UCSP NOTES | First Semester territory delineated by a political border and

Lesson 1: Starting Points for Understanding controlled by a government.

Culture, Society, and Politics
Nationality and Ethnicity
Chapter I – Human Variations - Both concepts are capable of informing an
individual’s behavior and habits due to a set of
What is Human Variations? cultural norms that each category provides.
- Human variability is the range of possible
values for any measurable characteristics, Social Differences
physical or mental, of human beings. - The society has various manifestations of
social differences based on unique social
Common Human Variations characteristics or qualities like social class, race,
1. Cultural Diversity ethnicity, gender, age, educational attainment,
2. Social Differences occupation, position in the society and the like.
3. Political Identities - In sociology, social differences is usually
equated with social stratification, this describes
Cultural Diversity the relative social position of persons in a given
- Culture has the capacity to bond the members social group, category, geographical region or
of a society together, but it is also a source of other social unit.
differences that exist between people in society
and between societies around the globe due to Gender
diversity in language, dress, and traditions, food - Refers to the socially constructed roles,
preferences, the way societies organize behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given
themselves, in their shared conception of society considers appropriate for men and
morality, and in the ways they interact with women (WHO, 2013).
their environment, and etc. - Sex, chiefly centers on biological differences
(reproductive system) such as male or female.
Ethnicity
- The expression of the set of cultural ideas held Socioeconomic Status
by a distinct ethnic or indigenous group. People - Refers to the category of persons who have
who collectively and publicly identify more or less the same socioeconomic privileges
themselves as distinct and unique based on in a society.
distinguishable cultural features that set them - The concept of socioeconomic varies between
apart from others, such as language, shared societies as the ideas associated with being
ancestry, common origin, customs, and poor or rich differ based on the collective
traditions. experiences of individuals.

Nationality Religion
- Nationality is the identity that is tied to being - An organized system of ideas about the
part of a nation or country - a “group of people spiritual sphere or the supernatural, along with
who share the same history, traditions, and associated ceremonial or ritualistic practices by
language” and who inhabits a particular which people try to interpret and/or influence
aspects of the universe otherwise beyond Social Science and its Importance
human control. Social Science as a discipline studies
society and the manner in which people behave
Exceptionality and influence the world around us. The
- Refers to the state of being intellectually gifted uttermost goal of social science is to answer
and/or having physically or mentally challenged different questions and find solutions to
conditions concerning personality/behavior, problems of society to improve human condition
communication, intellect, physical appearance, despite cultural, social, and political differences.
or a combination of more than one specific
exceptionality or disability. Significance of Studying Culture, Society and
Politics
Political Identity Paying attention to the interplay of
- The world is visibly divided into different culture, society, and politics is so important.
countries. Each country has its own political These elements are essential in understanding
system to run its government. A government is human behavior and social groups against the
the system by which a state or community is backdrop of globalization and industrialization.
controlled so as to put order. - Students as individuals and integral members
- Political identity as a social category refers to of society are expected to value their roles in
the set of attitudes and practices that an society, apply the knowledge they learned from
individual adheres to in relation to the political school, and translate their gained ideas into
systems and actors within his or her society. actions beneficial to nation-building.

Human beings rarely give all possible What is Culture?

values for a given parameter of the same value, 1. Language
though not all people agree on the values or 2. Working Schedule
relative rankings. Local valuation may affect 3. Medical Cure
social standing, reproductive opportunities, or 4. Clothing and Dressing
even survival. Each individual’s distinct 5. Religion
differences, even the negatively valued ones, 6. Manners
are usually considered an essential part of 7. Child-rearing Methods
self-identity 8. Jokes
9. Celebrations
Chapter II – Significance of Studying Culture, 10. Food
Society, and Politics 11. Folk Art

Social Science Culture

- A group of academic disciplines dedicated to - The complex whole encompasses beliefs,
examining human behavior and specifically how practices, values, attitudes, laws, norms,
people interact with each other, behave, artifacts, symbols, knowledge, and everything
develop as a culture, and influence the world. that a person learns and shares as a member of
society (Tylor 1920[1871]).
- These ideas are passed from generation to which are evolved in the acquisition and
generation. exercise of power and decision-making in
society (Turner, 215).
Classification of Culture - Political institution sets up the social norms
1. Tangible Culture and values as to who will possess “the
2. Intangible Culture monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force
within a given territory,” how that power is
Tangible Culture acquired and maintained, and how that power
- Include all material objects or those is organized and exercised, comprises the state
components or elements of culture with (Weber, 216).
physical representation such as tools, furniture,
buildings, bridges gadgets, etc. These are Definitions of Politics
created or produced, changed, or utilized by 1. Alfred Boyer
humans - Politics is the interaction between the civil
society and the government in the activity of
Intangible Culture governance.
- Without physical representation such as ideas,
concepts, designs, expectations, standards, and 2. Max Weber
rules for human behavior. - Politics is the exercise of power within a state.

