LESSON 1: The nature, goals and perspectives of anthropology,

sociology and political science

1. Anthropology
- relates to sociology, it always describes human, human behavior and
human societies around the world. It is a comparative science that examines
all societies. The term anthropology means scientific study of man or human
beings.
Cultural anthropology studies, human societies and elements of
cultural life. An example of cultural anthropology is the Linguistic anthropology
which focuses on language in a certain society. The goal of studying
anthropology is to understand the origin human evolution and the diverse
forms of its existence throughout time.
The study of Man and its various aspects is known as Anthropology. It
may be a subject of science and arts. It is a branch of sociology. It describes
human, human behavior and human societies and it examines all societies
around the world. It also describes the ancestors through time and space in
relation to its environmental, social relations, and culture.

2. Sociology
is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s
subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to
the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a
common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole
societies. The purpose of sociology is to understand how human action and
consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and
social structures.
Sociology is a social science; it belongs to the family of social sciences.
As a social science, focuses its aspects on man, his social manners, social
activities and social life. The goal of sociology is to help you understand
how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by the
surrounding cultural and social structures.

3. Political Science
is a social science that deals with humans and their interactions. It is a
branch of sociology; it essentially deals with the large-scale actions of
humans, and group mentality. It is a discipline that deals with several
aspects such as the study of state and government. It deals with the nature
and formation of the state and attempts to understand its forms and
functions. The goal of Political Science is to constantly deepen the
knowledge, discover progress and protect the quality of life within a group,
community, country, and the world. Thus, it is the study of power
relationships and competing interests among states around the world.
Perspectives pertains to a particular way of thinking about something, especially one that is influenced
by a certain beliefs or experiences.

4. Anthropological perspectives

 Holism - Anthropologists are interested in the whole of humanity, in how various aspects
of life interact. One cannot fully appreciate what it means to be human by studying a single
aspect of our complex histories, languages, bodies, or societies. By using a holistic approach,
anthropologists ask how different aspects of human life influence one another.
 Cultural Relativism - The guiding philosophy of modern anthropology is cultural
relativism—the idea that we should seek to understand another person’s beliefs and behaviors
from the perspective of their culture rather than our own. Anthropologists do not judge other
cultures based on their values nor do they view other ways of doing things as inferior.
Instead, anthropologists seek to understand people’s beliefs within the system they have for
explaining things.
 Comparison - Anthropologists of all the subfields use comparison to learn what humans
have in common, how we differ, and how we change. Anthropologists ask questions like: How
do chimpanzees differ from humans? How do different languages adapt to new
technologies? How do countries respond differently to immigration? In cultural
anthropology, we compare ideas, morals, practices, and systems within or between cultures.
We might compare the roles of men and women in different societies, or contrast how
different religious groups conflict within a given society. Like other disciplines that use
comparative approaches, such as sociology or psychology, anthropologists make
comparisons between people in a given society. Unlike these other disciplines,
anthropologists also compare across societies, and between humans and other primates. In
essence, anthropological comparisons span societies, cultures, time, place, and species. It is
through comparison that we learn more about the range of possible responses to varying
contexts and problems.
 Fieldwork - Anthropologists conduct their research in the field with the species,
civilization, or groups of people they are studying. In cultural anthropology, our fieldwork
is referred to as ethnography, which is both the process and result of cultural
anthropological research. The Greek term “ethno” refers to people, and “graphy” refers to
writing. The ethnographic process involves the research method of participant-
observation fieldwork: you participate in people’s lives, while observing them and taking
field notes that, along with interviews and surveys, constitute the research data. This research
is inductive: based on day-to-day observations, the anthropologist asks increasingly specific
questions about the group or about the human condition more broadly. Often times,
informants actively participate in the research process, helping the anthropologist ask
better questions and understand different perspectives.

5. Sociological perspective
introduces the discipline of sociology, including something about its history,
questions, theory, and scientific methods, and what distinguishes it from other
social science disciplines. Central features include social interaction and
relationships, social contexts, social structure, social change, the significance of
 diversity and human variation, and the critical, questioning character of sociology.
It also explores what sociologists do.

Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives:

1. The Functionalist Perspective - According to the functionalist perspective of sociology,

each aspect of society is interdependent and contributes to society's stability and functioning
as a whole. For example, the government provides education for the children of the family,
which in turn pays taxes on which the state depends to keep itself running. That is, the
family is dependent upon the school to help children grow up to have good jobs so that they
can raise and support their own families. In the process, the children become law-abiding,
taxpaying citizens, who in turn support the state. If all goes well, the parts of society
produce order, stability, and productivity. If all does not go well, the parts of society then
must adapt to recapture a new order, stability, and productivity. For example, during a
financial recession with its high rates of unemployment and inflation, social programs are
trimmed or cut. Schools offer fewer programs. Families tighten their budgets. And a new
social order, stability, and productivity occur.

