UCSP Module 1 - Introduction To UCSP

Understanding Culture,
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600

Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
Society, and Politics
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph Grade Level/Section: Grade 11/12
Module 1 - UCSP Subject Teacher: Erwin John E. Resurreccion
INTRODUCTION TO
UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND POLITICS
Welcome to the course, students! As you begin your journey to understanding culture, society,
and politics, it is important for you to know what disciplines are we going to use as lenses and
sources of fundamental concepts. There are two main topics for this module. The first topic
features the meaning, history, and importance of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political
Science. On the other hand, the second topic is all about the different sociological
perspectives and their application to real life.
Learning Objectives:
A. know the rationale for studying anthropology, political science, and sociology;
B. define the sociological perspectives;
C. explain sociological perspectives on culture, society, and politics;
D. understand the significance of studying Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science
by completing the activities that will follow;
E. appreciate the nature of culture and society from the sociological perspectives; and
F. apply the ideals of the sociological perspectives
WHAT IS SOCIAL SCIENCE?
Deals with the study of Deals with the study of

natural and physical world. people and society.
1. Biology 1. Sociology
2. Physics 2. Anthropology
3. Chemistry, etc. 3. Political Science, etc.
Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science are called “social sciences”. From this
statement, you would realize that “science” is not only confined within the areas of biology,
physics, chemistry, and other natural sciences. We also have a science of human and society:
a systematic study of people, human relationships, social behavior, and social world in
general. Like natural science, social science involves research, and scholarly activities. It
attempts to explain human and society with facts and empirical evidence. There are several
disciplines under social sciences, but for our course, we will mainly use three of them.
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WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY?
Anthropology is the social science discipline that deals with the scientific study of man, his/her
works, body, behavior, and value in time and space. Also, it includes man’s biological, social,
and cultural development that describes and explains the phenomenon of human life. It
comes from the two Greek words Anthropos, which means man, and logos, which means
science or study of. Anthropology is the discipline utilized to study culture.
A. Origin and Development
Arrival of Spanish Conquistadores

Source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/322077810832525835/?autologin=true
The beginnings of anthropology date back to the period of discoveries and explorations from
15th to 18th century extending to the days of Western explorations, missionaries, and colonial
conquerors. Western scholars were inspired by the stories of explorers about the different
cultures and social systems of places they have encountered. Likewise, the discoveries of
antique tools and artifacts in France and other parts of Europe in the beginning of 19th century
proved the existence of man a million years ago. According to Haviland (2000), “These
discoveries took place during the time when advances in chemistry and physics were made.
These aroused an interest in scientific inquiry.”
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B. Proponents
Modern Anthropology was pioneered by. Lewis

Morgan, Edward Tylor and Herbert Spencer. Most of the
early anthropologist were armchair theorist (adopted a
common-sense theme of an evolutionary view of
humanity and human behavior).
To give an example, let’s focus on Edward Tylor. He is

known for the idea that world cultures universally
developed one stage at a time. He asserted that our
culture started in animism, a belief that everything in the
world is endowed with souls. At some point in time,
animism evolved into polytheism or the belief in many
gods. Later, our belief in deities will transform into
monotheism, or the belief in only one God. As the time
progress, our interest in religion will decline and science
grows. While Tylor’s evolutionary view of religion was not Edward Tylor
accepted by modern scholars today, remnants of his | Wikimedia
theory and ideas still guide us in understanding culture.
Bronislaw Malinowski with natives on Trobriand Islands

| Wikimedia
Later, a higher level of research began using careful and thorough gathering of data about
individual cultures. This new approach was adopted by
Franz Boas and Alfred Kroeber. They were followed by
Bronislaw Malinowski, A.R. Radcliffe-Brown, Ralph Linton,
etc. One of the remarkable changes in the level of
anthropological research is ethnography which involves
studying people in their own environment through face-to-
face encounter. As you can see on the picture above,
Bronislaw Malinowski is practicing methods in ethnography.
In 1914, Anthropology was elevated as an academic