Society 3. David Easton

- Comes from the Latin word “socius” which - Politics is the authoritative allocation of scarce
means comrade, companion or friend. An values.
organized group or groups of interdependent
people who share a common territory, Power
language, and culture and act together for - As defined in democratic principles, is a status
collective survival and well-being. granted to individuals or institutions to properly
run the government and implement the rule of
“There can be no culture without a society and the law in the society.
so far there are no known human societies that
do not exhibit culture.” Three Branches of the Government
(Haviland, et. al: 312) 1. Executive– President and Cabinet

Politics 2. Legislative – Congress: Senate and House of

- Politics comes from the Greek word “politika” the Representatives
which means affairs of the cities. Politics refers
to the “theory, art, and practice of 3. Judiciary – Supreme Court: Court of Appeals,
government”, achieving and exercising Sandiganbayan, and Court of Tax Appeals
positions of governance over a human
community.
- Political institution is a relatively stable cluster
of statuses, general norms, and role behavior,
Checks and Balances into different areas according to focus or
1. Executive Branch subject.
Checks on Legislative Branch:
-Proposes laws In this subject, a special focus on the
- Vetoes laws interplay of Anthropology, Sociology, and
- Call special sessions of Congress Political Science will be given focus with the use
- Makes nominations to federal offices of a trans-disciplinary perspective to look into
- Negotiates foreign treaties the interplay of culture, society, and politics and
to understand and explain social issues in
Checks on Judicial Branch: human society.
- Nominates federal judges
- Grants pardons to federal offenders Disciplinary
- Epistemologies, assumptions, knowledge,
2. Legislative Branch skills, methods within the boundary of a
Checks on Executive Branch: discipline.
- Overrides presedential veto
- Confirms executive nominations ex: Physics; History; Psychology
- Appropriates money
- Impeaches and removes presidents Multidisciplinary
- Using the knowledge/understanding of more
Checks on Judicial Branch: than one discipline.
- Establishes lower federal courts
- Impeaches and removes judges ex: Physics and History; Biology and
- Proposes amendments to overrule Architecture
judicial decisions
- Confirms federal judges Interdisciplinary
- Using the epistemologies/methods of one
3. Judicial Branch discipline within another.
Checks on Executive Branch:
- Declares executive actions ex: Biochemistry; Eco philosophy;
unconstitutional Astrophysics

Checks on Legislative Branch: Transdisciplinary

- Declares act of Congress - Focus on an issue both within and beyond
unconstitutional discipline boundaries with the possibility of new
perspectives.
Social issues and social problems are
more complex than ever before and the By transdisciplinary, it permits a learning
interplay of culture, society, and politics in the strategy that crosses many disciplinary
process could not be denied. Looking at these boundaries to create a holistic approach to
social issues and social problems are divided learning and a better appreciation of the
learning.
 ANTHROPOLOGY
Culture
- The 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
society.
- These are knowledge, language, values,
customs, and physical objects that are passed
from generation to generation among members
of the group.

