SECOND QUARTER MODULE

WEEK1 : KINSHIP

Most Essential Learning

Analyse the forms and functions of social organization
Competencies (MELCs)

Kinship
Refers to the “web of relationship” that humans form as part of a family, which is the smallest unit of a society. Ferraro and
Andreatta (2010) defined family as “a social and economic unit that consists of one or more parents and their children. “There are
several points that you can learn from this definition.
1. A family is a socioeconomic unit.
What makes a group of individuals a family is their dependency on one another with regard to their social and economic
activities. This implies that the family acts as primary support group for the members as they participate in the social processes
within the society. For this reason , an individual is often disposed to consult with family members during social and economic
crises.
2. A family can have one or more parents
In the society that you grow up in, a family usually consists of two parents—a father and a mother. However, this is
not the norm for other societies who would have one parent, a mother or a father, or multiple marriages.
3. A family can have parents who are not married. Although the marriage of parents is important in religious country such as the
Philippines ,it is not a prerequisite in other society. Hence, as long as individual are socially and economically independent, they
can be considered a family.
4. A family can have parents with same gender
Although same sex marriage is illegal in most countries including the Philippines, some societies allow for the marriage
of individuals with the same sex. The United States,now allows same sex marriages, which create families with either both female
or both male parents.
5. A family should have at least one child.
One of the most crucial elements of a family is the existence of children .without a child , a couple remains to be a
couple and not a family.
Two primary purposes of a family
1. To orient the individual of the norms of the society
2. To provide physical support as the individual matures
A. KINSHIP BY BLOOD
One factor that allows an individual to identify another individual as a family member as through
consanguinity .popularly called as blood relatives. This type of kinship links individuals based on their genetic relations (i.e their
bloodline).this is referred to as descent or the socially accepted connection between an ancestor and its succeeding generation.
In a matrilineal descent system, an individual is considered to belong to the same descent group as their mother. This
matrilineal descent pattern is in contrast to the more common pattern of patrilineal descent from which a family name is usually
derived.
Patrilineal Descent. Patrilineal , or agnatic, descent is established by tracing descent exclusively through males from a
founding male ancestor. The individuals indicated in blue constitute the patrilineal descendants as a common ancestor.
B. Bilateral Descent
Bilateral descent is a system of family lineage in which the relatives on the mother's side and father's side are equally important
for emotional ties or for transfer of property or wealth. It is a family arrangement where descent and inheritance are passed equally
through both parents

Kinship by marriage
Human kinship relations through marriage are commonly called "affinity" in contrast to the relationships that arise in one's
group of origin, which may be called one's descent group. ... Within a culture, some descent groups may be considered to lead back to
gods or animal ancestors
Types of families based on Marriages
1. Patrifocal and Matrifocal
With patrilocal being the most common form of residence, it is one in which a married couple lives with or very
near to the man's parents. Conversely, a matrilocal system is one in which a married couple lives with or very near to the
woman's parents.
2. Monagamous family
A nuclear family, elementary family or conjugal family is a family group consisting of two parents and their
children. It is in contrast to a single-parent family, the larger extended family, and a family with more than two parents
3. Polygamous family
Polygamy exists in three specific forms: Polygyny, wherein a man has multiple simultaneous wives. Polyandry,
wherein a woman has multiple simultaneous husbands. Group marriage, wherein the family unit consists of multiple
husbands and multiple wives of legal age.
4. Extended Family
An extended family is a family that extends beyond the nuclear family, consisting of parents like father, mother, and
their children, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, all living in the same household. Particular forms include the stem
and joint families
5. Reconstituted Family
A reconstituted family (also known as a blended family) is the sociological term for the joining of two adults via
marriage, cohabitation or civil partnership, who have children from previous relationships.
6. Transnational families are families whose members are separated physically between two or more nation-states but maintain
close ties and relationships (Schmalzbauer, 2004).

