K to 12 BASIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – CORE SUBJECT

Understanding Culture, Society and Politics

SOCIOLOGY AND THE STUDY OF SOCIETY POLITICAL SCIENCE & THE ART OF GOVERNANCE
Defining Sociology, its goals and perspectives Defining Political Science, its goals and perspectives

SOCIOLOGY – is a behavioral science that deals with the study of Political Science- the branch of social science that deals with systems of
society. government, and the analysis of political activities and behavior

Society- is a group of people living together in a definite territory and Power – the embodiment of the symbols whose meanings influence,
sharing a common culture control and shape the behavior of the members of society
Political Ideologies- these refer to the set of beliefs and doctrines that
Social behavior- a set of actions performed by individuals of the same serve as the guide in the political, economic and social action of a state
species when they interact with each other. Political Issues- – these are governmental and societal controversies
Societal norms- the behaviors that are considered acceptable in a group debated over time inclusive of divisive topics
or society Government- an institution run by the state and whose responsibility is tied
with delivering the needs of the citizens.
Theory- a statement or an approach that attempts to explain why certain
things are the way they are. Goals in Studying POLITICAL SCIENCE
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and principles of
Goals in Studying SOCIOLOGY political science.
1. Demonstrates an understanding of the concepts on cultural variation, 2. Deepen your knowledge and understanding in the field of government
social differences and social changes. and politics
2. Demonstrates an understanding of the significance of studying society. 3. train students to develop critical skills
3. Develops a comparative perspective to explain the diversity of human 4. Help students to obtain practical knowledge and insights on political
societies. issues
4. Describe how social structures and institutions operate. 5. Help the students understand why people behave the way they do
5. Communicate sociological concepts and its applications effectively. politically
Source: Ariola, Mariano M. (2016). Understanding Culture, Society and Politics, ISBN:978-971-
A group of people living together is considered to 9654-34-6, Unlimited Books Library Services and Publishing Inc. p.34-35
be a society if it has the following: characteristics:
Components of Politics
1. It comprises a complex whole. o Political Institutions - these comprise the state, government
2. It is relatively large. agencies, political systems and the functions of the political beings
or individuals within the institution
3. It provides means for socialization for its members.
o Political Ideologies - these refer to the set of beliefs and doctrines
4. It endures, produces and restrains its members for generations. that serve as the guide in the political, economic, and social action
5. The members of a society share a common culture. of a state. Foremost examples are democracy, monarchy,
6. It occupies a definite territory. dictatorship etc
o Political Parties - these are groups of certain individuals who aspire
Source: Ariola, Mariano M. (2016). Understanding Culture, Society and Politics, ISBN:978-971-9654- to occupy public office
34-6, Unlimited Books Library Services and Publishing Inc. p.40 o Political Issues - these are governmental and societal
controversies debated over time inclusive of divisive topics such
Sociological Perspectives on Culture and Society as abortion, taxation, foreign policy, free trade etc.
 Symbolic Interactionist Theory
- suggests that people attach meanings to symbols and Characteristics of Good Governance
they act according to their interpretation of these o Political o Equity
symbols. o Rule of Law o Effectiveness and
- believes that the process of interaction is an o Transparency Efficiency
indispensable one in any society o Responsiveness o Accountability
o Consensus Orientation o Strategic Vision
 Structural-Functional Theory (FUNCTIONALISM)
- views society as a complex whole with an
Approaches/Perspectives in the Study of Political Science
interconnected system wherein every part works
1. Traditional/Historical Approach - make some use of history to study the
together as a functional whole chronology and the historical development of government
- believes that society is held together by social structures and institutions
consensus in which members of the society agrees 2. Scientific/Behaviorarlist Approach - looks into the processes taking
and work together to achieve what is best for society place in political structures in order to understand how this affects
as a whole the functioning of the institution as a whole
3. Systems Approach / Structural-Functional Approach /General Systems
 Social Conflict Theory Theory Approach - highlights the importance of the different
- views society as a competition of limited resources structures or branches of government and the execution of their
- believes that the existence of these inequalities in a functions in order to ensure the stability of the political system
society usually have conflicting values and agenda 4. Political Economy Approach- Politics and economy are never entirely
that causes them to compete against one another separate phenomena. Economics involves conflict over scarce
- emphasizes that such conflicts between individuals resources while politics generally involves decisions about who
help them in motivating people and societies to evolve will pay and who will benefit from the production and distribution
of products and services.
over time
Source:
1.Ariola, Mariano M. (2016). Understanding Culture, Society and Politics, ISBN:978-971-9654-34-6, Source: Sadera, Jefferson M. et.al. (2018). Politics Governance for Senior High School, 978-
UnlimitedBooks Library Services and Publishing Inc. p.77-81. 9719676-86-7,Jimczyville Publications, p. 3-4
2. Retrieved August 20, 2020 from https://study.com/academy/lesson/sociologys-four-
theoretical-perspectives-structuralfunctional-social conflict-feminism-symbolic- UCSP/ HANDOUT 2 /WEEK 2. /M MAGAYANES /FIRST SEMESTER/ SY 2022 2023 /CSNHS SHS
interactionism.html