Anthropology
- Greek words “anthropos” meaning
Chapter III – Anthropology, Sociology, and human/humankind and “logos” meaning word.
Political Science - The systematic study of the biological, cultural,
and social aspects of man – promotes a holistic
Starting Points of Understanding Culture, study of humans.
Society and Politics - Biologically, it inquires about the genetic
The uttermost goal of social science is composition of humans, their relationship with
to understand the complexities of human other primates, and their evolution.
behavior and relations, answer different - Socially, it inquires about human behaviors,
questions and find solutions to problems of attitudes, and belief systems, which range from
society to improve the human condition. birth practices to burial rites.
- Anthropology is the study of human beings and
Branch of Social Science their ancestors, produces knowledge about
1. Anthropology what makes people different from one another
2. Archeology and what they all share in common.
3. Demography
4. Economics Anthropologist
5. Geography - Anthropologists research, observe, analyze,
6. History and apply what they learn to understand the
7. Linguistics many variations of the human condition.
8. Philosophy
9. Political Science Goals of Anthropology
10. Psychology ✔ Explain and analyzing human cultural
11. Sociology
similarities and differences.
✔ Assess the cultural development of our
4. Linguistics
species as revealed in archaeological - Examines the language of a group of people
record. and its relation to their culture, by which
✔ Analyze the biological evolution of human cultures are maintained and passed on to
succeeding generations.
species as evidenced in the fossil record.
✔ Explain human biological diversity today. Major Areas in Linguistics
- Descriptive Linguistics
The Four Sub-disciplines of Anthropology - Historical Linguistics
1. Biological Anthropology (also called Physical
Anthropology) Known Anthropologists
- Looks into the biological development of 1. Franz Boas
humans and their contemporary variations. 2. Alfred Koeber
3. Clifford Geertz
Sub-fields in Biological Anthropology 4. Margaret Mead
- Human Paleontology
- Human Variations Anthropology in the 21st Century
The key strength of anthropology as a
2. Cultural Anthropology (also called Social discipline of the social science is its holistic
Anthropology) approach to the study of humans. It is holistic in
- Promotes the study of a society’s culture the sense that it studies:
through their belief system, practices, and
possessions.. (1). humans, both as biological and social
creatures,
Sub-fields in Cultural Anthropology (2). human behavior from the time the species
- Archeology existed to the time that it will desists,
- Linguistics (3). human behavior from all regions of the
- Ethnology world, and
(4). all forms of human actions and beliefs.
3. Archaeology
- Recover information about human cultures – Anthropology provides a degree of
often from the past - by studying material keenness to its learner such as everyday things
samples, skeletal remains, and settlements. are contextualized and understood within the
Promotes an understanding of how humans frame of culture. This develops acuity among
have adapted to their environment and students of anthropology.
developed.
SOCIOLOGY
Major Areas in Archaeology Society
- Historical Archaeology - An organized group or groups of
- Cultural Resources Management interdependent people who share a common
- Applied Archaeology
territory, language, and culture, and who act more similar to each other than we would
together for collective survival and well-being. otherwise be.

