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understanding culture, society, and politics
Humss (Far Eastern University Roosevelt)
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UNIT 2: The Study of Culture, Society, and Politics
Table of Contents
Introduction
3
Essential Questions
4
Learning Targets
4
Lesson 1: Social, Political, and Cultural Behavior and Phenomena
5
Starting Out
5
Learn about It!
6
History Maker
11
Check Your Understanding
11
Putting Value
12
Lesson 2: Social, Political, and Cultural Change
13
Starting Out
13
Learn about It!
14
History Maker
19
Check Your Understanding
20
Putting Value
21
Lesson 3: The Study of Culture, Society, and Politics
21
Starting Out
21
Learn about It!
22
History Maker
29
Check Your Understanding
29
Putting Value
31
Real-world Challenge
32
Society and I: Self- Check
34
Wrap Up
34
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Bibliography
35
Answers to Check Your Understanding
37
Glossary
38
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GRADE 11/12 |Understanding Culture, Society and Politics
UNIT 2
The Study of Culture, Society, and Politics
Every nation in the world has its unique ways of life, but all are built upon culture, social
activities, and politics. The day-to-day lives of a nation’s citizens are greatly influenced by these
cultural, social, and political factors. These facilitate the development of local beliefs and
traditions that are salient in the formation of national identity and unification. For instance,
more opportunities in the agricultural industry are available in Southeast Asia compared to
the Middle East due to its geographic characteristics that are conducive for farming and
harvesting.
Fig. 1. A Vietnamese farmer starting his day by watering his plants.
Accessed January 29, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-watering-the-plant-during-daytime-162637/
The Middle East, on the other hand, makes use of its abundant oil supply to distribute and
profit from its sale of various petroleum products. These mere differences in practice and
daily living, when viewed as a whole, make up a nation’s unique identity and characteristics. In
this lesson, you will discover the relationship among such components, as well as methods of
study currently done to facilitate the continuous growth of culture, society, and politics.
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•
How are culture, society, and politics interrelated?
•
Does culture, society, and politics change over time? How does this
influence the development of a nation as a whole?
•
How could the study of anthropology, political science, and sociology
provide awareness and insight to understanding cultural and
societal change?
Learning Targets
In this unit, you should be able to:
● demonstrate curiosity and an openness to explore the origins and dynamics of
culture and society, and political identities;
● analyze social, political, and cultural change;
● recognize the common concerns or intersections of anthropology, sociology, and
political science with respect to the phenomenon of change; and
● identify the subjects of inquiry and goals of anthropology, political science, and
sociology.
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Lesson 1: Social, Political, and Cultural
Behavior and Phenomena
Could any two societies have the same cultural, political, or social behavior and practices?
Starting Out
Imagine that you were chosen by your school to partake in a short international exchange
program along with students from other Asian countries. During the program, you notice that
all participants express themselves differently. For example, the Thais put their hands
together and bow their heads; the Koreans and Japanese give a bow; and the Singaporeans
firmly shake hands. You soon realize that their actions are indicative of their cultural practices
and social traditions in their respective countries. How would you, as a Filipino, greet other
participants? Would there be similarities between your greeting and the other participants’?
How could these different forms of greetings explain the dynamism of culture, society, and
politics?
Fig. 2. Shaking hands is a common way to establish rapport.
Accessed January 29, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/agreement-blur-close-up-coffee-401682/.
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Learn about It!
Understanding the dynamism and uniqueness of a specific nation entails familiarizing oneself
with its cultural practices, political stances, and social activities. The appreciation of such
components helps build national character and identity that further strengthens a nation.
Society, Politics, and Culture
All countries are made up of a structured society, a political system, and a rich set of tangible
and intangible cultures. In sociological terms, a society is a group of people with a shared
environment, cultural beliefs, and ways of living. On the other hand, culture is a group’s
shared belief and value system that are preserved either through material or non-material
ways. Sociologists view culture and society as interrelated factors in the development of a
national identity. An individual’s belief system is primarily influenced by their local culture and
traditions that have been usually passed down from one generation to another. Because
every nation in the world has a unique history and has promptly developed an organized
cultural system, no two cultures are alike. Nevertheless, for some countries which are
geographically close to each other, similar cultural practices may still surmise.
In your own perspective, what elements do you think constitute culture? How do
these cultural elements influence society and politics?