discipline at the University of the Philippines by H. Otley
H. Otley Beyer
Beyer. First, it was offered as one of the courses in the | Wikimedia
Department of History and later on merged with Sociology.
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C. Importance | Solidarity. Tolerance. Appreciation. Respect. (S.T.A.R.)
Studying culture through anthropology promotes solidarity among us. This is because we learn
to tolerate, appreciate, and respect our biological and cultural differences. Without any
knowledge about culture and anthropological concepts, we are vulnerable to conflict and
racism. According to a well-known diversity teacher, Jane Elliot, we are not born racist. We
learn it from our society. We are taught that some cultures are better than others even if it’s
not. We are indoctrinated the idea that white skin is better than brown, dark, or yellow skin
even if it’s incorrect. Through anthropology, we can unlearn hate and prejudice and learn to
acknowledge our diversity.
WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?
Sociology is the study of social behavior or society, including its origins, development,
organization, networks, and institutions. It is a social science that uses various methods of
empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social
order, disorder, and change. Studying society provides us an idea on its importance an equal,
just and humane society.
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A. Origins and Development
People in the ancient times were already studying

the relationship between people and societies.
From the concept of social justice of Plato to the
concept of basic relationships of Confucius, there
were insights about how a society works. But the
systematic approach to the study of society really
began in the early part of the 18th and 19th century.
Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke,

Voltaire, and Jean Jacques Rousseau developed
theories on how the relationship between the ruler
and the ruled should work, which influenced
initiatives or violent actions from people to dismantle
tyranny in Europe. Enlightenment ideas also
challenged the established ideas of the Church,
especially about the position of man in the universe.
The beginnings of 19th century saw massive changes in the

society, from employment to social status, caused by Industrial
Revolution. This was a period of social and political upheaval
which inspired scholars to study why these things happen.
Among the influential sociologists of this period were Auguste
Comte, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max
Weber.
Meanwhile, sociology was introduced in the Philippines by Fr.

Valentin Marin in 1896 when he initiated a course on
criminology at the University of Santo Thomas. In 1939, Serafin
Macaraig, the first Filipino to receive a doctorate degree in Auguste Comte
Sociology published his Introduction to Sociology which | Wikimedia
became the first text at the University of the Philippines.
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B. Proponents
Here are the sociologists who championed

the early science of the society:
1. Auguste Comte – recognized as the
Father of Sociology. He coined the word
Sociology in 1838 to designate to his newly
formulated science of the associated life of
humanity. He advocated the idea of
positivism or the use of empirical
investigations to understand phenomena.
2. Herbert Spencer – viewed societies as
evolutionary, coined the term the survival of
the fittest, and became known for social
Darwinism.
3. Emile Durkheim – studied the social factors that underline suicide and found that the level
of social integration, the degree to which people are tied to their social group, was a key
social factor in suicide.
4. Karl Marx – founder of the conflict perspective, believed that class conflict—the struggle
between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie—was the key to human history.
5. Max Weber – defined religion as a central force in social change; for example, Protestantism
encourages greater economic development and was the central factor in the rise of
capitalism in some countries.
C. Importance | Part of solution. Understanding of social change. Beauty in diversity. Genuine