Sociology The Sociological Imagination

- From Latin word “socious” meaning friend or In order to fully understand society, and
companion, and Greek word “logos” meaning the behavior of its people, a perspective called
study. the sociological imagination (C. Wright Mills,
- The scientific study of society, including 1959) should be used.
patterns of social relationships, social - “The sociological imagination enables us to
interaction, social behaviors and culture. grasp the connection between history and
- Sociology studies how people relate/interact to biography within society”. With this, one can
each other and how they work and function as a explain individual and societal phenomena.
whole in the larger society. - This refers to the ability to understand society
- It also studies social structures, collective systematically. This ability involves the process
human action, social relationships, culture, and of detaching oneself from the common
even the impact of social contexts on individual understanding of society and creates an
behavior. alternative approach that would situate a
- Sociology study the relationships among behavior or an event within a great social
people, social development in general and framework.
describes and analyzes social life in all its phases
and complexities. Two Major Approaches to Examine the Human
Society
Overview of Sociology 1. Macro-level Perspective
It seeks to discover the general 2. Micro-level Perspective
principles underlying all social phenomena and
social relationship and to establish laws of Macro-sociology
change and growth in social changes. - Examines the social structure, social
It is the study of the society and the institutions, social organizations and social
behavior of people in the society. groups.
- Uses the structural-functionalist perspective
What is Sociological Perspective ? and the conflict perspective in examining the
The heart of sociology is the sociological larger social structure.
perspective, the view that our social
backgrounds influence our attitudes, behavior, Micro-sociology
and life chances. In this regard, we are not just - Emphasis the role of the individuals in society.
individuals but rather social beings deeply - Uses the symbolic interactionist perspective to
enmeshed in society. look into the interactions between or among
Although we all differ from one another the individuals in society.
in many respects, we share with many other
people basic aspects of our social backgrounds,
perhaps especially gender, race and ethnicity,
and social class. These shared qualities make us
Major Theoretical Perspectives in Studying adapt to their varying environments and social
Society conditions.
Structural Functionalism Through the scientific analyses of social
- Society is an organic being of interrelated parts phenomena, sociology provides policy makers
that work together in harmony. with concrete bases for decisions that affect
human population and alter their social
Conflict landscape.
- Society is the competition of a few groups of
people for scarce resources. POLITICAL SCIENCE AND THE STUDY OF
Symbolic Interactionism POLITICS
- Society is essentially a set of daily interactions Political Science
that are guided by symbols. - From two Greek words: “polis” and “scire”
meaning city-state, political activities within a
Pioneers of Sociology “polis” are later termed as “politikus” (Latin),
Auguste Comte “scire” means to know.
- The Father of Sociology. - The body of knowledge relating to the study of
the state and government. The study of politics.
Harriet Martineau It deals with systems of government and the
- The first woman sociologist. analysis of political activity and political
behavior within the state.
Herbert Spencer - Help us understand the nature and
- Coined the phrase “Survival of the Fittest”. characteristics of authority and power
distribution and how it shapes the way societies
Karl Marx is organized.
- Known for his societal analysis called Marxism. - It analyze a wide array of topics including
systems of governance, political theories, the
Emile Durkheim making process, political behavior and ethics,
- Pioneered the systematic application of policies and their implications, political
scientific methodology in sociology. organization, and the electoral process. The
effect of these concepts to individuals and
Max Weber groups in society.
- Known for his bureaucratic model.
Goal of Political Science
Value of Sociology for the 21st Century
✔ It deals extensively with the theory and
Contemporary society is constantly
facing reality-altering developments not just in practice of politics which is commonly
technology but also in its environment as thought of as the determining of the
brought about by climate change. distribution of power and resources.
Sociology finds its value today in ✔ Aims to know the activities within the
providing us with a conceptual tool in
state.
understanding the plight of humans as they
 Public Policy
✔ Political Science aims to know the activities
- Studies the interface politics and economic. It
within the state. Such activities include the aims to create a plan to develop programs that
following: would be sufficient and adequate to societies.
1. human interaction and conflict,
2. human and state relations, and Known Contributors in Political Science
3. power distribution. 1. Plato
2. Aristotle
Political Science and its Sub-fields 3. Niccolo Machiavelli
- Political science is a very big discipline that’s 4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
why it is divided into sub-fields. 5. Baron de Montesquieu
6. Thomas Hobbes
1. Comparative Politics 7. John Locke
2. International Relations
3. Political Theory Definitions of Politics
4. Public Administration 1. Alfred Boyer
5. Constitutional Law - Politics is the interaction between the civil
6. Public Policy society and the government in the activity of
governance.
Comparative Politics
- Studies the politics within other nations. This 2. Max Weber
sub-field tries to compare theories on specific - Politics is the exercise of power within a state.
nation to other nation. - Weber introduced two essential concepts in
political science: Power and State.
International Relation Power, as the likelihood of achieving
- Studies the politics among nations. In this desired ends in spite of resistance from others.
sub-field, conflicts, diplomatic affairs, and A state is a political entity that consists
international law is being studied. of four elements: territory, government,
people, and sovereignty.
Political Theory
- Studies classical and modern politics. This Territory
sub-field aims to discover what theory suits the - This is the geographic space in which the
characteristic of good politics. sovereignty of a state is exercised. A territory
includes the terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial
Public Administration domains, including its territorial seas, the
- Studies bureaucracies on how it is functional seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and
and how to improve it by certain theories. other submarine areas.
Constitutional Law
- Studies how laws are made and being applied Government
on a certain nation or state. Its major aim is to - The set of personnel who manages the affairs
study legal systems. of the state in its act of allocating scarce values.
The authority, present in a society that enforces self-sufficient. This means that diverse culture
is laws and oversees its members. exist in a specific society.