In order to understand this concept better, let us use Philippine culture as an example. In our
country, majority of Filipinos practice Roman Catholicism as their religion. This is primarily
influenced by the 300-year-long colonization of Spain that aimed to expand Christian beliefs
throughout the country as part of its main colonial endeavors (Gold, Glory, and God). Filipino
Catholics come to various churches all over the country to celebrate significant religious
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events such as Christmas and Lent. Meanwhile, in mainland Southeast Asia, the practice and
belief in Buddhism expanded abruptly, making it a primary religion throughout the region. In
countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, where Buddhism is prominent, remains of
Buddhist temples and architecture still stand today. These differences in beliefs also lay out
differences in culture and social lives between Filipinos and mainland Southeast Asians. For
example, Filipino Catholics are driven by the belief that death leads to everlasting life with the
Creator. On the other hand, Thai Buddhists aim to follow the Four Noble Truths and the EightFold Path to reach Nirvana. Living in societies which have these definite differences in culture
greatly influence community life and practices. Decision-making, thought processes, and
social activities are done as influenced not only by religion, but by local practices and beliefs,
and history that are shared by society.
A society’s culture is not stagnant. While new cultures may arise, common cultural
practices are continuously passed on through effective social interactions.
This process of immersing oneself in a particular society and culture, even at birth, is called
socialization. It is through socialization where individuals adapt all aspects of society and
exchange local practices to one another. Socialization is important because it allows for a
nation to continue or transmit its social, cultural, and political identity from one generation to
another. Socialization is made possible through social interactions. When two people interact
with each other, may be through words or actions, an exchange of culture occurs.
Let us now analyze socialization in terms of three sociological paradigms.
Sociological Paradigm
Structural Functionalism
View on Socialization
•
Socialization is important because it benefits
both individuals and the society.
•
It perpetuates culture and transmit it to other
generations.
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Conflict Perspective
•
Socialization promotes social inequality.
•
It facilitates the promotion of different
generational norms that are unfit for some
members of society.
Interactionalist Perspective
•
Socialization is salient in the promotion of
individual interactions that convey meanings and
messages.
•
It is mainly concerned in the promulgation of
face-to-face exchanges and social interactions,
both of which are evidently occurring during
socialization.
Both society and culture benefit from socialization. While psychologists argue that human
beings are influenced either by nature (their genetic makeup) or nurture (their environment),
sociologists believe that social interactions occurring at both the micro- and macro-level in
society are influential to individuals’ behavior and thought patterns. Thus, socialization is a key
player in the development of cultural identity.
If culture is shared by a society, why are there sub-cultures also existing within it?
Politics is also greatly influenced by culture and society. Politics refers to a set of activities and
actions that are used to hold power in a government. All government are keen on building up
its country’s economy and capability by leveraging on cultural norms and capitalizing on the
current social system to enable macro-level growth whilst simultaneously preserving local
traditions and practices. For instance, political dynasties are a successful local practice. Many
Filipinos prefer to vote for candidates who bear a particular surname or who are well-known
family members of previous politicians. The success of this system may be attributed to the
familial nature of Filipinos who, based on culture and history, place great value in family and
camaraderie.
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Cultural, Societal, and Political Identity
As nations develop and socialization begins, people develop identities that are influenced by
their social interactions. While human beings have a genetic makeup that predetermines their
characteristics, their social roles and activities are still greatly influenced by their environment
and social relationships. Cultural patterns and social influences affect decision-making
processes. As individuals become more immersed in a particular society, they begin to adapt
more societal traits and share them to other individuals as well.
How does science and technology influence the development of a cultural and
political identity?
Realistically, however, individual members of society are still differed by socio-demographic
characteristics such as gender, age, ethnicity, or religion. An Aeta from Zambales whose
primarily source of living is farming is clearly and socio-demographically different from a
Mangyan from Mindanao who does fishing to live; yet, both are considered Filipinos. These
socio-demographic differences spur from social and environmental living as well, but these
differences should not facilitate any conflict among different ethnic groups within a nation.
The existence of these varied characteristics only emphasizes that within a generally accepted
cultural norms, sub-cultures also exist, and that these sub-cultures are influenced by a
particular group’s local group culture, traditions, and social interactions.
To understand this concept better, let us again cite some examples within the Philippine
setting. Being an archipelago, the Philippines is divided into several regions and provinces.
Based on history and local culture, some provinces in the country have become well-known in
acquiring a number of cardinal traits. For example, it is said that Ilocanos are thrifty people,
Ilonggos are sweet and soft-spoken, and Cavitenos are brave. These traits have been
continuously associated with locals over time and are still being associated with them even up
to this day. The situations that have influenced these sub-cultural characteristics among
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various groups in the country were history and social interaction. Having sub-cultures is what
makes a nation or a society dynamic. This blending of cultures and traditions account for
different social practices that continuously redefine and improve national culture and identity.
Fig. 3. Eating Japanese food.
