Analyzing Culture and Society

culture: refers as set of beliefs, ideas, values, practice, knowledge, history, and shared experiences, attitudes, as well as material objects and possessions accumulated over time and shared by the members of society

1. material culture

   • physical or tangible objects produced, shared and utilized within society such as tools or implements, paintings and other works of art, architectural styles, weaponry, and toys.

2. nonmaterial culture

   • intangible properties and elements of society that influence the patterns of action and behavior of its members such as language, belief, values, attitudes, ideas, and norms shared among members of society

Elements of culture

1. symbols: things that convey meaning or represent an idea

2. language: set of symbols that enables members of society to communicate verbally and nonverbally

3. value: shared ideas, norms, and principles that provide members of society the standards that pertain to what is right or wrong, good or bad, desirable or undesirable

4. norms: shared rules of conduct, standards, or expectations that guide the behavior of individuals within a group or society. These are unwritten rules that dictate what is considered acceptable or appropriate behavior.

   • folkways: socially approved behaviors that have no moral underpinning

   • mores: norms related to moral conventions

   • taboos: behaviors that are absolutely forbidden in a specific culture

   • laws: rules and regulations that are implemented by the state making them the prime source of social control

the importance of cultural relativism

1. promotes empathy and respect for different cultures

2. prevents cultural bias and stereotypes

3. encourages open-mindedness and better cross-cultural communication

cultural relativism in the philippines

1. Prevents discrimination against indigenous communities like the Lumad and Aeta.

2. .Promotes unity in a multicultural society.

3. Encourages appreciation of festivals, languages, and traditions across regions.

examples of cultural relativism in the Philippines

. Indigenous Rituals and Traditions

🔹 Example: The Kanyaw (Canao) of the Igorot people in the Cordillera region

This is a traditional ritual involving animal sacrifice, dancing, and prayers to honor ancestors, celebrate harvests, or heal the sick.

Cultural Relativism Insight: To outsiders, animal sacrifice may seem cruel, but for the Igorot, it holds deep spiritual significance. Respecting this tradition through cultural relativism promotes understanding and avoids judgment.

. Bangsamoro's Sharia Law in Muslim Communities

🔹 Example: The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) follows Sharia law for personal and family matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

Cultural Relativism Insight: Non-Muslims may view Sharia law differently, but in the Bangsamoro region, it is part of their religious and cultural identity. Recognizing this system fosters peaceful coexistence between Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos.

. T'boli Weaving and T'nalak Fabric

🔹 Example: The T'nalak fabric, woven by the T'boli women of Mindanao, is believed to be guided by dreams from the spirit world.

Cultural Relativism Insight: To outsiders, attributing designs to dreams may seem superstitious. However, for the T'boli people, this tradition is sacred and linked to their cultural heritage

. Death Rituals of the Ifugao

🔹 Example: In Ifugao culture, deceased family members are sometimes propped up in a sitting position and dressed in their best attire during the wake.

Cultural Relativism Insight: While this may seem unusual to outsiders, it is a way of honoring the dead and celebrating their life in Ifugao culture. Cultural relativism helps outsiders understand that these practices are deeply rooted in tradition.

. Bayanihan (Community Spirit)

🔹 Example: The traditional Bayanihan practice involves community members helping a family move their nipa hut to a new location by carrying it together.

Cultural Relativism Insight: This communal practice may not exist in other cultures, but in the Philippines, it symbolizes unity, cooperation, and mutual aid.

. Batok (Traditional Tattooing) by the Kalinga Tribe

🔹 Example: The Batok is a traditional tattooing practice done by Whang-Od, a renowned tattoo artist in Kalinga. The tattoos are given for bravery, beauty, or social status.

Cultural Relativism Insight: To outsiders, this ancient method using a thorn and soot may seem painful and outdated, but for the Kalinga people, it is a mark of identity and pride.

. Pangalay Dance of the Tausug

🔹 Example: The Pangalay is a traditional dance of the Tausug people in Sulu, characterized by slow, flowing movements and often performed at weddings.

Cultural Relativism Insight: This dance is rooted in pre-Islamic Buddhist traditions and reflects Tausug identity. Understanding its cultural significance prevents misinterpretation of the dance as merely an exotic performance.

. Marriages and Courtship Rituals in Indigenous Groups

🔹 Example: The Subanen tribe practices dowry-giving (pang-alay), where the groom gives gifts to the bride’s family as part of the marriage tradition.

Cultural Relativism Insight: While dowry systems may be viewed as outdated in some societies, it remains a sign of respect and responsibility in Subanen culture.

