ConceptS, Aspects and Changes

in/of Culture and Society

Cultural Relativism
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to:
1. explain the concept of society and culture in
anthropological and sociological perspective;
2. describe some major characteristics of society and
culture;
3. differentiate between the various meanings of
culture within society; and
4. appreciate the significance of culture in the society.
OVERVIEW
Culture and society are complexly related. As the
society changes, culture follows and vice versa. Today,
we consider the world very complicated, hence it is very
important to pay attention to the interplay of society and
culture. These two are fundamentals in understanding
human behavior, conduct and activities and social
groups against the backdrop of globalization and
industrialization. Therefore, students as individuals and
vital members of the society are expected to value their
roles in the society, apply the knowledge they learned
from school, and translate the gained knowledge/ideas
into actions beneficial to nation building.
OVERVIEW
In your preceding lesson, you have learned about the
nature, goals and perspectives in/of anthropology, sociology
and political science. Anthropology deals with the study of
human culture particularly the components, characteristics,
functions, modes, and adaptation of culture, as well as
culture values and practices (Ariola, 2012). Sociology deals
with the study of society and social interactions taking place
therein (Arcinas, 2016). Political science is a study and
research about human activity that deals, to a certain extent,
with power, conflict, and decision making (Francisco and
Francisco, 2015). In short, it deals with the study of the
state, its institutions, its laws and processes.
Activity 1: Picture Analysis
Directions: Write your impression/s about the
pictures/images below. Use separate sheet for your
answer.
Activity 1: Picture Analysis
Activity 2: Write the Difference
Directions: Copy the diagrams below in a separate sheet
of paper. Write the difference between culture and
society.
 Society refers to a group of people sharing
common culture within a defined territorial
boundary. Likewise, every human society is
organized in such a way that there are rules of
conduct, customs, traditions, folkways and
mores, and expectations that ensure
appropriate behaviors among members.
(Palispis, 2007). Thus, every society is
unique in terms of culture.
 Culture is a composite or multifarious area that comprise
beliefs, practices, values, attitudes, laws, norms, artifacts,
symbols, knowledge, and everything that a person learns
and shares as a member of society. Therefore, culture is:
1. a product of human interaction;
2. a social heritage that is complex and socially
transmitted;
3. provides socially acceptable patterns for meeting
biological and social needs;
4. a distinguishing factor;
5. cumulative; and
6. meaningful to human beings.
Aspects of Culture
1. dynamic, flexible and adaptive
2. shared and contested
3. learned through socialization or enculturation
4. patterned social interactions
5. integrated and at times unstable
6. transmitted through socialization
7. requires language and other forms of
communication
 The Social and Cultural Change
Change is something that presses us out of our comfort
zone. It is destiny-filtered, heart grown and faith built.
Change is inequitable; not a respecter of persons.
This is for the better or for the worst, depending on
where you view it. Change has an adjustment period
which varies on the individual. It is uncomfortable, for
changing from one state to the next upsets our control
over outcomes. Change has a ripping effect on those who
won’t let go.
 The Social and Cultural Change
Social change refers to an alteration in the social
order of a society. This may include changes in nature,
social institutions, social behaviors, or social relations.
An example of this is the change from the traditional
way of life to a more complex, technologically
advanced, and rapidly changing style of life in the
region and in the country in general. These changes are
because of industrialization, urbanization and
technology brought by the countries in the world.
 The Social and Cultural Change
Cultural change deals with the evolution of
cultural components. This is a modification of
a society through innovation, invention,
discovery, or contact with other societies. In
region 2, cultural changes are very evident
because of innovations, inventions and
discoveries. An example of this is the use of
reaper by the farmers during harvest time.
 Cultural Relativism
Culture is a composite or multifarious area that
comprises beliefs, practices, values, attitudes, laws, norms,
artifacts, symbols, knowledge and everything that a person
learns and shares as a member of society. As mentioned by
Dean Champion and his associates, the range of variations
between culture is almost endless and yet at all the same
time cultures ensemble one another in many important
ways.” Somehow, cultural variation is affected by man’s
geographical set-up and social experiences. Cultural
variation refers to the differences in social behaviors that
different cultures exhibit around the world.
 Have you ever seen or eaten food from
another place, such as dried squid or fried
crickets and think of it as weird and
gross? This is an example of
ethnocentrism. You are judging or making
assumptions about the food of other
countries based on your own norms,
values and beliefs.
 Ethnocentrism can lead to negative judgements
of the behaviors of groups of societies. It can also
lead to discrimination against people who are
different. On the other hand, ethnocentrism can
create loyalty among the same social group or
people in the same society. For example, during
the World Cup or Olympics, you may tend to root
for your own country and believe that the players
representing your country are better. National
pride is also part of ethnocentrism.
 Ethnocentrism can lead to negative judgements
of the behaviors of groups of societies. It can also
lead to discrimination against people who are
different. On the other hand, ethnocentrism can
create loyalty among the same social group or
people in the same society. For example, during
the World Cup or Olympics, you may tend to root
for your own country and believe that the players
representing your country are better. National
pride is also part of ethnocentrism.
 Using the perspective of cultural relativism
leads to the view that no one culture is superior
than another culture when compared to systems of
morality, law, politics etc. For example, you are
assessing one’s culture by its own standards rather
than viewing it through the lens of your own
culture. On the other hand, ethnocentrism is a
perception that arises from the fact that cultures
differ and each culture defines reality differently.