This perspective is based on the theory of Functionalism by EMILE DURKHEIM which

emphasizes a societal equilibrium (there is a dynamic working balance among its
interdependent parts). If something happens to disrupt the order and the flow of the system,
society must adjust to achieve a stable state.

2. The Symbolic Interactionism - Symbolic interactionism theory (by George

Herbert Mead) assumes that people respond to elements (symbols) of their environments
according to the subjective meanings they attach to those elements, such as meanings being
created and modified through social interaction involving symbolic communication with
other people.

3. The Conflict Perspective - The Conflict perspective refers to the inequalities that exist in
all societies globally. Conflict theory is particularly interested in the various aspects
of master status in social position—the primary identifying characteristic of an individual
seen in terms of race or ethnicity, sex or gender, age, religion, ability or disability, and socio-
economic status. According to the Conflict paradigm, every society is plagued by inequality
based on social differences among the dominant group and all of the other groups in society.
When we are analyzing any element of society from this perspective, we need to look at the
structures of wealth, power and status, and the ways in which those structures maintain
social, economic, political and coercive power of one group at the expense of others.

Conflict theory, first purported by Karl Marx, is a theory that society is in a state of perpetual
conflict because of competition for limited resources.
Marx’s version of conflict theory focused on the conflict between two primary classes.
 The bourgeoisie, a group of people that represented members of society who hold the
majority of the wealth .
 The proletariat is the other group: it includes those considered working class or poor.

6. Theoretical perspective
is used to analyze and explain objects of social study and facilitate
organizing sociological knowledge. In functionalist perspective, societies
 are thought to function like organisms, with various social institutions
working together like organs to maintain and reproduce societies. The
conflict perspective sees social life as a competition, and focuses on the
distribution of resources, power, and inequality.

A theoretical perspective, or more briefly, a “theory” is not just an idea that someone has.
Rather it is a structural framework, explanation, or tool that has been tested and
evaluated over time. Theories are developed and utilized via scholarship, research,
discussion, and debate.

7. Political science perspective

studies the tendencies and actions of people which cannot be easily
quantified or examined. Political science is more focused than most social
sciences. It sticks to the political arena and to the realm of politics, either
dealing with situations with two competing sides or the lateral decisions that
affect the group as a whole. An example is the study of democracy as a form of
government and why is democracy considered as the best form of
government.
ACTIVITY 1: GIVE ME THE DETAILS
Directions: Enumerate the perspectives of anthropology, sociology and political science. Then, give
examples of how they are being used in society. Write your answers in a 1 whole sheet of paper.

A. Anthropology

Perspectives Examples
1.

2.

3.

4.

B. Sociology
Perspectives Examples
1.

2.

3.

C. Political Science
Perspectives Examples
1.
QUIZ #1: SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Test I: Enumeration
Directions: List down or enumerate what are being asked on each of the following item.

1-3. Enumerate the three disciplines that are the primary focus of the subject, UCSP.
4-6. Enumerate the three main branches of sociology.
7-9. Enumerate the three branches of the Philippine government wherein power is equally divided.
10-18. Enumerate the nine (9) disciplines of Social Science.
19-20. Enumerate at least two social institutions that help fulfill important needs in society.

Test II: Identification

Directions: Identify what is being asked in the following sentences.

1. It always describes human, human behavior and human societies around the world.
2. It is a social science that deals with humans and their interactions.
3. It is the study of human social relationships and institutions.
4. This term means scientific study of man or human beings.
5. It is a branch of science/ human knowledge which studies the human society and social relationship.
6. It is the study of earlier cultures and ways of life by way of retrieving and examining the material
remains of previous human societies.
7. It is the study human biological origins and the variations in human species.
8. It studies, human societies and elements of cultural.
9. Political Science is the study of interactions between the people and the _________.
10. These are the preserved remnants, or traces of remains, of ancient organisms that aid anthropologists
in their study of earlier human societies.

Test III: TRUE OR FALSE

Directions: True or False. Analyze each statement. Write T If the statement is true and write F if the
statement is false. Write your answer on the blank provided before the number.