solidarity. (P.U.B.G.)
Sociology is a great tool to understand why certain things happen in the society. Sociology
promotes diversity as it explains to us why people have different preferences, background,
gender, etc. and how these things affect their decisions. Some of us might wonder why people
demonstrate a protest; why people disagree to certain policies of the government; or why
some people prefer metal songs than RNB. Before we give our thoughts on those things, it’s
good to know how they came to be. And sociology will help us understand it. Likewise, by
shedding light to the factors, causes, and influences of social issues, we can find better
solutions and more informed decisions.
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WHAT IS POLITICAL SCIENCE?
Political Science is systematic study of the state and government; it is a social science that
deals with the theory and practice of government in the local, national, and international
levels. It also includes the study of power, influence, authority, ideology, constitution, law, and
systems of governance.
A. Origins and Development
Political science originated with the ancient Greeks in the 1st century BCE. During this time, the
philosopher Plato wrote numerous dialogues about politics, asking about the nature of justice,
what constitutes good government, and what is truly best for humanity. His student Aristotle
worked in a more scientific way, observing and describing types of governments
systematically. One of his contributions is his classifications of government according to the
number of rulers and whether it is ideal or corrupted.
At the start of the 17th century, people began to apply the methods of the scientific revolution
to politics. Thomas Hobbes, for example, employed the methods of geometry to break
government down into its most basic parts in order to understand it. In the nineteenth century,
thinkers such as Karl Marx and Max Weber used sociological methods to analyze politics.
In the Philippines, traces of political science can be found from the works of the propagandists,
particularly Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Emilio Jacinto, and Apolinario
Mabini. These intellectuals are considered as the Fathers of Philippine Political Science for their
systematic analysis of Philippine politics.
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B. Proponents
Here are some political scientists who championed the early science of politics:
1. Plato – used the term “polis” (427–347 BC); wrote dialogues about the nature of justice, what
constitutes a good government, and what is truly best for humanity.
2. Aristotle – Father of Political Science (384–322 BC); classified the forms of government
according to the number of rulers and whether it is correct or perverted.
3. Niccolo Machiavelli – Father of Modern Political Science (16th century); wrote “The Prince”
and said “It is better to be feared that to be loved if you cannot be both” which may have
influenced the iron fist governance of some leaders and politicians.
4. Jean Bodin –a French political philosopher who coined the term “Political Science” (1530 –
1596).
C. Importance | Surely add knowledge about politics. Understand power and governance.
Educated on citizenship. Deal with the importance of social welfare. (S.U.E.D)
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 learners become participative and productive members of the community. In addition,
Political Science helps you to engage better in political discourse. As you can observe, there
are some of us who participate in an argument about politics without enough knowledge. For
us to provide an informed opinion about a political issue, it’s best to study it first. Lastly, Political
Science enlighten us about our rights and the limits of power of the government. This will help
us know if our leaders and representatives are doing their job right and are not abusing the
power granted to them by the us, the citizens.
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WHAT ARE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES?
Society is a complex term. This means that there is no single way of understanding the nature
of society. You can perceive society at different angles and perspectives. Some people see
society as a group of people cooperating towards a common goal. Some understand society
as a group of people competing for resources. Others believe that society is composed of
individuals constantly interacting with each other. In a nutshell, sociological perspectives are
different lenses we use to understand what society is.
A. Macro Perspective
Concerned with how broad aspects of society influence the social world.
1. Structural Functionalist Theory

This theory by Herbert Spencer, Robert Merton, Emile Durkheim perceives
society as a system of interconnected parts that work together in
harmony to maintain a social equilibrium for the whole. In essence,
functionalist look at the structure of the society, and how each part of
the structure functions in order to maintain a state of balance.
Sociologists have identified two types of functions:
a. Manifest Function - intended and commonly recognized (e.g., school - education)

b. Latent Function - unintended and commonly hidden (e.g., school - babysitting)
Page 10 of 13
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2. Conflict Theory
This theory is deeply rooted from the classical works of Karl Marx. It
perceives society as a system where different groups of people compete
for power and resources. Those who assume power have the tendency
to oppress those who have not. Hence, there is inequality wealth, power
and prestige. There is class struggle. Under this theory, Marx identificies
two broad classes of people:
a. Proletariats - working class who earn wages; often abused by the bourgeoisies
b. Bourgeoisies - wealthy owners of the means of production (farms/factories/businesses)
B. Micro Perspective
Concerned with the social dynamics of individuals interacting in small groups.
3. Symbolic Interactionist Theory
This theory created by sociologists such as Max Weber emphasized that

society is composed of people interacting with each other through the
use of symbols. It studies the different ways that individuals and small
groups create, disseminate, and/or interpret “reality” through their
everyday, face-to-face interactions.
Let’s take the dog for example. How do you perceive it? Some of us may answer pet. Some
of us may answer food. Our interpretation of the different symbols that we use in
communication affects our actions and relationships with others.
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COMPARISON OF THE DIFFERENT SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
AREAS OF STRUCTURAL CONFLICT SYMBOLIC

