslim Culture Christian Culture Subanen

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Follow-up Questions:
1. Why do you think culture is important?

2. What are possible ways to consider when working with different cultures?

3. Why is it important to develop cultural differences awareness?

 What Is It

Cultural Relativism

Culture is a symbolic communication. It means to tend to the earth and grow

and cultivation and nurture. It is the customary beliefs, social forms, and material
traits of a racial, religious or social group.
The central problem of Anthropology is the diversity of human social life
(Michael Carrithers). (Anthropology, it is the study of human societies and cultures
and their development).
In how humans interact, communicate and form relationships with other
people. To what extent do all humans, cultures or societies have something in
common, and how much are they unique?

Two Concepts of Perspective in Culture

Universal Perspective
Looks at something common or can be found in most societies.
Example: stablishing kinship system, gender roles, inheritance, etc.
Commonality: Dowry
In India: in order to get married, the bride gives the bridegroom dowry.
In Islam: the man gives the woman dowry.

Particular Perspective
Tries to look for uniqueness of each culture or society. Something distinct or
an isolated phenomenon, unique to a certain culture or society. You would be able
to understand more of the inner workings of that culture or society.
Example: People from Bunlap, a village located at a Pentecost island in the
Pacific Region has a rite of passage into manhood called “Gol” or “Bislama Nanggol”,
also known as land diving where the men tie vines to their ankles and jump headfirst
from platforms on top of a tall towers.
Ethnocentrism
Came from the words “ethnos” which means people and “centrism” which
means center or middle. It is evaluating other people from one’s own vantage-point
and describing them in one’s own terms. One’s own ethnos (people), including one’s
cultural values, is literally placed at the center with this kind of thinking, other
people would necessarily appear as inferior to oneself.
Example: As a member of a certain ethnic group, we sometimes look at other
groups and still think that ours is better. Being proud and loyal to one’s own ethnic
group is alright but this might lead to being ethnic-centered and bias to other groups.

Cultural Relativism
It is the opposite of Ethnocentrism. This is the doctrine suggesting that
societies or cultures are qualitatively different and have their own unique inner logic.
It is a theoretical premise which attempts to understand alien societies in as
unprejudiced a way as possible. It contends that there is no such thing as absolute
right and wrong. The perceived right and wrong is specified by the moral code of each
society.

Example: There are certain beliefs in our country that may not practice in other
countries.
Philippines – premarital sex is morally unacceptable, frowned upon and still
considered as a taboo (not acceptable). This may not be the case in some other
countries.
In our country, there is an unending debate on the moral acceptability of
contraceptives. In other countries, laws are passed with regards to this matter.
There are also societies that make many prohibitions on women; while other society
allows women to have equal opportunities and obligations as men.

By employing cultural relativism, we will be able to broaden our understanding of

such differences and find a way to accept these other points of views while still
upholding our own beliefs and principles.

The Importance of Cultural Relativism

- It is a tool to temporarily disregard one’s own viewpoints and cultural bias in
trying to understand the conditions of a particular cultural practice or
problem.
 - If we want to truly understand something, especially matters or issues that
are quite sensitive or foreign to us, then we have to approach it with as fresh
and objective a mind as possible.
- It doesn’t mean that you can’t have judgments on the topic, but it means
putting those judgements in check to see more clearly and understand things
better.
Example: Persons who eat exotic foods such as frog, snake etc., instead of
looking them disgusting, we can try to look at their situation and understand
how they have come to develop this exotic diet. Imagine if we do this io our
daily lives and try to understand people, we will probably have avoided
conflicts and misunderstandings.

Important points in Cultural Relativism

- Cultural Relativism does not mean anything a culture or group of people
believe is automatically true.
- Cultural Relativism does not mean that anything a culture does is good or
moral. Example, the Korowai Tribe, lives about 100 miles inland from Arafura
Sea, West of Pacific Ocean, is one of the very few tribes that still believe in
cannibalism. Some other tribes practice polyandry, where a woman can marry
one or more husbands. A specific tribe in between Nepal and India have
practice two brothers marrying the same woman. Although we try to
understand their beliefs, it doesn’t mean that cannibalism is right
- Cultural Relativism doesn’t mean that cultures can’t compare.
- Cultural Relativism is important and a unique tool to Anthropology. It is a
method for seeing things from multiple viewpoints in order to better
understand them.
- Cultural Relativism lets us be open about certain cultural beliefs and
principles of other group of people other than our own. By using this method,
we will be able to better understand other people, culture and societies and
hopefully, this will lead to better relationships and co-existence with one
another.
 What’s More

Activity 3. Universal Culture vs Particular Culture

Direction: Differentiate Universal Culture and Particular Culture through citing 3

examples each. (Remember not to use the given example above, give other examples).

Universal Culture VS Particular Culture

Follow-up Question:

• Do cultural differences always matter? Why?

Activity 4. Cultural Relativism vs Ethnocentrism

Direction: Identify each sentences/statement either it is Cultural Relativism or
Ethnocentrism. Write CR if it is Cultural Relativism and ETH if it is Ethnocentrism.
_____1. It has always had negative connotation in cultures.
_____2. It has a positive connotation in cultures.
_____3. The belief that one’s own set of values and beliefs is superior to other cultures.
_____4. Understand others with an open and objective mind.
_____5. It is the attitude that other societies customs and ideas can be judged in the
context of one’s own culture.
_____6. It promotes greater diversity and understanding of ethical differences and
reduces the likelihood of an imperialist imposition of values.
_____7. Putting own’s judgment and prejudices in check in order to clearly
understand other culture.
_____8. A method of putting aside one’s own culture in understanding other cultures.
_____9. Looking at different cultures in multiple viewpoints in order to attain cultural
understanding.
_____10. It is the idea that one’s own culture is the main standard by which other
cultures may be measured.