_____ 1) Perspectives pertains to a particular way of thinking about something, especially one that is
influenced by a certain beliefs or experiences.
_____ 2) Theoretical perspective is used to analyze and explain objects of social study and facilitate
organizing sociological knowledge.
_____ 3) Culture refer to the state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person
or thing.
_____ 4) One cannot fully appreciate what it means to be human by studying a single aspect of our
complex histories, languages, bodies, or societies.
_____ 5) Sociological perspective sees social life as a competition, and focuses on the distribution of
resources, power, and inequality.
_____ 6) The bourgeoisie, a group of people that represented members of society who hold the majority
of the wealth.
_____ 7) According to the conflict theory by Karl Marx, each aspect (institutions) of society is
interdependent and contributes to society's functioning as a whole.
_____ 8) Symbolic interactionism theory was conceived by Emile Durkheim which assumes that people
respond to elements (symbols) of their environments according to the subjective meanings they attach to
those elements.
_____ 9) Political science is more focused than most social sciences. It sticks to the political arena and to
the realm of politics.
_____ 10) Anthropologists of all the subfields use holism to learn what humans have in common, how we
differ, and how we change.
Lesson 2: The Concept of Society
MEANING AND NATURE OF SOCIETY
According to sociologist, a society is a group of people with common territory, interaction, and
culture. Arcinas (2016) in his book, Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics, defined society as
group of people who share a common territory and culture. It is a group of people living together in
a definite territory, having a sense of belongingness, mutually interdependent of each other, and
follow a certain way of life. Society is derived from the Latin term “societas”, from socius, which
means companion or associate. Thus, it refers to all people, collectively regarded as constituting a
community of related, interdependent individuals living in a definite place, following a certain
mode of life (Ariola, 2012).

The following are reasons people live together as a society (Ariola, 2012):
a. For survival – No man is an island. No man can live alone. From birth to death, man always
depends upon his parents and from others. The care, support, and protection given by them are
important factors for survival.
b. Feeling of gregariousness – This is the desire of people to be with other people, especially of
their own culture. People flock together for emotional warmth and belongingness. the need for
approval, sympathy and understanding to which the individual belongs is a psychosocial need.
Among Filipinos, the feeling of gregariousness is found in all levels of society, especially among the
lower socio-economic classes. The more the person is needy, the more he craves sympathy and
understanding from someone else.
c. Specialization – Teachers, businessmen, students, physicians, nurses, lawyers, pharmacists, and
other professionals organize themselves into societies or associations to promote and protect their
own professions.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIETY
1. It is a social system. A social system consists of individuals interacting with each other. A system
consists of sub-parts whereby a change in one part affects the other parts. Thus, a change in one
group of individuals will affect the stability of the other parts of the system.
2. It is relatively large. The people must be socially integrated to be considered relatively large
than if the people are individually scattered. Thus, the people in a family, clan, tribe, neighborhood,
community are socially integrated to be relatively large in scope.
3. It socializes its members and from those from without. Since most of society’s members are
born to it, they are taught the basic norms and expectations. Those who come from other societies,
before being accepted as functioning members, are socialized and taught the basic norms and
expectations of the society.
4. It endures, produces and sustains its members for generations. For society to survive, it must
have the ability to produce, endure and sustain its new members for at least several generations.
For instance, if a society cannot assist its members during their extreme conditions of hunger and
poverty, that society will not survive long.
5. It holds its members through a common culture. The individuals in a society are held together
because that society has symbols, norms, values, patterns of interaction, vision and mission that are
commonly shared by the members of such society.
6. It has clearly-defined geographical territory. The members in a society must live in a certain
specific habitat or place and have a common belongingness and sense of purpose.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF SOCIETY

A society is important because they have the following functions:
1. It provides a system of socialization. Knowledge and skills, dominant patterns of behavior,
moral and social values, and aspects of personality are transmitted to each members, especially to
the young. the family, the peer group, the school, the church and other government, and non-
government organizations play a role in the individual’s development.
2. It provides the basic needs of its members. Food, clothing, shelter, medicine, education,
transportations and communication facilities, among others must be provided by society to satisfy
the basic needs of its members.
3. It regulates and controls people’s behavior. Conformity to the prevailing norms of conduct
ensures social control. The police, armed forces, law enforcement agencies and even the church and
other government and non-government organizations exist as means of social control. Peace and
order are created through a system of norms and formal organizations.
4. It provides the means of social participation. Through social participation, the individuals in a
society learn to interact with each other, present and discuss their concerns and solve their own
problems or renew their commitment and values. the people are give the opportunities to
contribute to their knowledge and skills for the betterment of their family, neighborhood and
community. religious organizations, civic organizations, people’s organizations (PO) and non-
government organizations (NGOs) do their part in community development.
5. It provides mutual support to the members. Mutual support is provided to the members of
society in the form of relief in any form and solution to problems met by them. This form of
assistance may come from the family, neighbors, clans, government and non-government agencies,
civic and religious organizations.

DISSOLUTION OF A SOCIETY
There are several ways by which a society is dissolved: (1) when the people kill each other through
civil revolution; (2) when an outside force exterminates the members of the society; (3) when the
members become apathetic among themselves or have no more sense of belongingness; (4) when a
small society is absorbed by a stronger and larger society by means of conquest or territorial
absorption; (5) when an existing society is submerged in water killing all the people and other living
things in it; or (6) when the people living in such a society voluntarily attach themselves to another
existing society.