People Culture
- The most crucial of all, as it is through the - The complex whole which encompasses
existence of the people that concepts on beliefs, practices, values, attitudes, laws norms,
government, state, territory, and sovereignty artifacts, symbols, knowledge, and everything
take shape. that a person learns and shares as a member of
society. (Tylor 1920[1871])
Sovereignty
- The capacity of a political system to make Aspects of Culture
independent decisions within its territory. Visible/Tangible Culture
- Include all material objects or those
- Two defining characteristics of a state are the components or elements of culture with physical
following: representation such as tools, furniture,
1. It is dependent from external control and buildings, bridges gadgets, etc. These are
2. It may consist of many nations created or produced, change or utilized by
human.
3. David Easton
- Politics is the authoritative allocation of scarce Non-visible/Non-tangible Culture
values. - Without physical representation such as ideas,
concepts, designs, expectations, standards and
Lesson 2: Culture and Society as rules for human behavior.
Anthropological and Sociological Concepts
Classification of Culture
Chapter I – Defining Culture and Society This form is categorized into cognitive and
normative.
Society
- Refers to a group of people who share a Cognitive Culture
common territory and a culture. Also defined as - Consists of concepts, ideas, and philosophies
an organized group or groups of people who that are considered the products of the rational
generally share a common territory, language, functioning of the human mind.
culture, and who act together for collective
survival and well-being. (Haviland, et. al.:312) Normative Culture
- Society arises only when individuals are knit - Consists of shared expectations, rules, and
together in a network. In other words, society standards of human behavior.
exists when social beings behave toward each
other in ways determined by their recognition Three Components of Culture
of one another. Ideas
- A society has more comprehensive sets of - Are thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and rules.
culture in the sense that the group is culturally - ex. religions, way of life like gender roles, love,
etc.
Activities
- Are the dynamic components of culture. It is 1. Culture is dynamic, flexible, and adaptive;
what people do as opposed to what they 2. it is shared and contested;
believe or feel. 3. it is learned through socialization and
- ex. rituals and/or celebrations like religious enculturation;
holiday ”Christmas”. 4. it is composed of patterned social
interactions;
Artifacts 5. is integrated and, at times, unstable;
- Are man-made products of ideas and activities. 6. it is transmitted through socialization and
- ex. religious books, etc. enculturation; and
7. it requires language and other forms of
Elements of Culture communication.
All cultures are made up of elements
that are fundamental to human life. Such Culture is dynamic, flexible, and adaptive.
elements include beliefs, languages, norms, - Culture is a product of society through the
symbols, technology, and values. These dynamic interactions of humans with one
elements are defined as follows: another. It is dynamic and flexible because
human needs change as they relate to the
1. Beliefs are ideas, viewpoints, and attitudes of environment as a means for survival. Hence,
peoples based on common sense, folklore, individuals continuously reinvent culture to
religion, or science. meet the demands of the changing times.

2. Language is a shared set of spoken and Culture is shared and contested.

written symbols for the transmission of culture - The set of attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs an
(Arcinas, 2016). individual has is part of a bigger collection
customarily owned and practiced by other
3. Norms are rules or standards that guide the members of a society. It implies that culture is
behaviors of individuals. shared among a group of people commissioned
to pass it on to the future generations. However,
4. Symbols, whether verbal or nonverbal, are because of cultural differences and diverse
used to communicate meanings to others. contexts, individuals and groups encounter
misunderstandings that lead to conflicts.
5. Technology is the application of scientific
knowledge for practical purposes. Culture it is learned through socialization and
enculturation.
6. Values are principles or standards of - Culture comprises attitudes, beliefs, behaviors,
behavior. knowledge, laws, norms, and practices that
people learn from their family, school, church,
Characteristics of Culture and other social institutions. The process of
Cultures share principal characteristics learning one's culture is called enculturation. It
that are essential to the existence of each is a process of learning one's culture from birth
other. These are as follows: until death. Through enculturation, individuals
learn, understand, and appreciate cultures done within a cultural framework" (Scarino &
existing in their own communities. Liddicoat, 2009).
Cultural Threats
Culture is composed of patterned social - Certain changes brought about by
interactions. globalization, technological revolution, and
- It is evident that we interact with many people even cultural homogenization. Also, lack of
each day. Such social interactions are regular support, appreciation, and understanding of
and repetitive aspects of the exchanges among people.
members of a given social entity. Sociologists - If culture is not nurtured, it may lost forever.
have identified five patterns, namely, Preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to
cooperation, competition, exchange, conflict, future generations strengthens and keeps it
and accommodation. alive while allowing it to evolve and adapt.

Culture is integrated and at times, unstable. Orientations in Viewing Other Culture

- All aspects of a culture are interrelated. Hence, 1. Ethnocentrism
its development is the integration of all its - The belief that one’s culture regard as the best
parts. It is indeed essential to study all its and more superior compared to another. They
aspects in order to understand it as a whole. view other cultures as different and strange.
- All societies and groups display a certain
Culture is transmitted through socialization amount of ethnocentrism, it has the positive
and enculturation. effect of promoting solidarity and loyalty within
- An enduring process where individuals develop the group. Collectivism develops cultural pride
a self-concept in order to prepare for their roles and identify, the most important ingredients in
is known as socialization (Panopio, nation building.
Cordero-MacDonald, & Raymundo, 1994). This - Ethnocentrism in excess leads to conflict with
occurs when individuals acquire knowledge and groups considered inferior, to oppression and
skills through education, training, exposure, and sometimes genocides.
experience (Santarita & Madrid, 2016).
Socialization, therefore, results in the formation 2. Xenocentrism
of identity, observance of norms and values, - The belief that one’s culture is inferior to one
and recognition of statuses and roles. another.