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Post-marital Residency Rules

One of the biggest questions that newlyweds have to answer is where to live and build a family after marriages.Every society
has its own rules and traditions on post-marital residency.
Anthropology has identified seven major residency patterns:
1. Patrilocal Residenceis structured by a rule that a man remains in his father's house after reaching maturity and brings his
wife to live with his family after marriage. Daughters, conversely, move out of their natal household when they marry.
2. Matrilocal Residenceis instituted by a rule that a woman remains in her mother's household after reaching maturity and
brings her husband to live with her family after marriage. Sons, conversely, move out of their natal household after marriage
to join their wife's household.
3. Neolocal Residence is a type of post-marital residence in which a newly married couple resides separately from both the
husband's natal household and the wife's natal household. Neolocal residence forms the basis of most developed nations,
especially in the West, and is also found among some nomadic communities.
4. Avunculocal Residence occurs when a newly married couple establishes their home near or in the groom's maternal uncle's
house. This is associated with matrilineal descent. It occurs when men obtain statuses, jobs, or prerogatives from their nearest
elder matrilineal male relative
5. Natalocal Residence is structured by a rule that, upon marriage, both the husband and wife continue to reside with their
families of origin. Children usually reside.
6. Matrifocal Family consists of a woman and her children and sometimes her daughter's children, without coresident
husbands or other adult men.
7. Ambilocal Residence (or ambilocality), also called bilocalresidence (bilocality) is the societal postmaritalresidence in which
couples, upon marriage, choose to live with or near either spouse's parents.
C. POLITICS of KINSHIP
Kinship does not only create social ties among individuals.In some cases ,politics and kinship are interrelated, allowing for the
creation of political alliances and dynasties.
Due to compadrazgo system, (literally co-fatherhood)political alliances are also created, which is based not on agreed
political ideologies or platforms but more on a pseudokinship basis .Due to the vulnerabilityof this type of governance to forms of
corruption,law are enacted to prevent its occurrence
Compadrazgois the Spanish form of ritual kinship established through the rites of the Catholic Church (especially at baptism,
confirmation and marriage) between a person, his or her biological parents, and his or her godparents.

REVISED KNOWLEDGE

1. What are the characteristics of a family?

A family is a socioeconomic unit. It can have one or more parent, a family can have parents who are not married. It
can have parents with same gender. It should have at least one child.

2. What are the four types of families based on marriage system?

The types of families based on marriages are patrifocal, matrifocal, monogamous-polygamous and extended.

3. How is politics of kinship created?

Due to the compadrazgo system, political alliances are created, which is based not on agreed political ideologist or
platforms but more on a pseudokinship basis.

WEEK 3: Social and Political stratification

Most Essential Learning

Competencies (MELCs) Analyze the forms and functions of political organization
INTRODUCTION
Can you imagine life without leaders or government? You may wonder if that scenario is even possible. What will happen to
us if we don’t have leaders? In this module, you will learn how other societies organize their political lives that may be distinct from
what you are aware of.This module is divided into two main parts
The first part discusses the types of political organization created by humans.The second part discusses the types of authority
and legitimacy present in societies that allow for the rise of leaders.
What is Political Organization?
A political organization is any organization that involves itself in the political process, including political parties, non-governmental
organizations, advocacy groups and special interest groups. Aimed at achieving clearly-defined political goals, which typically benefit
the interests of their members
Types of Political Organization
1. BAND is a very small, oftentimes nomadic, group that is based on family ties and is politically independent. Usually being
governed by group consensus, bands are egalitarian societies, societies in which all persons of the same age and gender are
seen as equals. Usually being the smallest of the four, bands are where we'll start. A band is usually a very small, oftentimes
nomadic, group that is connected by family ties and is politically independent. With nomadic meaning moving from place to
place, usually in search of food, bands are most often made up of hunter-gatherers
2. TRIBESis a combination of smaller kin or non-kin groups, linked by a common culture, that usually act as one. Sort of
multi-grouped and usually bigger than bands, tribes tend to contain communities that are a bit larger. Many social scientists
assert that this is because rather than just being hunter-gatherers, tribes often dabble in agriculture and herding, making it
easier to support a larger yet still rather small population. However, similar to bands, and very unlike the old cowboy movies
that show a bunch of warriors surrounding a chief, most tribes have no formal leadership. Instead, they, too, are egalitarian in
nature.
3. CHIEFDOMconstitute a political organization characterized by social hierarchies and consolidation of political power into
fulltime specialists who control production and distribution of resources. Sometimes the prestige of the leader and their
family is higher, but not always. The leader, or chief, was a bit like a big man on steroids; they were reliant on their

