ANTHROPOLOGICAL

PERSPECTIVES ON
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Introduction…
Humans are interesting subjects to study. The human story has a lot to say
from their way of living to the associations they form. The two interrelated
scientific studies of society colloquially known as the twin social sciences
are anthropology and sociology.
In sociology, society is the leading concept while culture is subordinate.
In anthropology, on the other hand, culture comes first as a subject matter
followed by society.
Sociology…
Society is a community or group of individuals joined together by
sustained bonds and interactions. It includes the origin, existence and
interrelationship of groups or institutions within the community.
A society, in terms of sociology, is a group of people living and
interacting with one another to create a culture. Its population is bound by a
shared culture-−beliefs, attitudes, languages, and institutions
Anthropology…
Culture is a way of life. It includes symbols, languages, values and norms.
According to many anthropologists, culture is defined as a set of learned behaviors
and beliefs that characterize a group of people.
When talking about culture, we are mostly talking about tangible factors which
include language, technology, and institutions like our churches, schools, or houses.
However, culture also has intangible aspects such as our values and behaviors. It also
includes norms, the standards or rules of acceptable behavior. Culture is what makes
society a collective whole. It gives the community its form, shape, and identity.
Society & Culture as a Complex
Whole
Edward B. Tylor defined culture as "that complex whole which
includes knowledge, art, belief, law, morals, custom, and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."
With this premise, it can be said that:
 Edward B. Tylor defined culture as "that complex whole which
includes knowledge, art, belief, law, morals, custom, and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."
With this premise, it can be said that:

Culture is a product of society. These

two exist dependently on each other.
 Edward B. Tylor defined culture as "that complex whole which
includes knowledge, art, belief, law, morals, custom, and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."
With this premise, it can be said that:

Culture, just like every person in

society, is susceptible to change or
death.
 Edward B. Tylor defined culture as "that complex whole which
includes knowledge, art, belief, law, morals, custom, and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."
With this premise, it can be said that:

 Society is not constant. Its members change from time to

time. As a result, culture changes along. New trends
exist. New technologies are invented, and new means of
interaction have been created.
 Edward B. Tylor defined culture as "that complex whole which
includes knowledge, art, belief, law, morals, custom, and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."
With this premise, it can be said that:

 People evolve over time because of their

exposure to renewed or changed laws, values,
and standards of society.
Theories on Culture & Society
There are different lenses or theories used to view culture and society.
Sociology uses three major paradigms in viewing society, and these are
structural functionalism, critical theory, and the interpretive approach.
 
1. Structural Functionalism focuses on the interrelated parts of society and
the important functions they perform to sustain its needs. Like an
organism with different body parts, society has various institutions with
unique roles for its survival.
Theories on Culture & Society
2. Critical Theory is considered as a conflict theory since it
focuses on the inequalities present in society. It sees culture and
social as a mechanism of superior groups to further take advantage
of other sectors in society. This can be changed and challenged by
subordinate groups through revolutionary means. Karl Marx is one
of the most prominent names associated with this theory.
Theories on Culture & Society
3. Interpretive Approach deals with micro interactions and
relationships of people within society. It explains how people, as
members of society, make sense of their world and attach meaning to it.
This theory places premium significance to language and symbols that
people use to communicate with each other. Herbert Blumer coined the
term symbolic interactionism which asserts that relationships are
facilitated by using symbols, interpretation and attaching meaning to
one’s and others’ action.
Approaches…
Theory View on Society View on Culture
Structural Has different parts with Functional for society’s survival
Functionalism various important functions
to maintain social order
Conflict Composed of different Used by dominant groups to further rule
groups with prevailing social society
inequalities that needs to be
changed in disorderly manner
Interpretive Played by actors that make Communicated and interpreted by
sense of his world through individuals
symbols