CULTURE-AND-SOCIETY

Caraga State University

• Location: Cabadbaran City

• Competence Service Uprightness

• Department of General Education

Culture and Society

Definition of Culture

• Culture encompasses beliefs, ideas, values, practices, knowledge, history, shared experiences, attitudes, and material possessions.

• Forms of Culture:

  • Material Culture (Tangible): Physical objects created by a society (e.g., vehicles, clothing, artworks).

  • Non-material Culture (Intangible): Non-physical aspects of human creations (e.g., beliefs, language, values).

Folklore

• Folklore includes myths, legends, folktales, proverbs, and riddles that embody a society's history and values.

• Example: Malakas at Maganda - a creation myth of the Filipino people.

Elements of Culture

1. Symbols: Items representing ideas or emotions; important in communication.

2. Language: A vital set of symbols that creates a shared societal understanding; differences can hinder communication.

3. Values: Judgments of what is deemed good or bad within a culture.

4. Norms: Standards for behavior; divided into formal (mores) and informal norms.

Characteristics of Culture

1. Learned: Culture is acquired through enculturation.

2. Shared: Culture is owned collectively by a society.

3. Dynamic and Changing: Cultures evolve over time.

Society Definition

• Society consists of individuals sharing a common culture and geographical location. It is fundamental for human survival, allowing for resource sharing and skill acquisition.

• E.B. Tylor's Definition: Society is a complex whole of beliefs, practices, values, symbols, and knowledge.

Elements of Society

• Social Solidarity

• Shared Identity and Culture

• Common Language

• Large Population

• Definite Geographical Area

• Political/Economic/Social Organization

Major Types of Societies

1. Hunting and Gathering

   • The oldest known societies, characterized by nomadic lifestyles and egalitarian structures.

2. Horticultural and Pastoral Societies

   • Developed agriculture and herding about 10,000-12,000 years ago; often produce surplus for trade.

3. Agricultural Societies

   • Emerged 5,000 years ago; marked by the plow's invention and large population centers.

4. Industrial Societies

   • Began in the 1700s with machine production; notable for significant social transformations.

5. Postindustrial Societies

   • Current phase characterized by an information economy and service-oriented jobs.

Indigenous Peoples History

• The indigenous peoples of the Philippines include early inhabitants like Negritos, Indonesians, and Malays, dating back to 25,000-30,000 B.C.

• Societal organization based on barangays led by chieftains called Datu.

• Islam introduced in the 13th century created sultanates with feudal structures.

Spanish and American Colonization Impacts

• Spanish colonization led to cultural classifications and assimilation efforts, continued by Americans.

• Significant effects on social structure, religion, and governance.

Early Customs and Practices

• Ancient Filipinos had distinct clothing styles and social classes defined by noble status, freemen, and dependents.

• Women held significant rights, owning property and engaging in trade.

Marriage Customs

• Marriage negotiations included dowries and parental consent, varying between social classes.

• Unique customs existed for nobles and commoners, often involving elaborate rituals.

Laws and Government Structure

• Governed by customary and written laws.

• Judicial processes included public trials, dispute resolution, and trial by ordeal.

Religious Beliefs

• Ancient Filipinos believed in multiple deities and venerated the dead. They practiced ritualistic ceremonies for various life events.

Economic Life

• Predominantly agricultural with secondary occupations in fishing, mining, and trade.

• Barter system replaced currency, emphasizing trade among islands.

Cultural Influences Over Time

• Pre-colonial culture was fundamentally Malayan with influences from other regions.

• The arrival of Spanish and American colonizers introduced significant changes in language, religion, economy, and social systems.

Contemporary Cultural Elements

• Filipino literature and arts evolved, showing ancient and modern influences.

• Music, sports, and culinary practices continue to showcase a blend of pre-colonial and colonially influenced traditions.