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 persuasive skills, but had more control over resources. Chiefs were often spiritual leaders, which helped to demonstrate their
right to lead. They were responsible for settling disputes among their constituents, but could not always enforce their
decisions. Successive leadership usually fell within a family line, something that contributed to the development of a
hierarchical society; however, leadership was not guaranteed. Chiefs had to continually demonstrate their ability to lead.
Competition for leadership could be fierce. Warfare was frequent, the nature of which changed; economic gain was a
primary motive.
4. STATES AND NATIONS a state uses absolute power in directing the path of a society. To attain societal goals and
objectives, a state uses complete political coerciveness,which may come in the form of armed personnel, stricter laws, and
rigid governmental policies .This provides a marginal intersection between politics and kinship, as both are required not to
interact in the guise of professionalism and incorruptibility.
As a state consists of actors with varying interests and assertions, social rules are implemented in the forms of laws. These
laws are created to manage the interactions among individuals and between the individuals and the state. Being a citizen of a country
also entails the enjoyment of certain privileges that are labelled as rights .namely:
1. Natural rights are those defined beautifully in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that
all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights."
Example of natural rights are right to life, the right to liberty or freedom, and the right to property.
2. Legal rights are the privileges given to citizens by their governments.
Example of legal right are the right to vote, the right to privacy and the right to join formal organization.
A. Authority and Legitimacy
Extend of a leader’s power relies on how much his or her followers accord him or her with it. This leads to a discussion
on the reasons that aleader rise and how they maintain power over individuals. According to Max Weber, a 20 th century
sociologist, every leader has some form of justification as to why he or she should be accorded with such power .He organized
these reasons into three categories of legitimacy of authority:
1. Legal Authority is any published source of law that presents the legal rules, legal doctrine, or legal reasoning
that may be used as the basis for legal decisions. Authority also includes the weight or degree of persuasiveness
of the legal information. There are two categories of legal authority: primary or secondary.
2. Traditional authority(also known as traditional domination) is a form of leadership in which the authority of an
organization or a ruling regime is largely tied to tradition or custom. The main reason for the given state of
affairs is that it "has always been that way".

GENERALIZATION
Political systems and organizations are part of a greater human social fabric called culture.Just like culture, political systems are
present to enable humans to survive in their environment efficiently.Changes in the structure are made when the current political
order fails to address the needs of the population

WEEK 3: Social and Political stratification

Most Essential Learning

Explain the functions of social and political stratification
Competencies (MELCs)

INTRODUCTION
Often times when you ask a Filipino if he or she is rich, you will receive responses such as
“medyomayaman”may kaya, “ayoslang ”These descriptions do not directly translate to Western concept of being poor, middle class,
or rich.These categories are already culturally laden, such that a person who is “may kaya” is supposedly richer than the person who is
“medyomayaman”. The differences in the statuses ascribed to individuals are dependent on socially accepted criteria.