Culture requires language and other forms of 3. Cultural Relativism

communication. - The practice of viewing and analyzing other
- It is essential to understand the nature of the culture by its own terms, in the context of their
relationship between language and culture. own societal setting rather than assessing it
Using language does not just help to convey based on the standard of one’s own culture.
meaning; it also enables individuals to - Cultural relativism states that there are no
communicate with and understand one another universal norms or moral absolutes, any act can
to get the message/meaning across. Thus, appear either good or bad.
"language in its cultural context that creates
meaning—creating and interpreting meaning is
Chapter II – Importance of Cultural Relativism in excess leads to conflict with groups considered
Attaining Cultural Understanding and to inferior to oppression and sometimes genocide
Mitigate Ethnocentrism (OU: 13).
- While ethnocentrism may develop solidarity of
Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism the group, it also restricts interaction between
- Today, we live in a rapidly changing globalized groups and when accompanied by antagonism
society. And, as modern technology get more and hostility, may lead to conflict (Panopio:
innovative, people from various cultures get 38-39).
closer in interaction with each other. Depending - Cultural sensitivity is expected especially if one
on the level of sensitivity and respect people is a visitor. Non-sensitivity to cultural practices
have for other cultural groups, this interaction of other groups may be misinterpreted and this
may be seen as positive or negative. may lead to conflict with others or maybe seen
- Each culture differs from another as each by others a rude behavior especially when
defines reality differently. As a result, some articulated or expresses in front of others.
people find it difficult to get along with or Learning to take the role of the other person
understand other people’s ways of thinking and gives one the ability to see the perspective of the
doing. other before articulating or giving judgement.
- To avoid judging the cultural practices of To do this, it is important to:
groups that are different to yours, we should try 1) study the cultural context in which the action
to understand cultural practices of other groups occurs,
in its own cultural context. 2) determine the circumstances of place, time
- Members of a particular society have the and condition surrounding it, and
tendency to regard its culture as the best and 3) look into the reasoning behind any cultural
more superior compared to another society. element.
- The view that one’s group is superior compared
to another is called ethnocentrism. Cultural Relativism
- In an ethnocentric viewpoint, a group is - To mitigate the negative effects of
considered as the center or core of everything ethnocentrism, it has been suggested that
and all other groups are scaled and rated in cultural relativity be popularized. Cultural
relation to it or called peripheral (Sumner: 38). relativity or relativism assert that cultures must
Cultures that are viewed as different and be viewed and analyzed on their own terms, in
strange are compounded by ethnocentrism – the context of their own societal setting. No
the tendency to evaluate other cultures in culture should be considered better than
terms of one’s own and to conclude that other another; different cultures should be accepted,
cultures are inferior, barbaric, or immoral (OU: tolerated, and appreciated rather than
13). condemned. No society has the right to use its
- All societies and groups display a certain own values and norms as the standard to view
amount of ethnocentrism and, in moderation, it the traits of another society.
has the positive effect of promoting solidarity - Cultural relativism states that there are no
and loyalty within the group. Cultural pride and universal norms or moral absolutes; in specific
identity is the most important ingredients in circumstances, any act can appear either good
nation building. However, ethnocentrism in or bad (OU: 13).
- Culture is seen to have equal value. It rests on Social Symbols – relating to human societies
the idea that truth itself is relative, depending and its modes of organization (i.e. social classes,
on the cultural environment. The idea of cultural social problems, social issues, etc.
relativism embraces the view that religious,
ethical, aesthetical, and political beliefs are Political Symbols – used to represent a political
completely relative to the individual within a standpoint seen in various media & forms such
cultural identity. It also covers ideas or moral as banners, flag, motto, etc.
relativism (ethics depend on a social construct),
situational relativism (right or wrong is based Economic Symbols – used in production,
on the particular situation), and cognitive distribution, and consumption of goods and
relativism (truth itself has no objective services like currency, market, labor, demands
standard). and other economic activities.

Chapter III – Significance of Cultural, Social, Functions of Symbols & Symbolism

Political and Economic Symbols and Practices
✔ Social symbols are used to transfer culture,