. Marriages and Courtship Rituals in Indigenous Groups

🔹 Example: The Subanen tribe practices dowry-giving (pang-alay), where the groom gives gifts to the bride’s family as part of the marriage tradition.

Cultural Relativism Insight: While dowry systems may be viewed as outdated in some societies, it remains a sign of respect and responsibility in Subanen culture.

. Pagpag Tradition After a Funeral

🔹 Example: In Filipino culture, Pagpag refers to the practice of not going straight home after attending a funeral to avoid bad luck or spirits following the mourners.

Cultural Relativism Insight: While some may see this as a superstition, it is an important protective measure in Filipino tradition that shows respect for spirits and the afterlife

. Manobo Healing Rituals

🔹 Example: The Manobo tribe of Mindanao conducts healing rituals led by a Babaylan (shaman), who communicates with the spirits to heal the sick using traditional herbs and prayers.

Cultural Relativism Insight: Outsiders may question the efficacy of these rituals, but for the Manobo, it is an integral part of their healthcare system and spiritual belief.

. Ati-Atihan Festival

🔹 Example: The Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan celebrates the indigenous Ati people and their role in the history of the region. Participants paint their faces black and wear tribal costumes.

Cultural Relativism Insight: This practice may seem unusual to outsiders, but it commemorates indigenous heritage and preserves cultural identity.

. The Cordillera Rice Terraces and Cultural Practices

🔹 Example: The Ifugao Rice Terraces are more than just agricultural wonders—they reflect the sustainable farming practices and spiritual beliefs of the Ifugao people.

Cultural Relativism Insight: For the Ifugao, farming is not just economic but also spiritual, as they believe that their ancestors guide them in caring for the land.

Cultural Relativism is essential in promoting peace, respect, and inclusivity in a diverse world. In the Philippines, it helps build national unity by respecting the rich cultural heritage of various communities.

Understanding other cultures through the lens of cultural relativism can bridge gaps, reduce conflict, and promote global harmony.

ETHNOCENTRISM

Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture, values, or practices are superior to those of other cultures. It leads individuals or groups to judge other societies based on their own cultural standards.

In the Philippines, ethnocentrism can manifest in different ways, especially in regional biases, language preferences, and cultural practices. It can create division and misunderstandings among various ethnic and social groups.

HOW TO COMBAT ETHNOCENTRISM

1. Promote cultural education in schools to highlight the value of regional cultures and indigenous practices.

2. Encourage the use of regional languages in media, education, and government.

3. Celebrate local festivals and traditions to preserve the cultural heritage of various communities.

4. Foster interfaith dialogues to promote religious tolerance.

5. Highlight Filipino beauty standards in the media to reduce the influence of Western ideals.

ASPECTS OF CULTURE

1. Can be learned – Culture is not innate; it is taught and passed down through generations.

2. Acquired through interaction – People learn culture through their social interactions.

3. Requires communication – Language and symbols are critical for passing cultural knowledge.

4. Dynamic and adaptive – Culture evolves with changes in society and external influences.

what is society

Society refers to the social organization of human life, patterns of interaction, and power relationships. It includes a common culture, a group of people, and a shared territory.

elements of society

1. Common Culture – Shared set of beliefs and practices within a community.

2. Group of People – The population that forms society.

3. Territory – The geographic area where a society exists.

aspects of society

1. Composed of a population – A society must have people to function.

2. Comprises different social institutions – Institutions such as family, government, education, and religion help maintain societal order.

3. Has a common culture – Shared culture provides a sense of identity and belonging to society members.

changes in culture and society

Economic Changes – These involve shifts in production, trade, and wealth distribution, impacting social classes and lifestyles.

Examples:

OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) Phenomenon

Shift from Farming to City Jobs

Rise of E-commerce and Online Businesses

Economic Inequality and Poverty

Political Changes – These refer to changes in governance, policies, and power structures.

Examples:

Martial Law and Its Legacy (1972-1981)

People Power Revolution (1986)

Decentralization and Local Governance (1991 Local Government Code)

Political Dynasties and Corruption

Sociological Changes – Changes in people's relationships, behaviors, and societal norms over time.

Examples:

Changing Family Structures

Rise of LGBTQ+ Visibility and Acceptance

Influence of Social Media

Migration and Brain Drain

Cultural Changes – Alterations in traditions, values, beliefs, and practices.

Examples:

Westernization

The Decline of Traditional Filipino Customs

Fiesta Celebrations and Religious Practices