Lesson 2: The Concept of Culture

MEANING AND NATURE OF CULTURE
It was E.B. Taylor who conceptualized the definition of culture in 1860s. According to him, culture is
a complex whole which consist of knowledge, beliefs, ideas, habits, attitudes, skills, abilities, values,
norms, art, law, morals, customs, traditions, feelings and other capabilities of man which are
acquired, learned and socially transmitted by man from one generation to another through
language and living together as members of the society (Arcinas, 2016).
In general, culture is a term used by social scientists, like anthropologists and sociologists, to
encompass all the facets of human experience that extend beyond our physical fact. It simply refers
to the way we understand ourselves both as individuals and as members of society, and includes
stories, religion, media, rituals, and even language itself. Irrespective of the various definitions,
conceptions and approaches to the understanding of the concept of culture, it is however agreed
that culture is a way of life and morality is a part of culture. Practically all modern definitions share
key features.

IMPORTANCE/FUNCTIONS OF CULTURE
In the book of (David and Macaraeg, 2010), the following functions of culture were given emphasis:
(1) it serves as the “trademark” of the people in the society; (2) it gives meaning and direction to
one’s existence; (3) it promotes meaning to individual’s existence; (4) it predicts social behavior;
(5) it unifies diverse behavior; (6) it provides social solidarity; (7) it establishes social personality;
(8) it provides systematic behavioral pattern; (9) it provides social structure category; (10) it
maintains the biologic functioning of the group; (11) it offers ready-made solutions to man’s
material and immaterial problems; and (12) it develops man’s attitude and values and gives him a
conscience.

ELEMENTS OF CULTURE
1. Symbols refers to anything that is used to stand for something else. It is anything that gives
meaning to the culture. People who share a culture often attach a specific meaning to an object,
gesture, sound, or image. An example of which are the feasts we are celebrating. Those particular
events give a representation of a particular culture. Even the meanings we provide to things
such as colors and graphic symbols provide understanding which is common to a certain group of
people (David and Macaraeg, 2010). For instance, a cross is a significant symbol to Christians. It
is not simply two pieces of wood attached to each other, nor is it just an old object of torture and
execution. To Christians, it represents the basis of their entire religion, and they have great
reverence for the symbol.
2. Language is known as the storehouse of culture ( Arcinas, 2016). It system of words and symbols
used to communicate with other people. We have a lot of dialects in the Philippines that provide a
means of understanding. Through these, culture is hereby transmitted to future generation through
learning (David and Macaraeg, 2010).
3. Technology refers to the application of knowledge and equipment to ease the task of living
and maintaining the environment; it includes artifacts, methods and devices created and used by
people (Arcinas, 2016).
4. Values are culturally defined standards for what is good or desirable. Values determine how
individuals will probably respond in any given circumstances. Members of the culture use the
shared system of values to decide what is good and what is bad. This also refers to the abstract
concept of what is important and worthwhile (Davidand Macaraeg, 2010). What is considered as
good, proper and desirable, or bad, improper or undesirable, in a culture can be called as values
(Arcinas, 2016).
5. Beliefs refers to the faith of an individual ( David and Macaraeg, 2010). They are conceptions or
ideas of people have about what is true in the environment around them like what is life, how to
value it and how one’s belied on the value of life relate with his or her interaction with others
and the world. These maybe based on common sense, folk wisdom, religion, science or a
combination of all of these (Arcinas, 2016).
6. Norms are specific rules/standards to guide for appropriate behavior (Arcinas, 2016). These are
societal expectations that mandate specific behaviors in specific situations (David and Macaraeg,
2010). Like in school, we are expected to behave in a particular way. If violate norms, we look
different. Thus, we can be called as social deviants. For example, Filipino males are expected to
wear pants, not skirts and females are expected to have a long hair not a short one like that of
males. Social norms are indeed very essential in understanding the nature of man’s social
relationship. They are of different types and forms According to Palispis (2007), as mention by
Baleña (2016), in the social interaction process, each member possesses certain expectations about
the responses of another member. Therefore, it is very important to determine the different forms
of societal norms.

Types:
a. Proscriptive norm defines and tells us things not to do.
b. Prescriptive norm defines and tells us things to do.
Forms:
a. Folkways are also known as customs (customary/repetitive ways of doing things); they
are forms of norms for everyday behavior that people follow for the sake of tradition or
convenience. Breaking them does not usually have serious consequences. We have certain
customs that were passed on by our forebears that make up a large part of our day-to-day
existence and we do not question their practicality. Since they are being practiced, it is
expected that we do them also. For example, we Filipinos eat with our bear hands.
b. Mores are strict norms that control moral and ethical behavior; they are based on
definitions of right and wrong (Arcinas, 2016). They are norms also but with moral
understones (David and Macaraeg, 2010). For example, since our country Philippines is a
Christian nation, we are expected to practice monogamous marriage. So, if a person who has
two or more partners is looked upon as immoral. Polygamy is considered taboo in
Philippine society.
c. Laws are controlled ethics, and they are morally agreed, written down and enforced by an
official law enforcement agency (Arcinas, 2016). They are institutionalized norms and
mores that were enacted by the state to ensure stricter punishment in order for the people
to adhere to the standards set by society (David and Macaraeg, 2010).

