SS01 - CO1-CO2
MAPÚA 100 - Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics
CO1
Lesson 1: Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics
1. Scale of the Universe and Branches of Science
Hierarchy of Science:
Sociology: law, ethics, economics
Astronomy: planetary science, cosmology
Geoscience: climate, geology, oceanography
Functional Biology: physiology, medicine, ecology
2. Definition of Social Science
Social Science: The branch of science that deals with human behavior and their interaction with their environment.
It studies institutions, functioning of human society, and interpersonal relationships within society (Sampa, 2017).
3. Definition of Society
Society: A large group of people organized to share work and make decisions collectively (Cambridge Dictionary).
It involves social relations, cultural practices, and political structures that shape interactions among individuals.
4. Definitions and Distinctions
Culture: The knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, and habits acquired as members of society.
Society: A formal association of individuals with similar interests.
Politics: The study of governance of states and political entities.
5. Historical Context of Social Construction
The roles assigned before birth (sex roles, colors, etc.) shape societal behaviors throughout life.
6. Interdisciplinary Approaches
Each discipline approaches society differently but shares the common goal of understanding social dynamics.
Anthropology
1. Definition of Anthropology
Anthropology: The study of humankind across all times and places, emphasizing interconnections of human experiences (William Haviland, 2014).
2. Key Issues in Philippine Anthropology
Understanding human evolution through archaeological discoveries. There are significant gaps in archaeological records.
3. Prominent Figures in Philippine Anthropology
Henry Otley Beyer, Felipe Landa Jocano, Peter Bellwood.
4. Fields of Anthropology
Archaeology: Studies human societies through material remains.
Focuses on recovery of artifacts to explain contemporary practices.
Physical Anthropology: Examines biological aspects of humans, including evolution and adaptation.
Cultural Anthropology: Studies societal and cultural evolution as an integrated whole.
Examines societal structure, traditional practices, and their uniqueness.
Linguistic Anthropology: Investigates language as a cultural reflection and its changes throughout history.
Sociology
1. Definition of Sociology
Sociology: The study of social behaviors, interactions, and changes within a society (Panopio, 2004).
Considered the "mother of all social sciences."
2. Common Issues in Sociology
Family relationships, population and poverty, integration of local traditions in modern society.
3. Prominent Figures in Philippine Sociology
Serafin Egnidio Macaraig, Randolf 'Randy' S. David, Mario "Mayong" J. Aguja.
4. Fields of Sociology
Social Change: Examines societal institution changes due to environmental influences.
Population Studies: Analyzes demographic compositions and impacts on various systems.
Sociological Research: Investigates social phenomena using research methodologies.
Social Psychology: Connects individual behavior to collective societal behavior.
Political Science
1. Definition of Political Science
Political Science: A systematic study of government, governance, leadership, and citizen interaction.
2. Common Issues in Political Science
Government structures, leadership styles, political changes, human rights, national territory, elections, and civic engagement.
3. Prominent Filipino Political Scientists
Dr. Jose Rizal, Teodoro M. Kalaw, Remegio E. Agpalo.
4. Fields of Political Science
Political Theory: Explores origins and limitations of state governance.
Public Law: Examines state duties and responsibilities.
Public Administration: Studies government management techniques.
The Power of Three
1. Application of Sociology, Anthropology, and Political Science
Example: Poverty as perceived differently across disciplines:
Sociology: Consequence of social behavior influenced by colonial history.
Anthropology: Integral part of human evolution and response.
Political Science: A case reflecting governance failure.
2. Significance of Interdisciplinary Viewpoints
Combines individual insights (anthropology), social interactions (sociology), and power distribution (political science) to foster better understanding of societal issues.
Lesson 2: Defining Philippine Culture and Society
1. Definition of Culture
Culture: A complex whole encompassing knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, and habits (Taylor, 1871).
2. Filipino Culture
Influence of colonial past; incorporates practices from various colonizers, rich in historical context.
Mixture of American, Spanish, and Asian influences reflected in names, food, and festivities.
3. Characteristics of Culture
Learned, transmitted through generations, a product of social interaction, ideational conformism, adaptive, and evolving.
4. Types of Cultural Heritage
Tangible Heritage: Material objects like buildings and landscapes.
Intangible Heritage: Non-physical practices such as rituals and oral traditions.
5. Classification of Culture
Material Culture: Physical, tangible aspects influencing behavior.
Non-material Culture: Abstract concepts such as knowledge, norms, and values.
Cultural Elements
1. Knowledge
Basis for judgment and action; power derived from knowledge.
2. Norms
Guidelines for acceptable behavior, promoting social control.
3. Mores and Laws
Expected behaviors that require compliance for public welfare.
4. Folkways
Traditional habits and patterns of daily living.
5. Pop Culture
Contemporary trends that reflect societal interests and changes.
6. Values
Basis for right and wrong judgments; subjective and evolving.
7. Beliefs
Personal perceptions of reality influencing actions and practices.
Unity in Diversity
1. Cultural Concepts
Cultural universal: Practices shared by all society members.
Subcultures: Smaller cultures within larger cultures.
Culture shock: Reaction to unexpected cultural differences.
2. Ethical Considerations
Cultural Relativism: Evaluating cultures through their own standards.
Ethnocentrism: Judging other cultures based on one’s own.
Xenocentrism: Viewing one’s culture as inferior to others.
Present Pressures on Filipino Culture
Modern customs and values pose challenges to traditional practices. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) promotes Philippine culture amidst these pressures.
Impact of Modernization on Filipino Culture
Changing lifestyles and preferences, including leisure and convenience, affect traditional norms and social structures.
Lesson 4: Becoming a Member of Society
1. Membership Definition
Being considered a member of society involves fulfilling roles and responsibilities.
2. Importance of Social Norms and Laws
Social norms and laws maintain order and guide interactions.
3. Social Institutions
Institutions such as family, school, and government are crucial in integrating individuals into society.
4. Citizenship under the 1987 Philippine Constitution
Criteria for citizenship include birthright, lineage, and naturalization processes.
5. Enculturation and Acculturation
Enculturation: Learning one's own culture's norms and values.
Acculturation: Adapting aspects of a different culture for survival.
6. Social Roles and Status
Roles are the responsibilities associated with a status within society. They can lead to role strain under conflicting obligations.
7. Agents of Socialization
Socialization agents link individuals to society, shaping identities through familial, educational, and societal influences.
Human Rights and Dignity
1. Fundamental Principles
Human dignity and human rights are universally recognized and must not be restricted.
2. Classification of Rights (De Leon, 2002)
Natural rights: Rights inherent to all individuals (right to life, freedom).
Constitutional rights: Rights protected by law (freedom of speech, religion).
Political rights: Participation rights (citizenship, voting).
Civil rights: Personal liberties (fair trial).
Social, economic, and cultural rights: Rights related to socio-economic well-being.