Accessed January 29, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-food-697058/
Local food choices and preparation could also provide an insight to social and
cultural practices. For instance, Japanese cooking incorporates a wide selection of
fresh seafood in their local cuisine. Japanese noodles (ramen) have also become a
favorite among locals and foreigners alike. From your own perspective, do local
dishes in the Philippines vary from province to province? What does this
phenomenon imply about Philippine culture?
While sub-cultures exist, generally-defined cultural characteristics are also shared by a society.
These spur from shared experiences, such as colonialism, or practices. At the macro-level, a
society becomes known to other groups of societies based on distinct characteristics that all
individuals of that society possess through socialization practices. Filipinos, for example, are
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known by other cultures or nationalities as resilient and hospitable people. The Japanese, on
the other hand, are known globally as generous and considerate people. These salient
differences occurring at the personal and societal levels further contribute to identity
formation and culture-building.
C. Wright Mills (1916-1962) was an American sociologist and professor who authored the book
The Sociological Imagination. In his writings, Mills talked about a sociological lens that is used
by individuals to understand their own and others’ past in relation to their history and social
structure (1969).
This perspective gave sociologists a basis for examining social phenomena according at two
components: individual and societal interactions. Through this, they were able to observe
behavior, culture, and attitudes that facilitate the formation social, political, and cultural
identities.
Check Your Understanding
A. Write TRUE if the statement is correct, and FALSE if the statement is incorrect.
1. The sociological paradigm of structural functionalism believes that socialization is
important because it benefits both individuals and the society.
2. The set of activities and actions that are used to hold power in a government is called
public policy.
3. Wright Mills is an American sociologist who wrote became prominent through his
work entitled The Sociological Imagination.
4. Both society and culture benefit from socialization.
5. Members of society are still differed by socio-demographic characteristics.
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B. Analyze Mills’ sociological imagination and its applicability in Philippine society. How would
his viewpoint address and evaluate the country’s current political stance?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
C. Suggest ten ways to preserve and uphold your local values and traditions as a Filipino.
1. __________________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________________________________
6. __________________________________________________________________________________________
7. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
8. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
9. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
10.__________________________________________________________________________________________
Putting Value
Based on this lesson, you have learned that culture, society, and politics are interrelated.
While most individuals have the ability to freely play their social and cultural roles, some
societies controlled by military governance do not get to do the same. If you were living in a
cou
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ntry that employs such methods, how would you cope and adapt? How would your cultural
and social identity be developed?
Lesson 2: Social, Political, and Cultural
Change
What influences changes in society, politics, and culture?
Starting Out
Have you ever asked your parents or older family members how life was when they were your
age? You might be surprised to find out that the technologies you are enjoying at the moment
are unavailable back then. In the past, students who were doing research only rely on libraries
and typewriters. Now, laptops, cellphones, the internet, and all other forms of communicative
devices are available to facilitate easier communication and knowledge-sharing. While these
have made life easier, the so-called technological age has given rise to a new set of culture
and identity formation among the youth that is far different from what has been developed in
the past. Based on your observations and personal experiences, what are these changes? Do
they build or destroy cultural practices and traditions?
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Fig. 5. Technological developments paved the way for new opportunities.
Accessed January 29, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/computer-desk-electronics-indoors-374074/
Learn about It!
Society cannot go undeveloped. People continuously socialize and build society based on
social interactions, cultural practices, and political activities. No society in the world today is
the same as it was ten years ago. As the world continues to develop, society and individuals
adapt, thereby creating new avenues for cultural expression and identity development.
Cultural Change
Change occurs whenever developments and new discoveries take place. Culture, as dynamic
as it can be, is both inherently prone and resistant to change. This would mean that some
parts of culture may easily change, while some do not. The resistance of culture to change is
dependent upon contact between societies, societal forces at work, and natural
environmental changes.
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What specific natural environmental phenomenon drive culture change?
Within society, inventions and culture loss drive cultural change. Inventions occur when
things or concepts are put together and result into something that becomes useful. On the
other hand, culture loss refers to the obliteration of old culture, specifically when new
technologies and knowledge about certain cultural processes are formed. A prominent
example of cultural change driven by both invention and culture loss was during the
Technological Revolution in the late 1800s until early 1900s when the invention of machines
such as the telephone, cars, lamps, airplanes, and radio paved the way for easier access to
transportation and communication. Evidently, slower-paced cultural practices were replaced
by these more advanced technologies that also simplified life.
Within the same society, habits and cultural traits integration facilitate resistance to culture
change. Habits are prevailing dispositions that emphasize a person’s character or behavior.
