Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a

group or society. It shapes how people in a community interact, communicate, and view the
world. Culture is transmitted from one generation to another and influences various aspects of
life, including language, traditions, rituals, social norms, and ways of thinking.

Example of Culture:

Filipino Culture:

The Filipino culture is known for its strong family ties, respect for elders, religious traditions, and
a sense of hospitality. For instance, the Filipino custom of "pagmamano" (a gesture of respect
towards elders) is widely practiced across the country.

Aspects of Culture and Examples:

1. Language
o Definition: The system of communication used by a particular group or
society.
o Example:
 English in the U.S. and the U.K.
 Tagalog or Filipino in the Philippines.
2. Values
o Definition: The beliefs or ideals shared by a group that guide behavior
and decision-making.
o Example:
 "Bayanihan" (community spirit) in the Philippines.
 Individualism in Western cultures like the U.S.
3. Norms
o Definition: Rules and expectations for behavior within a society.
o Example:
 Respect for elders in Asian cultures, such as bowing in Japan or
"mano po" in the Philippines.
 Queuing (lining up) in an orderly fashion in Western countries.
4. Rituals and Traditions
o Definition: Repeated, established actions or ceremonies that hold cultural
significance.
o Example:
 Christmas celebration in the Philippines, which includes "Simbang
Gabi" (dawn masses) and Noche Buena (a feast on Christmas
Eve).
 Thanksgiving in the U.S., where families gather for a large meal.
5. Beliefs
o Definition: Ideas that people hold to be true.
o Example:
  Belief in Catholicism in the Philippines, where religious festivals
like Sinulog or Fiestas are widely celebrated.
 Belief in karma and reincarnation in Hinduism and Buddhism.
6. Social Institutions
o Definition: Structures and systems of a society that shape behavior and
maintain order.
o Example:
 The family unit as a central institution in many cultures.
 Educational systems, such as schools in most societies, that
teach cultural values and knowledge.
7. Art and Music
o Definition: Creative expressions of culture that convey ideas, emotions,
and values.
o Example:
 Tinikling (a traditional Filipino dance).
 Opera in Italy.
 K-pop in South Korea.
8. Cuisine
o Definition: The food and cooking practices associated with a culture.
o Example:
 Adobo and Sinigang in Filipino cuisine.
 Sushi in Japanese culture.
9. Symbols
o Definition: Objects, gestures, or images that carry specific meanings
within a culture.
o Example:
 The Philippine flag, representing the country’s independence and
patriotism.
 The cross in Christianity, symbolizing faith.
10. Technology and Material Culture
o Definition: The tools, technology, and physical objects that people in a
culture create and use.
o Example:
 Jeepney as a form of public transportation in the Philippines.
 Smartphones in global modern culture.

Culture as a Complex Whole

Culture is a system of shared beliefs, values, practices, behaviors, and artifacts that
define how people in a society interact and make sense of the world. It is not a single
element but a collection of aspects that are interconnected and work together to shape
the social fabric of communities. Culture is dynamic, multifaceted, and constantly
evolving, influenced by both historical factors and contemporary events. As such, it
shapes how individuals live, interact, and think on a daily basis. Here’s a discussion of
the characteristics of culture:

a. Dynamic, Flexible, & Adaptive

Culture is never static; it continuously evolves as societies change. People adapt their
cultural practices based on external factors like technological advancements,
globalization, and interaction with other cultures.

 Example:
The rise of digital technology has transformed the way cultures interact. In
many societies, traditional means of communication (such as letter-writing) have
been replaced by instant messaging and social media platforms, making
communication more dynamic and globalized.

b. Shared & Contested (Given the Reality of Social Differentiation)

Culture is shared by the members of a society, but this does not mean that all members
experience or interpret it the same way. Social differentiation, such as class, ethnicity,
or gender, leads to variations in how people experience and participate in culture. As a
result, cultural norms can be contested or challenged within society.

 Example:
The Black Lives Matter movement is an example of how culture is contested.
While equality is a shared value in many Western cultures, the experiences of
marginalized groups highlight differences in how that value is applied in reality.
The movement questions existing societal structures and seeks cultural reform to
align shared values with lived experiences.

c. Learned Through Socialization or Enculturation

Culture is not biologically inherited; it is learned. Socialization (the process of learning

social norms, values, and behaviors) begins in early childhood, often within the family
and community, and continues throughout life as individuals engage with institutions like
schools, peer groups, and the media.

 Example:
Children in Japan are taught to respect their elders, be polite, and maintain
harmony in social interactions. These cultural values are learned from parents,
teachers, and peers and are reinforced throughout their lives. Similarly, children
 in the U.S. may learn values like independence and individualism through school
and media.

d. Patterned Social Interactions

Culture provides a framework for how people in a society interact with each other.
Social norms, traditions, and rituals shape patterned behaviors that individuals are
expected to follow, creating order and predictability in social life.

