PHI 120 The Rationale of Studying Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology

CHAPTER 2
THE RATIONALE OF STUDYING ANTHROPOLOGY,
POLITICAL SCIENCE AND SOCIOLOGY

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:

1. Define anthropology, sociology and political science

2. Describe the branches of anthropology, sociology, and
political science and their subject of inquiry

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PHI 120 The Rationale of Studying Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology

ANTHROPOLOGY

Based on etymology, anthropology comes from the Greek words Anthropos which
means “man” and logos which means “science or study of.” Anthropology is a discipline
of infinite curiosity about human beings. It seeks to discover when, where, and why
humans appeared on earth. It looks at how humans have changed since then. It has
been defined as that branch of knowledge which deals with the scientific study of man,
his/her works behavior, and value in time and space. It is also referred to as a scientific
study of physical, social, and cultural development.

Anthropology as a Science
The proper sphere of anthropology as a science is to strive to secure historical,
sociological and psychological laws that describe the overall trends of processes among
the people of all prehistoric and historic periods.

Branches
1. Physical Anthropology – biological anthropology. It
deals with man’s biological foundation race
evolution, racial classification and differentiation.

2. Cultural Anthropology – social anthropology. Deals with

one of the most significant and revolutionary concepts in
the social sciences.

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PHI 120 The Rationale of Studying Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology

3. Archaeology – a branch of general anthropology. It

is concerned with the study of man’s culture and society in
the past (prehistoric times).

4. Linguistics - the systematic study of recorded and

unrecorded languages all over the world. It deals with the
relationship between language and culture and how the
culture affects the language vice versa.

SOCIOLOGY

The word “sociology”, based on etymology, comes from the words socius which
means “group of partners” and logos which means “science or study of.” Sociology deals
with the study of groups. According to H. Fichter,” sociology is the scientific study of
patterned, shared human behavior”. It deals with the study of group life.

Areas:
1. Social Organization – covers the study of various social
institutions, social groups, social stratification, social mobility,
bureaucracy, ethnic groups and relations, and other related
subjects. Topics like the family, education, politics, religion,
and economy are studied in this area.

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PHI 120 The Rationale of Studying Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology

2. Social Psychology – deals with the study of human nature

as an outcome of group life, social attitudes, collective
behavior and personality formation. It deals with the group
and the individuals’ traits, attitudes and beliefs as influenced
by group life. It views man with reference to group life.

3. Social Change and Disorganization – includes the studyof

the change in culture and social relations and the disruption
that may occur in the society. It deals with the study of current
social problems in society such as juvenile delinquency,
criminality, drug addiction, family conflicts, divorce,
population problems and other related subjects.

4. Human Ecology – studies the nature and behavior of a given

population and its relationship to the group’s present social
institutions.

5. Population or Demography – is the study of population

number, composition, and quality as they influence the
economic, political and social system.

6. Sociological Theory and Method – concerned with the

applicability and usefulness of the principles and theories of
group life as bases for the regulation of man’s social
environment. It Includes formulation of theories and testing
them as bases for the prediction and control of man’s social
environment.

7. Applied Sociology – utilizes the findings of pure sociological

research in various fields such as criminology, social work,
community development, education, industrial relations,
marriage, ethnic relations, family counseling and other
aspects and problems of daily life.

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PHI 120 The Rationale of Studying Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology

Sociology as a Science

Sociology as a science deals with the systematized or organized body of facts

about patterns of human interactions, of group life, and of people living in
interdependence.

POLITICAL SCIENCE
Focuses on the theory and practice of government and politics at the local state,
national and international levels. It is dedicated to developing understandings of
institutions, practices and relations that constitute public life and modes of inquiry that
promote citizenship.

RELATIONSHIP OF ANTHROPOLOGY WITH OTHER SOCIAL SCIENCES

Both sociology and anthropology are social sciences.
Sociology does not study behavior that is not social. Likewise, although
sociologists are interested in historical events and processes, they focus on
social patterns. Anthropology may be interested in economic and political
influences.
Psychology, history, economics, political science and social work among
others contribute information useful to sociology and anthropology.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

Both sciences attempt to understand the way of life of various cultures or
various societies.
Concepts in one discipline are used in the other.
The emphasis of sociology is on society and social processes, while that of
anthropology is on culture. It is a fact that society and culture are
interrelated and interdependent concepts.
Both sciences are also interested in the study of social issues. (Population
growth, environment, urban poverty, and similar subjects.)
Have common subjects. Both disciplines synthesize and generalize data
about human behavior and social systems. Both are related to humanities.

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PHI 120 The Rationale of Studying Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology

Activity 1 A Group Research

Directions: You will be grouped. Each group will conduct a research anchored on the listed
topics below:

Group 1: Philippine Communication

Group 2: Philippine Transportation
Group 3: Philippine Dances

Period Anthropology Sociology Political Science

Pre-Spanish

Spanish

American

Modern Society

After the conducted group research on the assigned topics, students will present their findings
through PowerPoint presentation. The group needs to post in the GC their work which will be
downloaded by each member of the class for reference during the presentation of the group.

Activity 2 Individual Research

Directions: Conduct an individual research on the basic concepts and goals of Sociology,
Anthropology and Political Science. Write them in bulleted form.

Name: Section:
Date:
Activity 2
Individual Research

 Sociology Anthropology Political Science

Goals:   

Basic Concepts:   

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PHI 120 The Rationale of Studying Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology

Activity 3 Poster Making

Directions: Make an illustrative interpretation of the theme “Society and Culture as a Complex
Whole”. The image below is an example. Do this in an Oslo paper. Write your name at the back
of your work.