Meanwhile, traits contribute to behavioral consistency over time and behavioral stability
across situations. Cultural habits and traits could be shared by individuals or groups of people
through social interaction. In sociological terms, these characteristics are shared through
socialization.
An example of this in the Philippine setting is the phenomenon of colonial mentality. Prior to
the arrival of the Americans, Filipinos fought the Spaniards in the revolution with a sense of
pride and chivalry. Filipino nationalism was at its peak following the defeat of the Spaniards.
However, upon the arrival of the Americans and the promulgation of their Benevolent
Assimilation, the strong unity that was built during the revolution was replaced by conflicting
views about American colonialism. Over time, traces of our colonial past became evident on
our choice of food and clothing. Some Filipinos would prefer to use imported goods than
locally-made ones, and some would go as far as to discriminate our local brands. This culture
is continuously occurring even at present, primarily through the culture that was imposed
up
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on us by the Americans.
Culture change could occur within any type of society, provided that conditions for
change have been met, and habits or cultural traits are continuously influenced by
social interactions and assimilation from other groups or societies.
In some instances, culture change occurs when societies, as a whole, interact with one
another. These may be through the process of diffusion, acculturation, or transculturation.
Cultural Process
Diffusion
Definition
•
This is the movement of one idea, belief, or value
system from one culture to another.
•
Traits may be adapted by the new culture, but
meanings and connotations may differ from one
society to another.
Acculturation
•
This is the large-scale diffusion of traits and
culture that occurs over a long period of time.
•
Alien traits are usually adapted by less-powerful
societies because dominant societies have more
economic and political power over them.
Transculturation
•
This occurs when an individual relocates and
adapts the cultural practices of the new
environment.
•
Operating at the micro-level, this has less impact
but could pose societal threats to cultural
preservation when done at a macro-level.
Sometimes, cultural changes spur from conflicts within societies. This could be a result of
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ethnocentrism or the belief that one culture is superior or more dominant than others.
Ethnocentric believes lead people to reject alien traditions and culture, thus promulgating
competition among members of society.
Social and Political Change
In Sociology, social change refers to the alteration of mechanisms in a social structure. This
process is characterized by changes in social organizations, cultural symbols, patterns of
behavior, and value systems. Throughout the history of the social sciences, sociologists have
tried to provide models of social change. Perhaps one of the most well-known and widelyused is the structural-functionalist model that emphasizes the importance of various social
structures in developing and driving change at both the individual and societal levels.
According to both classical and contemporary sociological theories, social change occurs as a
pattern. Within these patterns, traditional theorists believed that societal decline, cyclic
change, and progress influence societal changes. However, due to the lack of empirical
evidence and literature suggesting the validity of such factors, modern sociological theorists
called for the admonition of such.
In your perspective, how does social change begin? What societal component
facilitates the beginning of social change?
Contemporary sociologists have agreed upon the notion that social change spurs from causal
relations between the individual and society, including the natural environment, demographic
processes, economic activities, technological innovations, social movements, and political
factors. An example of this would be the emergence of new social and political identities
experienced within the Philippines in just a few decades. In particular, the rise of technology,
coupled with relatively cheaper communication costs, has made the Philippines the texting
capital of the world. Moreover, the availability of new technologies has made communication
outside of the country easier. As such, transnational families began to emerge. These activities
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provided a seamless transition of social and political change within society.
Fig. 6. The youth gather together for bonding and camaraderie.
Accessed January 29, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-sitting-on-white-mat-on-grass-field745045/
In a 2016 study of young voters facilitated by the Center for the Study of Race,
Politics, and Culture at the University of Chicago, it was found that political
preferences and voting behaviors of the youth were influenced by their race and
ethnicity as well as the political characteristics of the politician. Majority of AfricanAmericans, Asian-Americans, and Latinos preferred to vote for a candidate who
valued ethnic and racial equality. Whites were also found to prefer the same. This
political preference is far different from the voting preference in the USA during
the late 1800s to early 1900s when discrimination against African-Americans were
widespread. In your perspective, what social and political processes allowed for
this societal and political change?
Societal and political change are closely related. Changes in the political structure occur when
changes in society happen, and vice versa. Thus, political and social change are
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interconnected concepts. Changes in politics, however, occur most when there is a play
against power and when there is a “revolution of rising expectations” from the government,
particularly when there is radical revolution, structural revision, change of leaders, and change
in policies.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948) was an Indian activist, lawyer, politician, and writer who led
the nationalist movement against the British rule in his country. Gandhi, even up to this day,
is internationally known as the purveyor of nonviolent protest—satyagraha—in achieving
social and political change.