 Example:
The way people greet each other varies by culture and follows a patterned
behavior. In many Western countries, shaking hands is common, while in Japan,
people bow as a sign of respect. These interactions follow specific cultural rules
that dictate the appropriate way to behave in social settings.

e. Integrated and at Times Unstable

Culture is integrated, meaning that all its parts—values, norms, language, and symbols
—are interconnected and depend on each other. However, cultural systems can
sometimes become unstable, particularly in times of rapid social or technological
change.

 Example:
The cultural shift caused by the internet and social media has created
instability in many traditional societies. In some countries, the younger
generation's adoption of digital culture clashes with the values of the older
generation, creating a gap in communication and understanding.

f. Transmitted Through Socialization/Enculturation

Culture is passed from one generation to the next through socialization, ensuring the
continuation of cultural practices and traditions. This transmission can occur both
consciously (through formal education) and unconsciously (through everyday
interactions).

 Example:
Festivals like Diwali in India or Thanksgiving in the U.S. are passed down
through generations. Families teach their children the significance of these
cultural events, ensuring that cultural practices endure over time.
g. Requires Language and Other Forms of Communication

Language is a fundamental aspect of culture, as it is the primary means through which

people communicate their beliefs, ideas, and values. Beyond spoken and written
language, other forms of communication, such as body language, symbols, and art, also
play a crucial role in transmitting culture.

 Example:
The Maori people of New Zealand use the haka (a traditional war dance) as a
form of non-verbal communication that conveys emotions, strength, and unity.
Similarly, language diversity, such as the more than 6,000 languages spoken
globally, reflects the richness and diversity of cultures around the world.

a. Dynamic, Flexible, & Adaptive

Culture is not static; it changes over time in response to internal and external factors.
People adapt their cultural practices to suit new conditions, technologies, and
environments.

 Example: In the Philippines, traditional modes of communication, like letter

writing, have adapted to modern technology, with people now using social media
platforms like Facebook and Twitter to stay connected.

b. Shared & Contested (Given the Reality of Social Differentiation)

Culture is shared by members of a society, but there can be differences based on social
groups such as class, gender, or ethnicity. Sometimes, different groups within a society
may contest certain cultural norms.

 Example: In the Philippines, while Catholicism is the dominant religion,

indigenous groups like the Lumads have their own spiritual practices that are
often at odds with mainstream beliefs.

c. Learned Through Socialization or Enculturation

Culture is not inherited biologically; it is learned through the process of socialization

(interacting with others) and enculturation (immersing oneself in one's own culture).
  Example: A Filipino child learns cultural values like "pakikisama" (getting along
well with others) and "utang na loob" (a deep sense of gratitude) from family and
community interactions.

d. Patterned Social Interactions

Cultural patterns form the basis of social interactions. These patterns are repeated
behaviors and practices that are observed in everyday life.

 Example: Greeting elders by putting their hand on one's forehead ("mano po") is
a patterned social interaction that signifies respect in Filipino culture.

e. Integrated and at Times Unstable

Culture is a system where various components (beliefs, customs, values) are

interconnected. However, culture can become unstable due to internal conflict or
external influences.

 Example: The integration of Western fashion into Filipino society has caused
shifts in traditional clothing, with some people favoring modern styles over
indigenous attire.

f. Transmitted Through Socialization/Enculturation

Culture is passed down from one generation to the next. Through socialization and
enculturation, individuals learn the cultural practices of their society.

 Example: Filipino festivals like "Sinulog" and "Ati-Atihan" are passed on through
generations, preserving the country's cultural heritage.

g. Requires Language and Other Forms of Communication

Culture relies on language and symbols for communication. Without language or other
means of expressing ideas, the transmission of cultural knowledge would be impossible.

 Example: The Filipino language includes expressions that embody cultural

values, such as "bayanihan," which refers to communal unity and cooperation.
Activity: Family Cultural Traditions and Practices Journal

Objective:
Students will explore and document their family's cultural traditions and practices, understanding
the various aspects of culture.

Instructions:

1. Part 1: Interview a Family Member

o Interview a parent, guardian, or elder in your household about cultural traditions
and practices that your family observes. Consider asking about:
 Family celebrations (holidays, birthdays, etc.)
 Rituals or religious practices
 Language and phrases commonly used in the household
 Traditional foods cooked in your home
 Arts or music your family enjoys
o Record their answers in a notebook or on paper.
2. Part 2: Cultural Traditions Journal
o Based on the interview, create a journal entry that discusses:
 The cultural practices you learned from the interview (use the
interview responses).
 How these practices align with broader Filipino culture or your local
community.
 Your thoughts on these practices: What do you find meaningful or
interesting? Have any of these changed over time?
3. Part 3: Reflection on Culture’s Role
o Write a short reflection (at least one paragraph) answering these questions:
 How do these traditions shape your identity and your family’s
interactions?
 Can you identify which aspects of culture are being transmitted through
these traditions (language, values, norms, etc.)?
 In what ways do you think your family’s culture has adapted or changed
due to external influences (modernization, globalization)?

Rubric:

 Content (30 points): Clear and detailed description of family traditions, practices, and
their connection to cultural aspects.
 Reflection (10 points): Thoughtful analysis of how culture influences family identity and
daily life.
 Presentation (10 points): Neat and well-organized journal entry.