Symbols and Symbolism ideologies or beliefs from group to another

Symbol group of people.
- Is an object, word, or action that stands for ✔ Symbols are also used to preserve
something else, without natural relationship,
traditions or beliefs of a certain group of
that is culturally defined.
people.
- Symbols, such as gestures, signs, objects,
signals and words help people understand the ✔ All symbols contain the “face” and
world. “hidden” values, the hidden values, in a
- Symbols provide clues to understanding functional perspective, holds greater
experiences. They convey recognizable meaning and importance that the face
meanings that are shaped by societies value.
✔ Symbols and symbolism have been utilized
Symbolism to create movements, spread ideas, and
- Is when something represents abstract ideas or share advocacies.
concepts; it assigns names, denominations, and
defines relation between various elements Cultural Symbols & Practices
(actors, actions, goals, means objects, values, - Common examples are objects, figures, sounds
etc.) articulated within a narrative. and colors.
- Sometimes. It can be in a form of facial
Symbols expressions, word interpretations, or gestures
Cultural Symbols – manifestation that signifies such as handshakes and hand signals, instead of
the ideology of a particular culture that has symbols or signs.
meaning within that cultures. - Cultural practices are the manifestation of a
culture or subculture, especially concerning the
traditional and customary practices of a
particular ethnic or other cultural group.
e.g. religious and spiritual, medical treatment, distribution and attainment of power,
forms of artistic expressions, culinary, housing bureaucratic composition, etc.
and child-rearing practices.
Economic Symbols
Cultural Practices in the Philippines - Represents economic standpoint.
- Traditional Medical Practices – belief in - May be seen in various media such as Stock
“albularyo”, herbal medicines, alternative Exchange, Money and Currency, Gold and
medicines, and other home remedies. Petroleum, Life Insurance, Banking, etc

- Religious/ Spiritual Practices – Obando Festival Significance of Symbols & Symbolism

in Bulacan for fertility, Panaad sa Camuguin as As rational thinkers, we have been
act of penances and pilgrim, Feast of the Black making and giving meaning to symbols for a
Nazarene in Manila, etc. long time. Symbols have been a part of our lives
and growth as humankind.
- Culinary Practices – Rice 3 meals a day, Adobo, The usage of symbols and symbolism
Sinigang, streetfoods, Balut, rice cakes,etc. have given mankind an avenue to communicate
with different groups of people, influence others
- Child-rearing Practices – respectful (mano, po of different ideologies, and preserve values that
& opo), obedience to parents and elders, no were transferred from generations to
talking back to elders, removing footwear generations.
before entering the house, family mealtime,
ninong/ninang, ate/kuya, punishment using Lesson 3: Human Bio-cultural and Social Political
belt/tsinelas. Evolution