TWO COMPONENTS OF CULTURE

Sociologists describe two interrelated aspects of human culture: the physical objects of the culture
(material culture) and the ideas associated with these objects (non-material culture).
1. Material culture consists of tangible things (Banaag, 2012). It refers to the physical objects,
resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture. These include homes,
neighborhoods, cities, schools, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, offices, factories
and plants, tools, means of production, goods and products, stores, and so forth. All of these
physical aspects of a culture help to define its members' behaviors and perceptions.
Everything that is created, produced, changed and utilized by men is included in the
material culture (Arcinas, 2016).
2. Non-material culture consists of intangible things (Banaag, 2012). Non‐material culture
refers to the nonphysical ideas that people have about their culture, including beliefs,
values, rules, norms, morals, language, organizations, and institutions. For instance, the
non‐material cultural concept of religion consists of a set of ideas and beliefs about God,
worship, morals, and ethics. These beliefs, then, determine how the culture responds to its
religious topics, issues, and events. When considering non‐material culture, sociologists
refer to several processes that a culture uses to shape its members' thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors. Four of the most important of these are symbols, language, values, and norms.
Non-material culture can be categorized into cognitive and normative culture. The former
includes ideas, concepts, philosophies, designs etc. that are product of mental or intellectual
functioning and reasoning of the human mind. Whereas the latter includes all expectations,
standards and rules for human behavior (Arcinas, 2016).

MODES OF ACQUIRING CULTURE

1. Imitation - Children and adults alike have the tendency to imitate the values, attitudes, language
and all other things in their social environment. Some of those things imitated are internalized in
their personality and become a part of their attitude, character and other behavioral patterns.
2. Indoctrination or Suggestion - This may take the form of formal training or informal teaching.
Formally, the person learns from school. Informally, he may acquire those behaviors from listening
or watching, reading, attending training activities or through interaction.
3. Conditioning - The values, beliefs, and attitudes of other people are acquired through
conditioning. This conditioning can be reinforced through reward and punishment.

ADAPTATION OF CULTURE
1. Parallelism means that the same culture may take place in two or more different places.
Example: The domestication of dogs, cats, pigs and other animals may have semblance in other places
2. Diffusion refers to those behavioral patterns that pass back and forth from one culture to
another. This is the transfer or spread of culture traits from one another brought about by
change agents such as people or media

Examples: food and eating practices, marriage and wedding ceremonies, burial rituals, feast
celebrations
3. Convergence takes place when two or more cultures are fused or merged into one culture
making it different from the original culture.
4. Fission takes place when people break away from their original culture and start developing a
different culture of their own.
5. Acculturation refers to the process wherein individuals incorporate the behavioral patterns of
other cultures into their own either voluntarily or by force. Voluntary acculturation occurs
through imitation, borrowing, or personal contact with other people.
6. Assimilation occurs when the culture of a larger society is adopted by a smaller society, that
smaller society assumes some of the culture of the larger society or cost society.
7. Accommodation occurs when the larger society and smaller society are able to respect and
tolerate each other’s culture even if there is already a prolonged contact of each other’s culture.

CAUSES OF CULTURAL CHANGE

1. Discovery is the process of finding a new place or an object, artifact or anything that
previously existed. For example, the discovery of fire led to the art of cooking; discovery of oil,
of organisms and substances; of diseases; of atoms and sources of energy.

2. Invention implies a creative mental process of devising, creating and producing something
new, novel or original; and also the utilization and combination of previously known elements
to produce that an original or novel product. It could be either social or material or it could also
be invention of new methods or techniques.
Example of social invention: invention of number system, government, language,
democracy, religion, and alphabet
Example of Material Invention: invention of the wheel, machines

3. Diffusion is the spread of cultural traits or social practices from a society or group to another
belonging to the same society or to another through direct contact with each other and
exposure to new forms. It involves the following social processes:
a) Acculturation – cultural borrowing and cultural imitation
Example: The Filipinos are said to be the best English- speaking people of Asia.
b) Assimilation – the blending or fusion of two distinct cultures through long periods of
interaction.
Example: Americanization of Filipino immigrants to the US
 c) Amalgamation – the biological or hereditary fusion of members of different societies
Example: Marriage between a Filipino and an American
d) Enculturation – the deliberate infusion of a new culture to another
Example: The teaching of American history and culture to the Filipinos during the early
American Regime

4. Colonization refers to the political, social, and political policy of establishing a colony which
would be subject to the rule or governance of the colonizing state. For example, the
Hispanicization of Filipino culture when the Spaniards came and conquered the Philippines.

5. Rebellion and revolutionary movements aim to change the whole social order and replace
the leadership. The challenge the existing folkways and mores, and propose a new scheme of
norms, values and organization.

