CULTURE-AND-SOCIETY

Caraga State University

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 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.

Symbols: Items representing ideas or emotions; important in communication.
Language: A vital set of symbols that creates a shared societal understanding; differences can hinder communication.
Values: Judgments of what is deemed good or bad within a culture.
Norms: Standards for behavior; divided into formal (mores) and informal norms.

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.

Hunting and Gathering
- The oldest known societies, characterized by nomadic lifestyles and egalitarian structures.
Horticultural and Pastoral Societies
- Developed agriculture and herding about 10,000-12,000 years ago; often produce surplus for trade.
Agricultural Societies
- Emerged 5,000 years ago; marked by the plow's invention and large population centers.
Industrial Societies
- Began in the 1700s with machine production; notable for significant social transformations.
Postindustrial Societies
- Current phase characterized by an information economy and service-oriented jobs.

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 colonization led to cultural classifications and assimilation efforts, continued by Americans.
Significant effects on social structure, religion, and governance.

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 negotiations included dowries and parental consent, varying between social classes.
Unique customs existed for nobles and commoners, often involving elaborate rituals.

Governed by customary and written laws.
Judicial processes included public trials, dispute resolution, and trial by ordeal.

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

Predominantly agricultural with secondary occupations in fishing, mining, and trade.
Barter system replaced currency, emphasizing trade among islands.

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.

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.