Social Symbols & Practices Chapter I – Key Terms

- Visible, external denotation of one’s social
position, indicator of one’s social or economic Species
status. - A population capable of interbreeding – of
- Status Symbol – relating to how individuals producing viable, fertile offspring.
and groups interact and interpret various
cultural symbols. Speciation
- Can be seen in clothing and possession, societal - The process by which new species form. It
recognition, material possessions and other occurs when groups in a species become
recognized symbols used worldwide such as reproductively isolated and diverge.
white dove for peace, red heart for love, etc.
Biological Evolution
Political Symbols & Practices - Refers to the process of whereby
- Artifacts or objectifications of different political organisms/species undergo various genetic and
meanings, especially related to power. physical changes that pave the way for
- Political practices are common things that are biological diversity. Adaptation is a key
done within a state or country. It is related to evolutionary process in which variation in the
the practices done in administration, fitness of traits and species are adjusted by
natural selection to become better suited for evolved. The way people communicate with
survival in specific ecological habitats. each other today is entirely different from the
prehistoric era. Before, communicating is
- ex. People living at high altitudes, such as limited to interpersonal interaction – person to
Tibet. Tibetans thrive at altitudes where oxygen person. Until it evolved to alphabets, signs and
levels are up to 40 percent lower than at sea symbols, letters, and telephone, mobile phones,
level. Breathing air that thin would cause most android phones and now to smart phones.
people to get sick, but Tibetans’ bodies have
evolved changes in their body chemistry. Most Bipedalism
people can survive at high altitudes for a short - A special form of locomotion on two feet. This
time because their bodies raise their levels of is determine by looking at the curves of the
hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen in spine, shape of the pelvis, and shape of the foot
the blood. However, continuously high levels of bones.
hemoglobin are dangerous, so increased
hemoglobin levels are not a good solution to Chapter II – Human Bio-cultural and Social
high-altitude survival in the long term. Tibetans Evolution
seemed to have evolved genetic mutations that
allow them to use oxygen far more efficiently Natural Selection
without the need for extra hemoglobin - Is a process through which certain
environmentally adapted biological features are
Bio-cultural Evolution perpetuated at the expense of less adaptive
- Refer to as “the mutual interactive evolution of features.
human biology and culture”. The concept
focuses on the idea that “biology makes culture Continental Drift Theory
possible and that developing culture further - The position of the continents has shifted
influences the direction of biological evolution". through continental drift. This process resulted
to the re-arrangement of adjacent land masses
- ex. Modern Filipino houses are structure in an as implied by the theory of plate tectonics. This
adaptation to the tropical conditions of the is important for understanding the distribution
Philippines, particularly with regard to the of fossil primate groups as well as climate
climate. To highlight, houses are construct changes in the environment that affected the
because of the physical or biological conditions evolution of primates and other living things.
of Filipino physiques.
A. Stages Of Human Evolution
Social Evolution
- Is the process of social development from an 1. Hominid (Manlike Primates)
early simple type of social organization to one - At the start of the geological epoch known as
that is complex and highly specialized. the Miocene, first fossil apes or hominoids began
to appear. Hominoids are broad-shouldered
- ex. Human strive for development, this is very tailless primates that include all living and
evident of how fast our world takes itself to extinct apes and humans. The word hominoid
change. Through the years, communication has comes from the Latin root words “homo” and
“homi” (human being) and the suffix oxides
(resembling) – first fossil apes resemblance to a. Neanderthal Man
humans which were relatively small.
b. Cro Magnon Man
a. Ramapithecus
B. The Evolutions of The Primitive Men
b. Lucy
1. Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age)
c. Australopithecus - Rough stone tools were used as main weapons
and tools such as chisel, hand ax, knifes, spear,
2. Homo Habilis (Handy Man) and other.
- Had smaller teeth and larger brains. Probably - Lived in hunting, fishing and gathering any
exercise higher abilities to learn and were fruits.
better at processing information than
Australopithecus. This apelike men used stone 2. Neolithic Period (New Stone Age)
tools as weapons and protection of their - Development of refined stone tools and
enemies. weapons.
- Made their own house.
a. Zinjanthropus - Learned to domesticate animals such as horse,
pigs, dogs, etc.
b. Lake Turkana (1470 Man) - Learned to use wove clothes as the protection
of their skin.
3. Homo Erectus (Upright Man) - Begun to cut trees used boat as means of
- With an even larger brain, more able to adapt transportation and fishing.
to the environment and provide solutions to
problems of survival. Able to use fire which was Cultural and Sociopolitical Evolution
used to cook food, protect from colds and wild Evolution started from the Neolithic
animals. This manlike specie could walk straight revolution until the development of states, and
with almost the same brain with modern man. in contemporary times, the practice of
He made refined stone tools for hunting and democracy.
weapons for the protection of the enemies. Neolithic revolution means the New
Stone Age Revolution because of the polished
a. Pithecanthropus Erectus (Java Man) stone tools and the techniques that produced
such tools. The fundamental changes brought
b. Sinanthropus Pekinesis (Peking Man) by this period is when food production and
invention started.
4. Homo Sapien (Wise Man)
- Believed to be the direct descendant of C. Early Civilization and the Rise of the State
modern human. Had similar physical The word civilization comes from the
descriptions with modern man. Originated as Latin word “civis”, which refers to person who
primitive men whose activities were largely lives in a city; and “civets” refers to the urban
dependent on hunting, fishing, and agriculture. community in which one dwells. Civilization
refers to societies in which large numbers of Rise of Cities
people live in cities. The inhabitants of the cities Four basic transition from Neolithic villages to
are socially stratified and governed by a ruling first urban centers:
elite who work through centrally organized a. Agricultural Innovation
political systems called states. b. Diversification of Labor
c. Social Stratification
Features of Civilization d. Central Government

1. Cities. Neolithic villages grew into towns, the D. Democratization

world’s first cities developed. Cities were larger The process by which democracy
and more complex than villages – larger size in expands, within a government society which is
terms of land area and population. considered as the peak civilization’s evolution.
Democracy is the highest human
2. Writing. Cities must have written language achievement in political development because it
that will preserve, organize and expand their gives the people a collective voice in the art of
knowledge to carry out duties. governance.

3. Specialization. People in civilized societies

have their own job they are assigned. Example,
farmers are assign to crop and produce foods
and the like. Specialization encouraged trade,
local and regional, and trade encouraged the
exchange of ideas.

4. Government. Civilized societies must have

rulers who organize, control the economy,
protect, mandate, issue laws and officials to
carry them out.

5. Religion. Civilized societies had organized

religions with a worthy priest. Where people
will derive their values and attitudes toward life.

Early Civilizations
1. Tigris – Euphrates River Civilization of
Mesopotamia notes by: nora :)))
2. The Nile Valley Civilization of Egypt

3. The Yellow River Civilization of Chin

4. Indus Valley Civilization of India