Ethnocentrism, Xenocentrism and Cultural Relativism as Orientations in Viewing Other

Cultures
Cultural Variation – is the differences in social behaviors that different cultures exhibit around the
world.
Cultural Variability:
a) Ethnocentrism – is a perception that arises from the fact that cultures differ, and each
culture defines reality differently. A belief that one’s culture is superior than the rest.
b) Xenocentrism – a belief that one’s culture is inferior compared to other.
c) Cultural Relativism – it is a principle that an individual person’s beliefs and activities
should be understood by others in terms of that individual’s own culture. No culture is
superior than the others.

Other Important Terms Related to Culture

1) Cultural diversity refers the differentiation of culture all over the world which means
there is no right or wrong culture but there is appropriate culture for the need of a
specific group of people.
2) Sub-culture refers to a smaller group within a larger culture.
3) Counterculture refers cultural patterns that strongly oppose those widely accepted within
a society (example in the 1960”s counter culture among teenagers reflect long hair, blue
jeans, peace sign, rock and roll music and drug abuse).
4) Culture lag is experienced when some parts of the society do not change as fast as with
other parts and they are left behind
5) Culture shock is the inability to read meaning in one’s surroundings, feeling of lost and
isolation, unsure to act as a consequence of being outside the symbolic web of culture that
binds others.
6) Ideal culture refers to the social patterns mandated by cultural values and norms.
7) Real culture refers to the actual patterns that only approximate cultural expectations.
8) High culture refers to the cultural patterns that distinguish a society’s elite
9) Popular culture refers to the cultural patterns that are widespread among a society’s
population.
10) Culture change is the manner by which culture evolves.
ACTIVITY 2: MY OWN COLLAGE
Directions: Using various materials like pictures in magazines, newspapers and brochures. Create a
collage that reflects your understanding of society and culture. Use a legal size bond paper (long) in refer
to the rubric for scoring.

Your output will be graded based on the following rubrics:

Criteria Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceed Expectations

Score 5 7 10
Only a few graphics or All of the graphics or
Most of the graphics or
objects reflect student objects used in the
objects used in the
Creativity creativity, but the ideas collage reflect a degree of
collage reflect student
were typical rather than student creativity in their
creativity in their display.
creative. display.
Graphics are cut to an
3-4 graphics are lacking
appropriate size, shape
in design or placement. 1-2 graphics are lacking
and are arranged neatly.
Too much background is in design or placement.
Design Care has been taken to
showing. There are There may be a few
balance the pictures
noticeable smudges or smudges or glue marks.
across the area. Items are
glue marks.
glued neatly and securely.
Class time was not Class time was used
Much time and effort
always used wisely, but wisely. Student could
Time and Effort went into the planning
student did do some have put in more time
and design of the collage.
additional work at home. and effort at home.
A title is provided that The title is catchy and
Title and
Title and explanation are relates to the collage. The creative and related to the
Explanation {ON
incomplete and partially explanation describes the collage. The explanation
BACK OF
relate to the collage. purpose of creating the provides insight and
COLLAGE}
collage meaning.
QUIZ #2. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Directions: Read very carefully the questions below and choose the letter that corresponds to your
answer. Encircle the letter of your answer.

1. Which is considered to be the hallmark of 6. A tractor is introduced to Mang Jose, a

modern society? traditional farmer who doesn’t know to operate
A. Information and communication technology it. This is an example of what concept of
B. Irrigation systems culture?
C. Machines and industries A. Culture lag
D. All of the above B. Contra culture
C. Counterculture
2. Which one is considered as the perception of D. Culture shock
individuals to accepted reality?
A. Beliefs 7. Technological tools, architectural, structures,
B. Folkways fashion and accessories, and food are all
C. Knowledge examples of what component of culture?
D. Outlook A. Basic Culture
B. Commercial Culture
3. What type of norms tells us thing to do? C. Material Culture
A. Folkway D. Non-material Culture
B. Law
C. Prescriptive 8. Which is NOT true about cultural relativism?
D. Proscriptive A. Different societies have different moral
codes.
4. What does it mean when we say culture is B. The moral code of our own society has no
holistic? special status.
A. It is integrated. C. There are no moral truths that hold for all
B. It is a patterned social interaction. people at all times
C. It is shared and may be challenged. 9. Which is NOT correct about culture?
D. It is adaptive, dynamic, and flexible. A. It may be challenged.
B. It is something biological.
5. Which one is an act that violates a social C. Much of learning culture is unconscious.
norm? D. None of the above
A. Conflict
B. Deviance 10. What do you call of Mang Tirzo’s family’s
C. Rebellion customary patterns of everyday life that specify
D. Ritualism what is socially correct and proper?
A. Folkways
B. Laws
C. Mores
D. Norms
Lesson 4: Ethnocentrism, Xenocentrism and Cultural Relativism as
Orientations in Viewing Other Cultures
Cultural Variation – is the differences in social behaviors that different cultures exhibit around the
world. It refers to the rich diversity in social patterns that different human group exhibit around the
world. Music, dance, languages, cuisine, and art are different from one culture to another.

