SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL- Understanding Culture, Society and Politics

Name: ________________________________ Date Submitted: ______________

Grade and Section: ______________________

I.MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY

a. Most Essential Learning Competency

Discuss the nature, goals, and perspectives in/of anthropology, sociology
and political science.
b. Objectives
At the end of this learning activity, learners will be able to:
• define and differentiate the nature, goals and perspectives of
Anthropology, Sociology and Political Science as branches of
social science;
• articulate the significance of studying Anthropology, Sociology
and Political Science; and
• appreciate the value of disciplines of Anthropology, Sociology and
Political Science as social sciences.

II. OVERVIEW

You, as a twenty-first century learner who lives in the era where change
happens in just a blink should be equipped with an understanding of the changes
that take place in some aspects of culture, societal norms and laws. You need to
know the factors that caused these changes for you to be aware of how you will
fit in, and what relevant actions can be done as a member of society. Change is
certainly inevitable and it affects us in several aspects. We should not deter these
changes but instead, we should adapt to it, live with it, and embrace it. As the
cliché goes, nothing is permanent in this world except change. And so indeed,
the world is changing and so are we – our cultures, our societies, and our politics.
Now, let us try to define these three giants of social sciences –
Anthropology, Sociology and Politics.
Anthropology is defined as the study of humanity. It is derived from the
two Greek words “anthropos” which means man and “logos” means study. It is the
study of the varying culture that makes us human.
Cultural variation refers to the differences in social behaviors that different
culture exhibits around the world. Anthropologists takes a broad approach in
understanding the different aspects of human experience, which we call holism.

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Furthermore, the differences and similarities by which individuals live, act and interact is
a manifestation of the numerous aspects of human existence. One of these aspects is
man’s unique social behavior tied to their cultural backgrounds.
Culture is the invisible bond which ties people coming from the same society
together. It affects our judgment skills, perceptions, attitudes and even our emotions. It
has a direct impact on our behavior. Thus, the culture we have shapes our values and
belief systems which influences our personalities. Furthermore, our culture gives us our
identity and sense of belongingness to our community. It is for this reason that
understanding culture is important and this is the focus of one field in social sciences
called cultural anthropology.
Sociology is a behavioral science that deals with the study of society. Derived
from the two Greek terms “socius” which means group or partners and “logos” which
means study. A group of people living together is considered to be a society if it has the
following characteristics:
1. It comprises a complex whole - As a complex whole, it is made up of
individuals and groups that interact in a relatively stable and patterned manner.
2. It is relatively large–People must be socially integrated to be considered
relatively large than being individually scattered.
3. It provides means for socialization for its members - Societal norms can be
shared and taught to those people who come from other societies before being
accepted as functioning members of a certain society.
4. It endures, produces and restrains its members for generations-
For a society to survive, it must have the ability to produce, endure and sustain
its new members for generations.
5. The members of a society share a common culture –All members of society
are bonded by the same culture.
6. It occupies a definite territory – The members in a society must live in a
certain specific habitat or place and have a feeling of belongingness and sense
of purpose.

Political Science is the branch of social science that is responsible in the study
of the activities of the government and institutions in determining who gets what and
how. The term politics emanates from the Greek word “politika” meaning the affairs of
the cities. It is basically the study or practice of the distribution of power and resources
within a given community.
Politics has three forms: Formal, Semi-formal and Informal. Formal politics pertains
to the structured and defined operation of a constitutional framework, institutions and
methods. An example of this is the public policy discussion. Semi-formal politics on the
other hand includes neighborhood associations and student governments where political
party exists. Lastly, informal politics which is also known as the everyday politics affects
the everyday lives of man like how the household or office is managed and how a person
impacts one another.

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 The following are the components of politics:

• Political Institutions – these comprise the state, government agencies, political

systems and the functions of the political beings or individuals within the institution.
• Political Ideologies–these refer to the set of beliefs and doctrines that serve as the
guide in the political, economic, and social action of a state. Foremost examples are
democracy, monarchy, dictatorship etc.
• Political Parties – these are groups of certain individuals who aspire to occupy public
office.
• Political Issues - these are governmental and societal controversies debated over
time inclusive of divisive topics such as abortion, taxation, foreign policy, free trade
etc.

DISTINGUISHING THE NATURE, GOALS AND PERSPECTIVES OF

ANTHROPOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
The table below shows the difference of Anthropology, Sociology and Political
Science in terms of its nature, goals and perspectives/approaches.
Branch of
social Nature Goal/s Perspectives/Approaches
science
Anthropology A systematic • Explore and study the • Cross-cultural or
study of the various cultures of comparative emphasis.
biological, man.
cultural and • Evolutionary/historical
• Realize that
social aspects emphasis, ecological
of man. anthropology as a emphasis.
discipline has a
strong commitment to • Holistic emphasis.
issues of social
justice.
• Understand the
process of
anthropological
interpretation and
representation.
Sociology The study of • Demonstrates an •Symbolic Interactionist
human social understanding of the Theory
life, groups and concepts on cultural
society. It
variation, social •Structural-Functional
attempts to
provide a differences and social Theory
deeper changes.
assessment of • Demonstrates an •Social Conflict Theory
individual and understanding of the
group behavior,
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 as well as significance of
social studying society.
phenomena. • Develops a
comparative
perspective to explain
the diversity of
human societies.
• Describe how social
structures and
institutions operate.
• Communicate
sociological concepts
and its applications
effectively.
Political A systematic • Demonstrate an • Traditional/Historical
Science study of politics understanding of the Approach
which focuses concepts and
on values of
principles of political • Scientific/Behavioralist
equality, Approach
freedom and science.
justice • Deepens your • Systems Approach
knowledge and
understanding in the • Structural-Functional
field of government Approach
and politics.
• Political Science • General Systems Theory
Approach
trains students to
develop critical skills. • Political Economy
• Helps students to Approach
obtain practical
knowledge and
insights on political
issues.
• Helps the students
understand why
people behave the
way they do
politically.

