Anthropological and
Sociological Perspectives
on Culture and Society
LESSON 2
Perspectives of Culture
❑ Culture is composed of behavior acquired and transmitted through symbols. It
includes distinctive achievements and embodiment in artifacts, traditional and
historical ideas, and formation of values.
❑ Culture consists of experiences that are organized, learned or created by the
individuals of a population, including those images and images adding up their
unique interpretations transmitted from the past generations up to the future.
Characteristics of Culture
1. Culture is social- Culture is social because it is a product of behavior, it
develops through social interaction. No man can acquire culture without
association with others.
2. Culture varies from society to society- Every society has a culture of its own
that differs from other societies.
3. Culture is shared- Customs, traditions, beliefs, ideas, values, morals are all
shared by people of a group or society.
4. Culture is learned
5. Culture is transmitted- Culture is transmitted from one generation to
another. Transmission of culture is made possible by language. Language is
the main vehicle of culture.
Characteristics of Culture
6. Culture is continuous and cumulative- Culture exists as a
continuous process
Subculture- cultural patterns which are both related to the
general culture of the
society and yet distinguishable
from it.
Example: Culture of SHS students → Subculture of SHS
students in Abad
Santos, Subculture of SHS in San Sebastian
College, Subculture of SHS in
Tondo HS.
7. Culture is gratifying and idealistic- Culture provides proper
opportunities for the satisfaction of our needs and desires.
Exercise:
Directions: Identify which characteristics of culture is being referred on the following items.
Choices:
Culture is social
Culture is shared
Culture is transmitted
Culture is gratifying
Culture varies from society to society
Culture is learned
Culture is continuous
1. The Fiesta ng Tondo every 3rd Sunday of January is one of the most anticipated
time of the year, because of merriment and fun activities before and during the feast
day.
2. Mark joined the traslacion last week since it became a tradition of their family .
Exercise:
Directions: Identify which characteristics of culture is being referred on the following items.
Choices:
Culture is social
Culture is shared
Culture is transmitted
Culture is gratifying
Culture varies from society to society
Culture is learned
Culture is continuous
3. Children of foreign nationals with Filipino nannies tend to learn Tagalog because
they spent more time with their “yaya’s”.
4. Grade 11 students learned swimming after joining the swimming workshop at the
YMCA.
5. Angelo share his opinion on the recent news on COVID-19 surge on social media.
Exercise:
Directions: Identify which characteristics of culture is being referred on the following items.
Choices:
Culture is social
Culture is shared
Culture is transmitted
Culture is gratifying
Culture varies from society to society
Culture is learned
Culture is continuous
6. The use of po and opo and practice of mano po is still observant up until now.
7. Foreigners find it weird for Filipinos for eating unfertilized egg or balot
Types of Culture
Culture is primarily composed of material and non-material elements.
◦ Material culture includes all visible parts and tangible objects.
◦ Non-material culture has intangible objects or the invisible parts.
Material Culture
•Food
•Clothing and Fashion
•Buildings and Properties
•Arts and Technology
Non-Material Culture
•Ideas and Knowledge
•Beliefs and Traditions
•Symbols and Language
•Behavior
•Religion
Elements of Culture
Elements of Culture
Theoretical Perspectives in Society
❑ Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) - described the
emerging societies as societies of survival and
primarily based on the concept of natural law.
Members of each society must learn to adapt to their
surroundings to outlast the prevailing conditions
present in their environment.
Theoretical Perspectives in Society
❑ Karl Marx (1818-1883) had a different take on
society. He proposed that societies develop through
class conflicts.
There is always s struggle between the workers and
the capitalist due to the exploitation of the latter to
the former which is essential in provoking social
change.
The only way to end this conflict is through social
revolution.
Theoretical Perspectives in Society
❑ Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) said that society is
composed of harmonious elements such as
individuals, organizations, and social institutions.
These elements must perform their role in the society
for function effectively.
Dysfunction may occur if these elements are not in
the state of equilibrium.
Theoretical Perspectives in Society
❑ George Herbert Mead (1863–1931) introduced the
concept of symbolic interactionism.
According to this, society can be seen in a micro-level
that focuses on the relationships of individuals within
a society primarily centers in their communication
both language and symbols.
How does studying culture, society and politics affect our daily lives?
How can you use your knowledge and understanding in culture,
society, and politics in responding to different social issues?
Exercise: Identify the elements of culture
of the listed below.
Mores
Norms
Law
Beliefs
Folkways
Language
Symbols
Taboos
Values
1. charity
5. Curfew
9. diligence and prudence
2. pedophilia
6. “Sakalam”
10. Bayanihan to Heal as One Act
3. flag
7. same sex marriage
4. Karma
8. black cat brings misfortune