Fig. 7. Mahatma Gandi
Accessed February 1, 2018.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_K._Gandhi#/media/File:Mohandas_K._Gandhi,_portrait.jpg
Gandhi took part in three major campaigns against the British. He stood as an advocator and
mediator, which led the British to label him as a “utopian visionary.” Many of his writings,
gained him the admiration of Indians from different walks of life. He was considered as the
catalyst in ending colonial rule in India and in providing the country with a type of political
and social reform that was based on peace and spirituality.
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Check Your Understanding
D.
Write TRUE if the statement is correct, and FALSE if the statement is incorrect.
1. In Sociology, social change refers to the alteration of mechanisms in a social structure.
2. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one culture is superior or more dominant than others.
3. In India, the term for non-violent protest is called visvesvaraya.
4. During assimilation, alien traits are usually adapted by less-powerful societies.
5. Transculturation operates at the macro-level.
A. Compare the Philippines with another ASEAN country of your choice. In the Venn diagram
below, list similar and different cultural, societal, and political changes that both countries
encountered.
C. If you will be given a chance to choose one Filipino cultural, social, or political practice to
change, what would it be? What new custom will you incorporate as a replacement?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
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Putting Value
The Philippines has a rich precolonial past. Unfortunately, due to a long history of colonialism,
our material and non-material history have been lost or forgotten. They have instead been
replaced by colonial practices and influences that we use and support even at present. To
showcase your appreciation for our pre-colonial culture, research on preserved material or
non-material Philippine cultures and share with the class their significance in the development
of our precolonial identities.
Lesson 3: The Study of Culture, Society, and
Politics
Do the fields of anthropology, sociology, and political science coincide?
Starting Out
Museums are significant places because they tell the political, cultural, and social history of a
particular group or nation. They also feature material cultures that signify years of academic
hard work and extensive field work. Academicians and other professionals take charge of
improving museums. These hard workers have vast backgrounds on the political, societal, and
cultural characteristics that encompass their field of interest. As such, knowledge is
continuously built and shared upon to museum-goers. In your perspective, how does
knowledge about society, culture, and politics help in the development of academic and
research endeavors?
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Fig. 8. A museum-goer reflects upon the beauty of installed paintings.
Accessed January 29, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-art-relaxation-girl-20967/.
Learn about It!
The study of culture, society, and politics are all encapsulated under the larger discipline of
the social sciences. Unlike the natural sciences that focus on scientific methodologies to
predict the behavior of non-human environmental components, social sciences are more
concerned with the development and prediction of human behavior as influenced by cultural,
social, psychological, and political phenomena. This chapter will give focus on three major
disciplines under the social sciences—anthropology, sociology, and political science.
Anthropology
The study of anthropology aims to scientifically examine the behavior, origin, social, physical,
and cultural development of humans. Anthropologists seek to determine and predict human
origin and behavior by studying archeological excavation or artefacts and by observing
various living cultures worldwide.
The science of anthropology peaked during the late 19th century when the first generation of
anthropologists relied on artefactual evidences, previous writings, and travel reports to
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conduct archaeological activities and discover remnants of the past. From there, the discipline
continued to grow, and several sub-disciplines began to flourish.
Sub-discipline
Physical Anthropology
Area of Focus
Prominent Figures
•
Primatology
•
Jane Goodall (1934 – )
•
Paleoanthropology
•
Raymond Dart (1893 – 1988)
•
Forensic Anthropology
•
Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882)
•
Human Variation
(Darwinian Theories)
Archaeology
Cultural Anthropology
•
Prehistoric Archaeology
•
Kathleen Kenyon (1906 – 1978)
•
Historic Archaeology
•
Howard Carter (1874 – 1939)
•
Ethnology
•
Franz Boas (1858 – 1952)
•
Linguistic Anthropology
•
Noam Chomsky (1928 – )
Anthropologists gather data and information through field works. Field works are controlled
experiences of culture wherein a social scientist experiences, first-hand, a society’s cultural
practices and ways of living. To gain valid insight and plausible information that can be
academically interpreted for knowledge-building and knowledge-sharing, anthropologists
need to capitalize on three basic elements: long-term residence, language competence, and
participant observation. Among the three, participant observation is the most critical. It is
the process where an anthropologist participates in the lives of locals and tries to live as one.
Would it be acceptable to use participant observation in areas where there is chaos
and violence?
A prime example of wrongful participant observation is the controversial immersion of
American anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon in the Yanomamo tribe of Venezuela in 1969. He
facilitated a social experiment within the tribe and imposed activities foreign to the members
of the community. He distributed axes and machetes to members and vaccinated them
against diseases. In his writings, Chagnon described Yanomamo males as violent and
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uncontrollable, implicating biology and environment as the determining factors for such
behaviors. The anthropologist was criticized for his biased and unscientific conclusions
leading other anthropologists to disprove his claim.