Cultural Universals are patterns or traits that are globally common to all societies. One example of
cultural universal is the family unit. Every human group recognizes family as the building blocks of the
society that regulates sexual reproduction and care of their children. Another example of cultural
universal is the language and the concept of giving names to member of the family.

Variation between Cultures

1. Subculture is a culture that is shared with a distinctive pattern of mores, folkways, and
values which differ from a larger society. The group of society who exhibit subculture have a
specific and unique set of beliefs and values that set them apart from the dominant culture.
2. Counter Culture is a culture practice by groups whose values and norms place it at odds
with mainstream society or a group that actively rejects the dominant cultural values and
norms.
EXAMPLE:
Paramilitary is a semi-militarized force whose organizational structure, tactics, trainings,
and functions are similar to professional military and not included as a parts of formal
armed forces like NPA and ISIS groups.
3. High Culture is a culture practiced and patronized by the upper classes of the society.
EXAMPLE: watching opera, classical music and live theater
4. Popular Culture is a culture practiced or patronized by the middle and working classes of
the society.
Example: Watching soap opera over the televisions, movies and rock concerts

Important Perceptions on Cultural Variability:

a) Ethnocentrism – is a perception that arises from the fact that cultures differ and each
culture defines reality differently. A belief that one’s culture is superior than the rest.
Many cultures around the world believe that their beliefs, practices are in fact superior to that
of others. This mentality sometime leads to discrimination and ostracism. Ethnocentrism is the
regard that one’s own culture and society is the center of everything and seen as the most
efficient and superior among the cultures in the world.
b) Xenocentrism – a belief that one’s culture is inferior compared to other.
c) Cultural Relativism – it is a principle that an individual person’s beliefs and activities should
be understood by others in terms of that individual’s own culture. No culture is superior
than the others.
It is the practice by assessing a culture by its own standards rather that viewing it through
the lens of one’s own culture. It is the practice that one must understood in the context of
their locality. Practicing cultural relativism requires an open mind and a willingness to
consider, and even adapt to, new values and norms.

Advantages of Cultural Relativism:

1. It promotes cooperation. Embracing the differences of the different society can create cooperation
because it allows a stronger bond with one another in the society.
2. Respect and Equality is encouraged. People from different culture with different ideas that share
their own perspectives and experiences in the society can promote respect and equality.
3. It preserves human cultures. Respect with the diverse set of traditions, ideas and practices would
help preserve the culture.
4. Cultural relativism creates a society without judgement. Worrying and practicing your own culture
prevent disagreement & judgement in the society.

Lesson 5: Human Capacity for Culture

Culture is defined as “that complex whole which encompasses beliefs, practices, values, attitudes,
laws, norms, artifacts, symbols, knowledge, and everything that a person learns and shares as a
member of a society” (Taylor, 2010).

Evolution is a natural process of biological changes occurring in a population across successive

generations (Banaag, 2012 p.31). It helps us identify and analyze man’s physiological development
and eventually the emergence of different society. Moreover, man’s progression and characteristics
are essential in understanding the capability for adaptation. Most scientists currently recognize
some 15 to 20 different species of early humans.

Human Biocultural Evolution

Species Characteristics
Hominids The development of the different species of primates which were able to
“Manlike Primates” evolve in 40 million years ago. There have been various relics of hominids
which could be described as manlike primates. They are Ramapithecus,
Lucy and Australopithecus.
Homo Habilis The apelike men who first to used stone tools as weapons and protection
“Handy Man” of their enemies. They are recognized as the first true human. Lived about
2.4 to 1.4 million years ago.
Homo Erectus It was believed to be the first man like creature that lived about 500,000
“The Upright Man” years ago in Asia, Africa and Europe. This manlike specie could walk
straight with almost the same brain with modern man. He made refined
stone stools for hunting and weapons for protection of the enemies.
The following are the major discovered fossils:
a. Pithecanthropus Erectus “Java Man” –Discovered by Eugene
Dubois at Trinil, Java, Indonesia in 1891.
b. Sinanthropus Pekinensis “Peking Man” –Discovered at
Choukoutien village, Beijing, China in 1929.
Homo Sapiens It was believed that this was the direct descendant of modern man who
“The Thinking Man” lived about 250,000 years ago. They had similar physical descriptions with
modern man. They originated as the primitive men whose activities were
largely dependent on hunting, fishing and agriculture. They buried their
dead, used had tools and had religion. The following are Homo Sapiens
subspecies:
a. Neanderthal Man – Discovered in Neanderthal valley near
Dusseldorf, Germany in 1856 who lived in cave and dependent in
hunting and fishing.
b. Cro-Magnon Man – Discovered by a French archaeologist Louis
Lartet in the Cro Magnon Cave in Southern France. It was believed
to live in Europe, Asia and Africa. As a prehistoric man, they were
the first to produce art in cave paintings and crafting decorated
 tools and accessories.

