UNIT 1

LESSON 3: OBSERVATIONS ON SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND CULTURAL CHANGE

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The learners are expected to:

1. Demonstrate understanding about the significance of studying culture,

2. Adopt an open and critical attitude toward different social, political, and cultural phenomenon
through observation and reflection; and

3. Analyze social, political, and cultural change.

LEARNING CONTENT:

At the turn of the 20th century world-wide economic, social and political changes have
happened in many nations in manifold ways. Some of these changes have involved population
growth, migration and other derived social changes affecting almost all sectors of the society.

Global economic and social changes often cause despair and pave the way for the emergence
of illegal labor movements across nations. The situation is aggravated due to the prevalence of
poverty, the high demand of labor in the market and matched with unskilled workers available.
Only a limited number of incoming workers may enjoy their marginal social, cultural and
political existence owing to their educational background, acquired skills, training and
experiences.

Social changes come from various sources, through contact with other societies (e.g. diffusion),
changes in the ecosystem (that may result to the spread of certain diseases), technological
advancement (characterized by the Industrial Revolution), and population explosion and other
demographic variables. Social change may also be caused by ideological, economic, and political
activities.

MAJOR SOCIAL CHANGES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The 21st century has been characterized by the dynamic interaction between the advancing
technology and the improvement of economy and society. This development has always been
an integral dimension of human progress and history.

In retrospect, the massive transition from the agrarian society towards the industrial society
exemplifies the most pertinent illustration of the undeniably profound implications. The influx
and diffusion of new technologies in the human arena made family structures, work relations,
settlement patterns, economic and political power configurations, and also on behavior patterns
and value systems stronger and comfortably convenient. As we look forward to the decade or
so, obviously the main driving force for economic and social change will be information
technology.

The gradual development and diffusion that happened after the first quarter of the century is
believed to have been spurred by information technology which is on the verge of a new take-
off. Apparently, this is partly due to genuine technology evolution. Conversely, it is also partly
the effect of evolving economic and social structures. All in all, these are increasingly coping
with the new organizational and institutional designs required for the full and most effective use
of the new technology, thus, boosting now to the momentum of greater technological progress.

It has been said that technology is altering our society and changing our everyday lives. Hence,
any change in technology results to a change in the culture. Agreeably, we acknowledge that
technology is transforming every aspect of our lives. This truth will definitely continue to impact
our society in the succeeding centuries.

As far as the economy is concerned, many have realized that the era of globalization is now
upon us. Globalization as an overarching international system shaping the domestic politics,
economy and foreign relations of virtually every country has enabled the freedom of movement
for goods and people in the international market, and this is an ideology that is quite difficult to
resist. Many are convinced that the emergence of a global market economy, a process that has
only just begun, will bring unprecedented prosperity to millions.

At this juncture, let us consider some of the trending technologies.

TEXTING TECHNOLOGY

Way back, when we want to relay a message to a person from afar, we either use a landline
telephone or send a fax message, available only in homes, offices and buildings. Today, with
the use of a cellular phone, we can send messages at anytime, anywhere. This is the beauty of
technology on texting or text messaging. Text messaging or simply texting can be done by
composing and sending electronic messages from one person to another using mobile phones
or fixed or portable devices over a phone network. Technically, the term refers to messages
sent via the Short Message Service (SMS). Nowadays, the technology has expanded to include
multi-media messages (MMS) including images, videos, and sound content, as well as
ideograms, commonly known as emoji.

There are many advantages of text messaging or texting. It can be used to interact with others
using the automated systems. For instance, to order any product or in need of any service, to
apply for a loan, to pay your bills, to inquire about a possible job, etc. we use texting.
Advertisers and service providers also use direct text marketing for several purposes: to
message mobile phone users about promotions, payment due dates, and other notifications.
Text messaging is being used instead of the postal mail, e-mail, or voicemail. Arguably, the new
technology has indeed made tasks easier, communication faster, life more convenient.

Similarly, cell phones are turning to be a modern day necessity. This is true to every teenager
and adult alike. We as social beings are growing increasingly attached to these devices. We
depend so much on the use of these gadgets: for our communications with other people,
performing our job/ duties, and other daily activities that we must accomplish. Rarely can you
see a person in the right age without a cell phone. The use of the cell phone technology has
amazingly increased at a rapidly growing rate. It seems that anywhere you go you will notice
people glued to their phones screen, fingers typing, watching movies, online chatting with
friends or acquaintances, or engaged in online or built-in games. We see people using their cell
phones in schools, malls, and cars. We see them on sidewalks, streets, and in crossroads,
heads down typing away. In fact, we are one of those people with cell phones, tucked in our
pockets, inside our bags, or held tightly by our hand. Gone maybe the days when people would
consider the dog as their best friend; it is now the cell phone. On the contrary, what do you
think are some of the disadvantages or negative effects of texting to you personally and to our
society, in general?

SELFIE PHENOMENON

A selfie has been defined as a self-portrait photograph, normally shot with a digital camera or
camera phone held in the hand or braced by a selfie stick. These selfies are often posted on
social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They are usually gratifying
and made to appear unplanned. Most selfies are shot with a camera held at arm's length or
directed to a mirror, rather than by using a self-timer. As an improvisation, a selfie stick may be
used to broaden the perspective of view.

Self-esteem is important, and not always in a conceited way. It is on how we define ourselves,
and present ourselves for others to see. Through the selfie, we often count on others'
perceptions, assessments and appraisals to develop our social self. A carefully taken profile
picture or avatar is our way to present a certain side of ourselves to others. More often than
not, a posted selfie puts us on public stage where we are being liked or disliked by others.

Nowadays, the selfie has been expanded into “groufie” or “wefie.” Family and friends take
pictures of themselves for posterity. The selfie technology has undoubtedly captured the human
society by storm.