Defining Culture, Society, and Politics – Key Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental concepts of culture, society, politics, social stratification, and identity as presented in the lecture notes.

Culture

The total way of life of an individual or group, including both material (tangible) and non-material (intangible) elements such as food, clothing, norms, values, art, and technology.

Material Culture

Concrete, tangible objects created or used by humans—e.g., tools, buildings, furniture, automobiles, books, and dams.

Non-Material Culture

Intangible, abstract elements of culture such as customs, traditions, beliefs, language, art, law, and religion.

Society

An organized group of interdependent people who share a common territory, language, and culture and act together for collective survival and well-being.

Politics

The theory, art, and practice of government, encompassing the acquisition and exercise of power and decision-making in society.

Political Institution

A stable cluster of statuses, norms, and roles involved in acquiring and exercising power; establishes how legitimate force is obtained, organized, and used.

State

The institution that claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory and sets norms for acquiring and exercising power.

Government

The concrete political institution that exercises power in governance and decision-making on behalf of the state.

Power (Political)

A status granted to individuals or institutions to run the government and implement the rule of law.

Executive Power

Authority granted to the president or prime minister and cabinet to execute governance and implement laws.

Legislative Power

Authority of senators and congressmen to make and pass laws.

Judicial Power

Authority of the courts to interpret laws in accordance with societal standards and norms.

Gender

The socially constructed characteristics and roles associated with being male or female, differing from the biological concept of sex.

Sex

Biological differences between males and females, such as anatomy and hormones.

Gender Roles

Culturally learned expectations regarding the productive and reproductive activities of men and women.

Gender Inequality

Unequal distribution of power and privileges between genders, often visible in labor division and social status.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

A category of persons with similar socioeconomic privileges based on inherited wealth and/or occupational status of the household breadwinner.

Upper Class

Elite families, both traditional and nouveau riche, who possess significant resources and influence.

Middle Class

Managers, professionals, small business owners, and overseas workers whose income affords a comfortable life.

Lower Class

Farm employees, artisans, service workers, unemployed or underemployed individuals who live at subsistence level.

Class A/B

High-income groups (about 1% of Filipino families) with average annual income of ₱1.8 million or more.

Class C

Middle-income group (9% of families) with average annual income around ₱600,000.

Class D

Lower-income majority (60% of families) earning about ₱190,000 annually.

Class E

Poorest sector (30% of families) earning roughly ₱62,000 per year.

Ethnicity

The expression of cultural ideas held by a distinct group identified by language, ancestry, customs, and traditions.

Ethnic Group

People who collectively identify as unique based on shared cultural features such as language and common origin.

Religion

An organized system of ideas about the spiritual or supernatural world, with rituals aimed at interpreting or influencing forces beyond human control.

Exceptionality

A state of being intellectually gifted or having physical/mental challenges in areas like communication, intellect, or appearance.

Nationality

The legal relationship that binds a person to a country, granting state protection and jurisdiction.

Fads and Fashion

Short-lived social trends that are part of culture’s expressive dimension.