Some people tend to interchange archaeology and anthropology. Keep in mind that
archaeology is a branch of anthropology that deals with the study of artefactual
evidences (such as fossils or material culture) in order to gain historical evidences of
cultural practices and behaviors.
Anthropology, therefore, should be understood as a discipline that should be able to observe
culture naturally but not change it in the process. The uniqueness of cultural practices and
identities come from the appropriate application of anthropological techniques and theories.
Sociology
The term ‘sociology’ was first used in 1780 by French essayist Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyes in his
unpublished manuscript. Over the years, Auguste Comte reinvented the term to characterize
the study of society in relation to the scientific method and natural sciences. It was during the
mid-1800s, however, when sociology as a discipline and as a concept boomed through the
works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’ Communist Manifesto. The book, considered one of
the most influential in political history, presented Marx’s theory of society and radical views
against capitalism. From there on, sociology began to take a peak among social scientists.
Are the political views stated in the Communist Manifesto still applicable in today’s
society?
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Sociology is the systematic study of social interaction and society. Sociologists study all
aspects of society—from individuals up to social institutions. Sociologists believe that
understanding micro- and macro-level phenomenon requires an understanding of the whole
social system that are primarily influenced by interacting social institutions such as education,
religion, economy, family, and government. Sociology looks at individuals and society as
inseparable components of a nation, and as such, both depend on each other for continuity.
German sociologist Norbert Elias used the term figuration to describe the simultaneous
analysis of individuals and society to understand social behavior.
The study of sociology could be separated into three paradigms: structural functionalism,
conflict perspective, and symbolic interactionism.
Sociological Paradigms
Level of Analysis
Focus
Structural Functionalism
Macro or Mid
Each part of society has a specific
function or contribution to enable
societal unity or equilibrium.
Conflict Perspective
Macro
Social inequality is always occurring in
society. This enables social differences
and distribution of power.
Symbolic Interactionism
Micro
Importance is placed upon one-on-one
interaction and communicative
exchanges with others.
These sociological paradigms have been widely used to explain sociological phenomenon
throughout history. While each paradigm has been criticized by supporters from other
sociological perspectives, these three remain to be helpful approaches in defining and
understanding social behavior and phenomena.
Political Science
Political science has had its roots since ancient times. As early as 551 - 479 BC in China
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(through the works of Confucius) and in 300 BC in India (through Kautilya), political science
had garnered much attention from ancient scholars and politicians. Aristotle, considered to
be the world’s first political scientist introduced scientific observation to the discipline, making
political science more advanced back then.
Political science and sociology are disciplines that were designed to support, and not
contradict each other. While some concepts in political science and sociology overlap,
it is salient to remember that political science is more focused on power relations,
while sociology is focused on individual-societal interactions.
While political science is closely related to other social science disciplines, especially sociology,
its main tenets and arguments focus on the use and distribution of power. As such, political
science could be defined as a systematic and empirical study of governance that examines
societal, cultural, and behavioral factors in the operation of government and politics.
Because political science is a broad field, it has generated a number of sub-fields throughout
the years.
Sub-fields
Focus
Domestic Politics
Public opinion, election, public governance, national
and local government units
Comparative Politics
Politics between countries, similarities and
differences between political models
International Relations
Political relationships and activities between
countries, including causes of war and international
economic policies
Political Theory
Classic and contemporary theoretical models on
philosophy and politics
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Public Administration
Role of bureaucracy, application of political science
in daily living, civil service
Public Law
Constitution, legal rights, justice system, civil rights
Public Policy
Passage and implementation of all governmentmandated policies
Despite the growing field of political science, conflict still exists among political scientists who
argue for a singular approach to the discipline. According to supporters of structuralism, the
world should be organized to influence politics and that power, social institutions, and social
interest should be the primary focus of all sub-fields of political science. On the other hand,
supporters of the culturalist view call for a more subjective way political analysis—that which
uses psychology, values, and opinions to determine political conflicts and challenges.
Contemporary scholars, however, believe that structuralist and culturalist perspectives are
intertwined, and could provide a holistic view of politics when strewn together.
The study of sociology, anthropology, and political science continues to expand through
empirical research practices. Current research strategies highlight both qualitative and
quantitative methods in analyzing, describing, and interpreting human behavior and
interaction in terms of values, culture, belief systems, and even political ideologies. The study
of these disciplines, therefore, contribute greatly in understanding cultural phenomena in
both the historical and teleological contexts.
