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: Senior High School
Module 2 - UCSP Subject Teacher: HUMSS Faculty

DEFINING CULTURE
We often hear the word “culture” as something that is always associated with traditions and
indigenous practices. Culture, however, is more than just what is native. Culture is everywhere.
Culture is present whether you live in rural or urban areas. Culture can be seen in your daily
activities. Culture is deeply ingrained within our society. In this module, you will learn about the
definition, elements, characteristics, and hierarchy of culture.

Learning Objectives:
A. define terms related to culture;
B. describe culture as a complex whole;
C. identify elements of culture; and
D. become aware of why and how cultural relativism mitigates ethnocentrism.

WHAT IS CULTURE?

Culture is a way of life. It is a composite or multifarious areas that comprise beliefs, practices,
values, attitudes, laws, norms, artefacts, symbols, knowledge, and everything that a person
learns and share as a member of society. Culture serves as a foundation of human’s continuing
interaction with his surroundings. Culture makes it possible for a human to adapt and integrate
themselves to their environment by being creative and resourceful in coming up with way and
means of survival.

Defining Culture | Page 2 of 9

Edited By: Mr. Erwin John E. Resurreccion
 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: Senior High School
Module 2 - UCSP Subject Teacher: HUMSS Faculty

TYPES OF CULTURE

Culture comes in different shapes, forms, and manifestations. It can be a physical entity or
something that exists as an idea.

Material Culture Nonmaterial Culture

Physical objects or artifacts Intangible things or ideas

A. MATERIAL CULTURE

Composed of tangible things; reflects a society’s values and a society’s technology, the
knowledge that people apply to the task of living in their surroundings. Material culture usually
comes in the form of technology and art.

It is the practical application of knowledge in converting raw materials into finished

products. It refers to tools; in its broadest sense, it includes the skills or procedures to
make and use those tools.

Example: clothing, buildings, equipment, etc.

It is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a

visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for
their beauty or emotional power

Example: literature, drawing, music, drama

Defining Culture | Page 3 of 9

Edited By: Mr. Erwin John E. Resurreccion
 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: Senior High School
Module 2 - UCSP Subject Teacher: HUMSS Faculty

Defining Culture | Page 4 of 9

Edited By: Mr. Erwin John E. Resurreccion
 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: Senior High School
Module 2 - UCSP Subject Teacher: HUMSS Faculty

Defining Culture | Page 5 of 9

Edited By: Mr. Erwin John E. Resurreccion
 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: Senior High School
Module 2 - UCSP Subject Teacher: HUMSS Faculty

Defining Culture | Page 6 of 9

Edited By: Mr. Erwin John E. Resurreccion
 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: Senior High School
Module 2 - UCSP Subject Teacher: HUMSS Faculty

Defining Culture | Page 7 of 9

Edited By: Mr. Erwin John E. Resurreccion
 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: Senior High School
Module 2 - UCSP Subject Teacher: HUMSS Faculty

Defining Culture | Page 8 of 9

Edited By: Mr. Erwin John E. Resurreccion
 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: Senior High School
Module 2 - UCSP Subject Teacher: HUMSS Faculty

Defining Culture | Page 9 of 9

Edited By: Mr. Erwin John E. Resurreccion