COMPARISON FUNCTIONALISM THEORY INTERACTIONISM
• Interdependent parts • Conflicting interests • Interaction between
of the society between groups or individuals as seen by
• “Interdependent parts” class their ways of
are: Institutions, Roles, • How are these communicating their
Norms, Values, conflicting interests own definition of what
Focus Customs, Traditions shown? a symbol is
• “Stratification
System” which
presents inequality
in wealth, power
and prestige
• Society is composed • Society is • Society was formed
of interdependent composed of when each person
parts which function different groups or communicates his
Meaning of
properly class with own definition of what
Society
conflicting interests a symbol is to another
who always struggle person
against each other
• The interdependent • There is scarcity of • We live in a world full
parts must function resources of symbols
properly for the • Because there is • We have our own
society to be in order conflict, there would definition, idea or
• The interdependent always be struggle perception of what a
parts are unified thus forming a particular symbol
• If each interdependent winner from the means to us
part function properly, loser; the • The society is a stage
there is “Equilibrium” or advantaged from where we humans are
balance in the society. the disadvantaged the actors. We share
Assumption
• The “3 Human our definition of what
about Society
Needs” (Wealth, a symbol means by
Power, Prestige) are interacting through
always in limited “Gestures”
supply, so that if one • “Meanings” emerge
group gains, the from social interaction
other group losses • Because we are
continually
interacting, shared
meanings are actually
changing
Analysis Level • Macrosociology • Macrosociology • Microsociology
• An understanding of • Uncovers the • An understanding of
the interdependent importance of human being as active
Advantages
parts and each must conflict in leading to actors in social life
be unified social change
• It does not see the • It always sees • Too much emphasis
possibility of conflict conflict and not the on the human being
possibility of any
Disadvantages unity or consensus
Page 12 of 13
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268
REFERENCE:
• Baleňa, E, .et al. (2016) Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics. Quezon City:
Educational Resource Corporation
• Carayugan, M., Malit-Alicante, F. (2014) Development of Sociology Handbook through
Assessing Importance and Relevance of Sociology Topics. Baguio City: University of the
Cordilleras.
• Lanuza, Gerry M. (2016) Understanding culture, society, and politics. First edition. Manila :
Rex Book Store
• Madrid, R., Santarita, J. (2016) Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics. Quezon City:
Vibal Group, Inc.
• Palispis, S., Sampa, E. (2015) Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology. Third Edition.
Manila: Rex Book Store
• Panopio, I., Raymundo A. (2004) Sociology: Focus on the Philippines. Quezon City: Ken Inc
• Schaefer, R. (2001). Sociology (7th Edition). New York: McGraw Hill.
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Understanding Culture,

Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600

WHAT IS SOCIAL SCIENCE?

Deals with the study of Deals with the study of

A. Origin and Development

Arrival of Spanish Conquistadores

Modern Anthropology was pioneered by. Lewis

To give an example, let’s focus on Edward Tylor. He is

theory and ideas still guide us in understanding culture.

Bronislaw Malinowski with natives on Trobriand Islands

In 1914, Anthropology was elevated as an academic

C. Importance | Solidarity. Tolerance. Appreciation. Respect. (S.T.A.R.)

A. Origins and Development

People in the ancient times were already studying

Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke,

The beginnings of 19th century saw massive changes in the

Meanwhile, sociology was introduced in the Philippines by Fr.

became the first text at the University of the Philippines.

Here are the sociologists who championed

C. Importance | Part of solution. Understanding of social change. Beauty in diversity. Genuine

WHAT IS POLITICAL SCIENCE?

A. Origins and Development

WHAT ARE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES?

1. Structural Functionalist Theory

a. Manifest Function - intended and commonly recognized (e.g., school - education)

3. Symbolic Interactionist Theory

This theory created by sociologists such as Max Weber emphasized that

COMPARISON OF THE DIFFERENT SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

AREAS OF STRUCTURAL CONFLICT SYMBOLIC

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