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Fig. 9. Conducting interviews in an urban setting
Accessed February 1, 2018. https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-beard-beverage-blur-590516/
Conducting ethnographies and gathering information from locals require keen
understanding of their cultural background, social systems, and beliefs. Apart
from this, data quality heavily depends on a social scientist’s skills to conduct
effective and culture-appropriate interviews with local informants. In acquiring
data, both the social scientist and informant exchange various viewpoints on
relevant community issues. A good social scientist should be able to maximize
gathered data in the facilitation and production of goal-oriented strategies and
activities. In your point of view, do you think that you could be an effective social
scientist? What qualities should a good scientist possess?
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Marvin Harris (1927 – 2001) was a contemporary cultural anthropologist who
pioneered the concept of cultural materialism in the 1960s. His theory was greatly
inspired from the views of Karl Marx and Thomas Malthus. According to Harris,
environmental conditions, such as weather, geography, and the like, influence the
development of culture.
Supporters of Harris stated that society develops on a trial-and-error basis. They
believed that social factors that are impertinent or dysfunctional would disappear
from society at a specific period in time. This would imply that social institutions, when
dysfunctional, have a tendency to disappear from society. This theory has garnered
support from other cultural anthropologists. It has also been used to analyze macrolevel social cases, such as the religious significance of animals in India.
Check Your Understanding
A. Write TRUE if the statement is correct, and FALSE if the statement is incorrect.
1. Norbert Elias used the term ‘figuration’ to describe the simultaneous analysis of
individuals and society to understand social behavior.
2. Domestic Politics focuses on public opinion, election, public governance, and national
and local government units.
3. In the sociological paradigm of symbolic interactionism, importance is placed upon
one-on-one interaction and communicative exchanges with others.
4. Jane Goodall is a prominent figure in archaeology.
5. Only qualitative methods are used to gather data for the social sciences.
B. Which among the sub-fields of political science is most relevant in Philippine society today?
Why should political scientists give importance to this sub-field? How could focusing on
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this sub-field change the course of local politics and governance?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
C. Anthropologists devote great time and effort in travelling, interviewing, observing ethnic
behaviors and cultures for the sake of knowledge-building and knowledge-sharing.
Alongside these efforts, all anthropologists should uphold ethical principles at all times to
ensure a safe and comfortable environment for both the social scientist and the ethnic
participants. List salient ethical principles and values that should be applied by an
anthropologist when conducting ethnographies.
1. __________________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________________________________
6. __________________________________________________________________________________________
7. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
8. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
9. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
10.__________________________________________________________________________________________
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Putting Value
The social sciences, which includes the fields of anthropology, sociology, and political science,
give great focus on human interaction and development. However, as much as the field tries
to eliminate stigmas and discrimination against various cultural and ethnic practices among
minorities, some individuals still try to implicate, bully, and disrespect these traditions. As a
social sciences student, how would you advocate against such discriminatory practices? What
could be done to stop or lessen such behavior?
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Real-world Challenge
Divide the class into three groups. Read the GRASPS situation below and perform the
following tasks. Make sure to read the rubrics for the activity.
Goal:
• Your task is to determine which among society, culture, and politics impact
an individual the most.
• The goal is to inform your classmates about the what constitutes society,
culture, and politics.
• The problem or challenge is to make your classmates differentiate among
the three concepts and to appreciate their interrelatedness.
Role:
• Each group is assigned one topic: culture, society, or politics.
• Each member of the group is asked to share pertinent information about
their selected topics and to provide relevant examples to support their
claims.
Audience:
• The target audience is your classmates and your teacher.
Situation:
• You are part of an academic debate team that is currently in competition.
Product/Performance and Purpose:
• You will create a short Powerpoint presentation that presents the main
points of your arguments.
• You need to provide real life examples (e.g. research data, previous
findings, historical facts) to support your arguments.
Standards & Criteria for Success:
• Your work will be judged by the following standards on the next page.
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Beginning
Developing
(0-12 points)
(13-16 points)
Accomplished Score
(17-20 points)
P
r
Criteria
Content
(Focus on details are clearly
evident; it is clearly related
to the topic.)
Organization
(Logical progression of
details; clear transitions
between ideas.
Conventions
(spelling, mechanics,
grammar and usage)
T
a
Creativity
(shows resourcefulness in
presentation and activities)
Audience Impact
(interesting presentation to
get the attention of
students)
Team Work
(contributions from all
members to the fruition of
the work)
Total Score:
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Society and I: Self-Check
Check
I can…
Differentiate between society, culture, and politics.
Explain the importance of society, culture, and politics in identity
development.