What I have Learned

Activity 5: On the lines below, write about what you ‘ve learned by doing the
activities.
Be as specific as possible and use COMPLETE SENTENCES

The Topic was about

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

It Matters because
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

I have Learned today

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________
 What I Can Do
Activity 6. My Culture, my Heritage
Philippines is one of the countries in Asia that has many tribes with different cultures
and beliefs. Despite of this differences, how cultural differences shape our unity as
Filipinos?
Answer:__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Assessment
Post-Test

Multiple Choice: Encircle the letter that corresponds to your chosen answer.

1. It is known as symbolic communication.

a. Culture c. Universal Perspective
b. Cultural Relativism d. Anthropology

2. It means to tend to the earth and grow or cultivation and nurture.

a. Particular Perspective c. Culture
b. Relativism d. Universal Perspective

3. It refers to the study of human societies and cultures?

a. Anthropology c. Culture
b. Cultural Relativism d. Cultural Practices

4. Which of the following is NOT describe about Universal Perspective?

a. Tries to look for uniqueness
b. Looks something in common
c. Can be found in most societies
d. Existing in every human culture

5. If refers to something distinct or an isolated phenomenon.

a. Ethnocentrism c. Universal Perspective
b. Cultural Relativism d. Particular Perspective

6. The word “ethnos” refers to the word;

a. Center c. People
 b. Middle d. Values

7. “Being proud and loyal to one’s own culture”, this view comes from;
a. Cultural Relativism c. Ethnocentrism
b. Universal Perspective d. Anthropology

8. Which of the following is NOT describe about Cultural Relativism?

a. Societies and cultures are qualitatively different
b. Cultures have their own unique inner logic
c. There is no such thing as absolute right and wrong
d. Evaluating other people from one’s own vantage-point

9. It is considered moral in one society and maybe considered immoral in

another.
a. Cultural Relativism c. Values
b. Anthropology d. Culture

10. “In India, the bride gives the bridegroom a dowry, in Islam in many
countries, man gives the woman dowry”, this is an example of;
a. Particular Perspective c. Ethnocentrism
b. Universal Perspective d. Anthropology
 Additional Activities
Activity 7. Prompts and Scenarios

As a Senior High School student, does the idea that all cultures should be respected
decrease instances of discrimination based on race and/or culture?

Answer:__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________
 Activity 2. Own Answer
Activity 3. Own Answer
Activity 5. Own Answer
Activity 6. Own Answer
Activity 7. Own Answer
Post-Test Activity 1. Let us Review Pre-Test
Multiple Choice 1. Social Change Multiple Choice
1. a Activity 4 2. Innovation 1. a
2. c 1. ETH 3. Diffusion 2. c
3. a 2. CR 4. Colere 3. a
4. a 3. ETH 5. Cultural Change 4. a
5. d 4. CR 6. Physical Environment 5. d
6. c 5. ETH 7. Population Movement 6. c
7. c 6. CR 8. War and Conquest 7. c
8. d 7. CR 9. Technology 8. d
9. a 8. CR 10. Political Change 9. a
10. b 9.CR 10. b
10. ETH
Answer Key
 References

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/VhUeg58GRyE - Understanding Culture, Society and Politics 3.0

Relativism.

YT Channel: K12 Study Club

Google/Internet Links:

https://g.co/kgs/rvXvAK

https://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html

http://people.tamu.edu/~i-choudhury/culture.html

https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anthropology/Cultural_Anthropology/Book
%3A_Cultural_Anthropology_(Evans)/01%3A_What_is_Anthropology%3F/1.06%3A
_Cultural_Relativism

https://study.com/academy/lesson/ethnocentrism-vs-cultural-relativism.html

https://study.com/academy/lesson/cultural-relativism-activities.html
 Region IX: Zamboanga Peninsula Hymn – Our Eden Land
Here the trees and flowers bloom
Here the breezes gently Blow,
Here the birds sing Merrily,
The liberty forever Stays,
Here the Badjaos roam the seas
Here the Samals live in peace
Here the Tausogs thrive so free
With the Yakans in unity
Gallant men And Ladies fair
Linger with love and care
Golden beams of sunrise and sunset
Are visions you’ll never forget
Oh! That’s Region IX
Hardworking people Abound,
Every valleys and Dale
Zamboangueños, Tagalogs, Bicolanos,
Cebuanos, Ilocanos, Subanons, Boholanos, Ilongos,
All of them are proud and true
Region IX our Eden Land

Region IX
Our..
Eden...
Land...

The Footprints Prayer Trees by Joyce Kilmer

One night I had a dream. I dreamed I think that I shall never see
that I was walking along the beach A poem lovely as a tree.
with the LORD.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
In the beach, there were two (2) sets Against the earth’s sweet flowing
of footprints – one belong to me and breast;
the other to the LORD.
A tree that looks at God all day,
Then, later, after a long walk, I
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
noticed only one set of footprints.

“And I ask the LORD. Why? Why? A tree that may in Summer wear
Why did you leave me when I am sad A nest of robins in her hair;
and helpless?”
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
And the LORD replied “My son, My Who intimately lives with rain.
son, I have never left you. There was
only one (1) set of footprints in the Poems are made by fools like me,
sand, because it was then that I But only God can make a tree.
CARRIED YOU!