Three most desired qualities in every society

1. Wealth
Wealth pertains to the accumulated economics capital of an individual or group.The extent of the amassed wealth of an
individual or group usually determines its capacity for influence in decision -making in society. Marxist perspective argues
that the differentiation in wealth creates social, economic, and political inequality, which ultimate promotes social suffering
among the disadvantaged.
2. Power
Dahl (Curtis, 2001 ) defined power as the capacity of an individual to influence another person to perform an act
that he or she would not otherwise do. .This is associated with wealth, as economic capital permits selected members of the
society to determine the norms that are often more beneficial for the elite than for the majority who are bound to follow them.
*It involves benefits and privileges .The power to determine the course ofpolicies and economy can provide an
individual with distinct advantages as compared with those who cannot wield influence on others.
3. Prestige
Prestige is the result of wealth and power.
Sociologist defined the term prestige as a level of honor in human society attached to different groups with reference
to the group’s occupation.The measurement of occupational prestige depends on the social standing and desirability.The level
of prestige depends on the job professionalism of individuals in relation to training rather than their job income.
FOUR TYPES OF STRATIFICATION SYSTEM
1. Class
Class system denotes the classification of an individual or group of persons having explicit societal status based on
acquired characteristics. In 17th century in Europe, the main qualification to be a member of a certain hierarchical class
depends mostly on three things: wealth , economic occupation, and power.
Class system is merely class consciousness and characterized by relations of each individual member toward the
other members within their classes.
2. Caste
The caste system is related to the concept of Hindu practice,tradition and culture, which is rooted in divine sanction
and custom .The term caste is derived from the Spanish meaning“breed”. Thus, caste also means “race” in society.

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3. Estate System
The estate system is identical to the practice of feudalism. It has its roots in pre-Revolution.Where individuals were
ranked according to three categories:
a. Clergy
b. Nobility
c. Commoners
4. Slavery
This system is the most extreme form of inequality in society .For instance, slaves are often maltreated by their
owner. In most cases,slave have no right at all; and, deprived of everything because it is believed that they are created to
work only for others
Social Inequality
Social inequality is one of the dimension of stratification that concerns the gap between the rich and the poor. This is
visible in many other social institutions affecting other social aspects such as:
a. Gender
b. Capital ( social ,political, and symbolic),
c. Ethnic minority and persons with disability
A. Gender
Another widespread form of inequality is gender .this has been a major issue and problem around the world. Gender
has always been a sensitive topic in every argumentation. Violence against women and children rapidly increase every day.
Gender discrimination among LGBTQI
Continues even if several organizations have already developed advocacies and means to eliminate discrimination in
every society and community.
B. Social, political, and Symbolic Capital
These forms of capital are present in every human society, affecting social stratification and inequality. This access
to these forms of capital is limited on one’s social status. People and groups in higher positions enjoy more and unlimited
resources because of their wealth and power. .Most of these people are popular and noble. Allowing them to gain power in
society in the form of having positions in politics or government.
C. Ethnic Minorities and Persons with Disabilities
Social exclusion is the concept of alienating or dividing s or group in a certain society.Race and ethnicity have also
been the basis of social division in the Whole world.
Racial and ethnic differences entails widespread conflict which can be economic, political, and cultural. Racial
identity is the main concern of ethnic inequalities.
Other minorities also experience inequalities and social discrimination due to specific differences they possess as
compared with other individuals or groups. Minorities such as persons with disabilities (PWDs ) suffer from social exclusion
and discrimination because of their disabilities

GENERALIZATION

Humans have the predisposition to be simultaneously inclusive and exclusive.Humans often create groups that would ensure the
achievement of their goals and their survival.In most cases, These groups become exclusive.Such exclusivity promotes differentiation
that gets institutionalized to become part of society’s
Culture.The existence of social stratification breeds inequality that promotes suffering and pain on a grand scale,as it does not only
impact the current generation but also the succeeding ones.Common good can only be truly attained if individuals are allowed to
access scarce resources and values equally.

