UCSP Reviewer for the First Quarter Exam:

Anthropology:

• Definition and Focus: Anthropology is the study of human beings, their ancestors, and related
primates, with a focus on cultures, traditions, and social interactions over time. It covers topics such as
human evolution, cultural practices, and social organization.

• Key Subfields:

o Cultural Anthropology: Focuses on understanding the cultural practices, beliefs, and norms of
different societies. It looks at rituals, ceremonies, and how these practices reflect deeper social
structures and values.

o Physical Anthropology: Examines human evolution, including the biological and physiological
changes of humans over time.

Sociology:

• Definition and Focus: Sociology is the study of society, social institutions, and social relationships. It
aims to understand how individuals interact with society and how social structures impact behavior.

• Perspectives in Sociology:

o Functionalist Perspective: Views society as a system of interconnected parts, where each part
has a function that contributes to the stability of the whole.

o Conflict Theory: Focuses on societal inequalities and conflicts, often emphasizing power
struggles between different groups.

o Symbolic Interactionism: Examines how individuals interact and create shared meanings
through symbols, gestures, and language.

• Importance of Sociology: It helps in understanding societal issues, social roles, and the impact of
social norms on individual behavior.

Political Science:

• Definition and Focus: Political science studies systems of governance, political activities, thoughts, and
behaviors. It examines how governments operate, the formulation of policies, and the political dynamics
within societies.

• Key Concepts:

o Constitution: The constitution is the fundamental set of laws that govern a nation, defining the
structure of government, rights of citizens, and duties of the state.

o Local Governance in the Philippines: The barangay serves as the smallest administrative
division, playing a significant role in community development and local decision-making.

Society and Community:

• Definition of Society: Society is a group of individuals who live in the same area and share common
customs, norms, and values. It facilitates relationships and interactions among its members, creating a
structured and organized community.

• Functions of Society:

o Social Integration: Society fosters relationships among individuals, creating a sense of

o Social Control: Through laws, norms, and customs, society regulates individual behavior to
maintain order.

Cultural Concepts:

• Culture: Culture consists of shared beliefs, values, customs, practices, and social behaviors within a
community. It shapes the way individuals live and interact with others.

• Cultural Adaptation and Change: Cultures are not static. They adapt and change in response to
external influences like globalization, technological advances, and intercultural exchanges.

• Cultural Relativism: This is the principle of understanding a culture based on its own values and
beliefs, without imposing external judgments. It contrasts with ethnocentrism, which evaluates other
cultures through the lens of one's own culture, often leading to biases and misunderstandings.
 • Cultural Diffusion: The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another, often
occurring through globalization or migration.

Globalization and its Impact on Culture:

• Cultural Exchange: Globalization promotes the exchange of ideas, traditions, and values across
different countries and cultures. This can lead to the blending of cultural practices, known as cultural
syncretism.

• Cultural Homogenization vs. Cultural Diversity: While globalization can result in a more uniform
global culture (cultural homogenization), it also promotes the recognition and preservation of local
cultures and traditions.

Urbanization and Society:

• Impact of Urbanization: Urbanization leads to the growth of cities, changes in social structures, and
adaptation of cultural practices. It often brings challenges such as housing shortages, environmental
stress, and the need for better infrastructure.

Socialization:

• Definition: Socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms,
values, customs, and behaviors appropriate to their culture and society.

• Types of Socialization:

o Primary Socialization: Occurs in early childhood within the family, where individuals first learn
cultural values and social norms.

o Secondary Socialization: Takes place outside the family, in schools, workplaces, and other
institutions, where individuals learn how to function in society's broader structures.

o Anticipatory Socialization: The process of learning and adopting the behaviors or standards
of a group to which one aspires to belong.

o Resocialization: A radical change in values, beliefs, or behavior, often occurring in new life
situations, such as moving to a new country or entering a different social institution.

Social Groups:

• Primary and Secondary Groups:

o Primary Groups: Small, intimate, and long-lasting groups, such as family or close friends, where
members interact on a personal level.

o Secondary Groups: Larger, more formal groups, such as schools, workplaces, or political
organizations, where interactions are more goal-oriented and less personal.

• Social Networks: Refers to the web of relationships and connections among individuals or groups,
playing a key role in social interaction, resource sharing, and collective action.

Social Functions of Groups:

• Social Control and Integration: Social groups help individuals adopt appropriate behaviors and values
that conform to societal expectations.

• Professional Networks: Secondary socialization in work settings helps individuals navigate

Contemporary Social Issues:

• Globalization of Social Media: The rise of social media has transformed how individuals communicate
and connect, leading to greater access to information and cross-cultural interactions but also contributing
to issues like cyberbullying and misinformation.

• Environmental Sustainability: The global community faces challenges like climate change, pollution,
and resource depletion, with local efforts such as recycling programs and clean-up drives becoming
increasingly important in promoting sustainability.

Societies Through History:

• Hunting and Gathering Societies: Early human societies that relied on foraging and hunting for
survival.

• Agrarian Societies: Based on agriculture, these societies were characterized by a focus on farming and
animal domestication, leading to settled communities and the rise of complex social structures.
 • Industrial Societies: Emerged with the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing mechanized production and
urbanization, which transformed social relations and economic practices.

Cultural Heritage in the Philippines:

• Philippine Eagle Conservation: Efforts like the Philippine Eagle Center play a crucial role in preserving
the biodiversity and cultural significance of this endangered species.

• Cultural Symbols and Practices:

o Barong Tagalog: A symbol of Filipino identity and cultural heritage, representing purity,
modesty, and resilience.

o Jeepney: A symbol of Filipino creativity and resourcefulness, the jeepney reflects post-war
ingenuity by adapting surplus military vehicles into public transport.