Discuss different drivers of social, cultural, and political change.
Apply what I learned to my personal experiences.
Reflect
I find __________________________ the most interesting because ______________________.
I got ____ checks because _______________________________________________________.
I need to improve on _______________________because _____________________________.
I need to practice _________________________ because _____________________________.
I plan to _____________________________________________________________________ .
Wrap Up
● Culture, society, and politics are interrelated components of a nation.
● It is through socialization where individuals adapt all aspects of society and exchange
local practices to one another. Socialization is facilitated through social interactions.
● Culture is both resistant and adaptive to change. Inventions and culture loss drive
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changes in a society’s cultural mechanisms.
● Social and political changes influence one another. In the Philippine setting, the effects
of such changes are evident at the macro- and micro-level even at present.
● The disciplines of anthropology, sociology, and political sciences are housed under the
social sciences where human behavior and development are studied.
The Study of Culture, Society, and
Politics
Social, Political, and
Cultural Behavior
and Phenomena
Social, Political, and
Cultural Change
The Study of
Culture, Society,
and Politics
Society, Politics,
and Culture
Cultural Change
Anthropology
Cultural, Societal,
and Political
Identity
Social and
Political Change
Sociology
Political Science
Bibliography
Alan Heslop. “Political System.” Encyclopaedia Brittanica. Retrieved 29 January, 2018 from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-system.
“Around the Quads: In Memoriam.” Columbia College Today. Retrieved 30 January, 2018 from
http://www.college.columbia.edu/cct_archive/jan02/jan02_quads12.html.
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B.R. Nanda. “Mahatma Gandhi.” Encyclopaedia Brittanica. Retrieved 31 January, 2018 from
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mahatma-Gandhi/Place-in-history.
Cathy J. Cohen, Matthew D. Luttig, and Jon C. Rogowski. GenForward: Understanding the
Millennial Vote in 2016. Chicago, Illinois: AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research,
2016.
Dennis O’Neill. “Processes of Change.” Palomar.edu. Retrieved 29 January, 2018 from
https://www2.palomar.edu/anthro/change/change_2.htm.
“Habit.” Merriam-Webster Online. Retrieved 30 January, 2018 from https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/habit.
Jess Feist, Gregory Feist, and Tomi-Ann Roberts. Theories of Personality (8th ed). Philippines:
McGraw-Hill, 2013.
Michael G. Roskin. “Political Science.” Encycopaedia Brittanica. Retrieved 29 January, 2018 from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-science.
Morrisville State College. Introduction to Anthropology. Morrisville, New York: Morrisville State
College.
Openstax College. Introduction to Sociology. Houston Texas: Openstax College, 2013.
Peter Metcalf. Anthropology: The Basics. New York, New York: Routledge, 2005.
William Form and Nico Wilterdink. “Social Change.” Encyclopaedia Brittanica. Retrieved 29
January, 2018 from https://www.britannica.com/topic/social-change#ref222908.
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Answers to Check Your Understanding
Lesson 1: Social, Political, and Cultural Behavior and Phenomena
Part A.
1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. True
Lesson 2: Social, Political, and Cultural Change
Part A
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. False
Lesson 3: The Study of Culture, Society, and Politics
Part A.
1. True
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. False
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Glossary
Anthropology – aims to scientifically examine the behavior, origin, social, physical, and
cultural development of humans
Culture – a group’s shared belief and value system that are preserved either through material
or non-material ways
Culture loss – refers to the obliteration of old culture, specifically when new technologies and
knowledge about certain cultural processes are formed
Field works – controlled experiences of culture wherein a social scientist experiences, firsthand, a society’s cultural practices and ways of living
Figuration – the simultaneous analysis of individuals and society to understand social
behavior
Habits – prevailing dispositions that emphasize a person’s character or behavior
Inventions – occur when things or concepts are put together and result into something that
becomes useful
Participant observation – the process where an anthropologist participates in the lives of
locals and tries to live as one
Politics – a set of activities and actions that are used to hold power in a government
Political science – a systematic and empirical study of governance that examines societal,
cultural, and behavioral factors in the operation of government and politics
Socialization – The process of immersing oneself in a particular society and culture, even at
birth
Social change – refers to the alteration of mechanisms in a social structure characterized by
changes in social organizations, cultural symbols, patterns of behavior, and value systems
Society – a group of people with a shared environment, cultural beliefs, and ways of living
Sociology – the systematic study of social interaction and society
Structural-functionalist model – emphasizes the importance of various social structures in
developing and driving change at both the individual and societal levels
Traits – contribute to behavioral consistency over time and behavioral stability across
situations
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