Four Biological Capacity of Human to Develop Culture

1. Our Thinking The primary biological component of humans that allowed for culture
capacity is the developed brain. It has the necessary parts for facilitating
pertinent skills such as speaking, touching, feeling, seeing, and
smelling. 
Compared with other primates, humans have a larger brain, weighing
1.4 kg. Due to the size of brain and the complexity of its parts, humans
were able to create survival skills that helped them adapt to their
environment and outlive their less adaptive biological relatives.
2. Our gripping Look at your hands. Notice how your thumb relates with your other
capacity fingers. This capacity to directly oppose your thumb with your other
fingers is an exclusive trait of humans. It allowed us to have a finger
grip.

The hand of human has digits (fingers) that are straights, as compared
with the curved ones of the other primates. Notice that the thumb of
the human is proportionately longer than those of other primates.
These characteristics of the human hand allowed for two types of grip”
power and precision.
a) Power grip enabled humans to wrap the thumb and fingers on an
object; it became the cornerstone of our capacity to hold tool
firmly for hunting and other activities.
b) Precision grip enabled humans to hold and pick objects steadily
using fingers. This capacity was crucial for toolmaking activities
3. Our speaking As the brain is the capacity source of humans’ capacity to comprehend
sound and provide meaning to it, the vocal tract acts as the mechanism
by which sounds are produced and reproduced to transmit ideas and
values.
Humans have longer vocal tract compared with chimpanzee. A longer
vocal tract means that there is a longer vibration surface, allowing
human to produce a wider array of sounds than chimpanzees.
The tongue of human is also more flexible than of a chimpanzee,
allowing for more control in making sounds.
4. Our walking/ Primates have two forms of locomotion: bipedalism and
standing capacity quadropedalism. Bipedalism is the capacity to walk and stand on two
feet, whereas quadropedalism uses all four limbs. Although apes are
semi-bipedal, humans are the only fully bipedal primates.
Being bipedal, humans gained more capacity to move while carrying
objects with their free hands. It gave humans more capacity or
productivity with their hands like hunting and foraging.
Post Assessment:
Direction: Carefully read each item. Encircle the letter of the best answer.

1. What cultural term refers to an experience of a person when he moves to a cultural

environment which is different from his own?
A. Cultural Relativism C. Culture Shock
B. Cultural Variation D. Ethnocentrism
2. What variation of culture is being patronized by middle classes of the society?
A. Counter Culture C. Popular Culture
B. High Culture D. Subculture
3. Which of the following statement is NOT an aspect of culture?
A. Air C. Cuisine
B. Arts D. Music
4. What cultural term refers to the rich diversity of traditions and patterns the different
human groups exhibit around the world?
A. Cultural Relativism C. Culture Shock
B. Cultural Variation D. Ethnocentrism
5. Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE about cultural relativism?
A. It is a problematic form of classification of human groups.
B. It is a perspective that promotes cultures in the context of locality
C. It is a culturally relative approach to understand human groups
D. Understanding the society using cultural relativity promotes respect and equality.
6. What cultural term refers to the perspective that promotes an individual’s culture as the
most efficient and superior?
A. Cultural Relativism C. Culture Shock
B. Cultural Variation D. Ethnocentrism
7. Which of the following terms is NOT an example of Counter Culture?
A. ISIS Group C. NPA
B. LGBT Group D. Terrorist
8. What cultural concept underscores the idea that culture in every society should be
understood and regarded on its own?
A. Cultural Relativism C. Culture Shock
B. Cultural Variation D. Ethnocentrism
9. What variation of culture is being practiced when small segment of the society deviates
from the dominant society?
A. Counter Culture C. Popular Culture
B. High Culture D. Subculture
10. What variation of culture is being patronized by the upper classes of the society?
A. Counter Culture C. Popular Culture
B. High Culture D. Subculture
II. TRUE or FALSE. Write True if the statement is correct and FALSE if the statement is incorrect.

1. Traditions, social norms, political identities are not static because they are often affected by
the environment.
2. Plurality in cultural traditions lead to racism.
3. Global cultural differences in values orientation is resulted from the perspective of cultural
relativism.
4. Some scholars propose that there should be biological egalitarianism among humans to
prevent racism.
5. Filipinos have also been subjected to various forms of racism during colonization era.
6. New railroads and telecommunication company can change our culture.
7. Young people who drawn to oppose mainstream conventions are called popular culture.
8. Subculture share a specific identity.
9. High culture is viewed superior over popular culture.
10. There are multitude of cultural differences between the societies in the world.