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 III. ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Directions: Read each statement below. State whether you AGREE
or DISAGREE to each of the statement.

1. Culture makes an individual unique.

2. Cultural problems arise when the environment changes but remained the same.
3. Culture can be lost or forgotten.
4. Society shapes the social behavior of man.
5. Just like culture, society is also a complex whole.
6. Sociological perspective highlights the importance of studying our society.
7. Political science as a field of discipline is under the umbrella organization of natural
science.
8. The barangay is the basic unit of the society.
9. Issues like abortion, free trade and war on drugs are examples of political
institutions.
10. Monarchy is an example of political ideology.

Activity 2: Read and analyze the statements in each item. Be able to

distinguish whether the following statements describe ANTHROPOLOGY,
SOCIOLOGY OR POLITICAL SCIENCE.

1. A systematic study of the biological, cultural and social aspects of man.

2. A systematic study of politics which focuses on values of equality, freedom and
justice.
3. The study of human social life, groups and society. It attempts to provide a
deeper assessment of individual and group behavior, as well as social
phenomena.
4. Political issues are governmental and societal controversies debated over time
inclusive of divisive topics such as abortion, taxation, foreign policy, free trade etc.
5. Political Institutions comprise the state, government agencies, political systems
and the functions of the political beings or individuals within the institution.
6. Our culture shapes our values and belief systems which influences our
personalities.
7. Societal norms can be shared and taught to those people who come from other
societies before being accepted as functioning members of a certain society.
8. Members of a specific society shares the same culture.
9. Society is held together by social consensus in which members of the society
agrees and work together to achieve what is best for society as a whole.
10. Culture is the blueprint of humanity.

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 Activity 3: Arrange the words inside the box to create a meaningful statement.
1. Society behavior social shapes of man the.

2. social behaviors Cultural variation differences in that different culture

exhibits around the world refers to the

that transform cultural human interactions and social institutions

3. Social change are changes in and relationships

4. and resources basically the Politics is study of power within a

given community or practice of the distribution

5. disciplines that are a group of behave within society academic

focus on how individuals Social sciences

ASSESSMENT: Review and analyze the concepts of the three broad categories
of social science. Make a graphic organizer to distinguish the difference
between Anthropology, Sociology and Political Science.

IV. RUBRIC FOR SCORING

(5) (3) (1)

Quality of All concepts related to Only two categories Only one category of
Analysis Anthropology, Sociology of social science social science was
and Political Science were grouped grouped correctly.
were grouped correctly. correctly.

Content Five ideas were Three ideas were Only one idea was
identified in each identified in each identified in each
category of social category of social category of social
science. science. science.
Artistry Used appropriate, Used appropriate and Used appropriate
colorful and well- colorful graphic graphic organizer but
organized graphic organizer but failed to failed to make it
organizer in presenting organize the thoughts colorful and creative.
all the needed concepts. properly.

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 V. REFERENCES

• Ariola, Mariano M. (2016). Understanding Culture, Society and Politics,

ISBN:978-971-9654-34-6, Unlimited Books Library Services and Publishing
Inc. pp.40, 74-77.
• Retrieved August 20, 2020 from
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/pontifical-and-royal-university-of-
santo-tomas-the-catholic-university-of-the-philippines/the-contemporary-
world/lecture-notes/final-ucsp-module-very-good/5432381/view
• Retrieved August 20, 2020 from
https://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/samplechapter/0/2/0/5/0205260012.
pdf
• Dungeon, Roy C. “The Anthropological Perspective: What Makes it Unique”
• “Why is Anthropology Important.” https://classroom.synonym.com/why-is-
anthropology-important-12080725.html
• Ariola, Mariano M. (2016). Understanding Culture, Society and Politics,
ISBN:978-971-9654-34-6, Unlimited Books Library Services and Publishing
Inc. pp.85-86, 40, 77-81 Retrieved August 20, 2020 from
https://study.com/academy/lesson/sociologys-four-theoretical-perspectives
structural-functional-socialconflict-feminism-symbolic-interactionism.html
• Ariola, Mariano M. (2016). Understanding Culture, Society and Politics,
ISBN:978-971-9654-34-6, Unlimited Books Library Services and Publishing
Inc. pp. 29, 34-35
• Sadera, Jefferson M. et.al. (2018). Politics Governance for Senior High
School, 978-9719676-86-7,Jimczyville Publications, p. 1-7

VI. KEY TO CORRECTION

ACTIVITY 1
1. AGREE
2. AGREE
3. AGREE
4. AGREE
5. AGREE
6. AGREE
7. DISAGREE
8. DISAGREE
9. DISAGREE
10. DISAGREE

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Activity 2

1. Anthropology
2. Political Science
3. Sociology
4. Political Science
5. Political Science
6. Anthropology
7. Sociology
8. Sociology
9. Sociology
10. Anthropology

Activity 3

1. Society shapes the social behavior of man.

2. Cultural variation refers to the differences in social behaviors that different culture
exhibits around the world.
3. Social change are changes in human interactions and relationships that
transform cultural and social institutions.
4. Politics the study or practice of the distribution of power and resources within a
given community.
5. Social sciences are a group of academic disciplines that focus on how
individuals behave within society.

Assessment
Answers may vary. Please refer to the provided rubric.

Prepared by:
MA. CRISTINA L. CONSUELO
SHS Teacher III
Paulba National High School
LIGAO CITY DIVISION

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