WEEK 4: Education

Most Essential Learning Examine the functions and importance of education in the society
Competencies (MELCs)

INTRODUCTION
An individuallearns his or her society’s values and beliefs through various institutions.One of the most pervading is that of
the educational system.In sociology,education is viewed as a social institution.It gives society the potential to reach development and
success.Generally,education means the development of the intellect.It is an act of thinking critically.
Meaning of Education
Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits.
Educational methods include teaching, training, storytelling, discussion and directed research. Education frequently takes place under
the guidance of educators, however learners can also educate themselves. Education can take place in formal or informal settings and
any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered education
Classification of Education
1. Formal learning refers to what takes place in the education and training system of a country. It is official, structured,
organized by public organizations or recognized private institutions and results with formal certification and formal level of
qualification which is recognized by relevant national educational authorities. Formal education is usually organized as full –
time education and is organized as a continuous process with defined stages. Formal education encompasses primary, lower
and upper secondary education, higher and university education that culminate in the achievement of a degree or a
professional qualification or diploma or a recognized certification as well as adult education programmes.
2. Non-formal learning is characterized by a deliberate choice of the person, which takes place outside of the systems
mentioned above, in any organization pursuing educational and training purposes, even volunteering, the national civil
service, and private social service and in enterprises. Thus, non – formal education is any type of structured and organized
learning which is institutionalized, intentional and planned by an educational provider, but which does not lead to formal
level of qualification recognized by the relevant national education authorities. People of all age groups can participate in non
- formal education which can be offered through courses, workshops, seminars.

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 3. Informal learning, lastly, is also developed whether or not there is a deliberate choice and is realized in the performance, by
any person, of activities in everyday situations and interactions that take place in them, within the context of work, family
and leisure, i.e. it is without external support and is not institutionalized. In the educational process, therefore, the soft
dimensions come into play such as teaching styles and management of interactions that enable, especially those who do not
have access to the resources that allow them to be active and able participants, to make use of knowledge to achieve their
personal ambitions. Furthermore, this also attenuates or reinforces motivations, expectations, intentions, self-representations
and practices of inclusion and exclusion, discrimination and social hierarchization.

FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION
1. To produce productive citizen
2. to develop self-actualization
Characteristics of productive citizen
1. Are responsible family members. 5. Take part in and improve life in their communities.
2. Respect and obey the laws of the land. 6. Take an active part in their government.
3. Respect the rights and property of others. 7. Use natural resources wisely.
4. Are loyal to their country and proud of its
accomplishments.

Self -Actualization

Education develops one’s sense of self.As a

huge part of the discovery process of
oneself,education encourages having the vision to
become self-actualized.Moreover, it enablesd one to
see your strengths and maintain them.It enables one
to determine weaknesses and adjust to them.This
helps onr reach full potential and establish oneself
as a whole.
According to Abraham Maslow, self
actualization is the highest form of human need.It
was defined as “to become more and more what one
is, to become everything that one is capable of
becoming”.

REVISED KNOWLEDGE

1. How does formal education differ from non-formal education?

Formal education is the term used when a student learns inside the classroom.Non formal education enables a
student to learn skills and knowledge through structuredlearning experiences

2. What are the functions of education that affect society?

The functions of education that affect society are to: produce productive citizens; and develop self-actualization.

GENERALIZATION
Education can be both empowering and limiting, depending on how it is facilitated in a given society.It can empower
individuals to participate in their society’s activities toward development through knowledge and skills acquisition.However,it
can also limit the potential of an individual to develop if the system remains irrelevant to the ever changing environment.Just like
culture that needs to change to adapt to its environment,educational systems must be transformed to appropriately equip
individual.

WEEK 5: Religion and Belief System

Most Essential Learning

Examine the concept, characteristics and forms of religion and belief system
Competencies (MELCs)

INTRODUCTION
Who really determines your religion? When does an individual obtain a certain religion? Do you really have a choice when it
comes to choosing your religion?
Meaning of Religion
Anthropologists define religion as “a set of attitudes, belief, and practices, pertaining to supernatural beings and forces. Such belief
may vary within a culture as well as among society, and they may change over time”.( Ember, Ember, Ember, and Peregrine, 2010)
Religion affects you and your way of thinking in the existing world. It serves as a pattern for the actions you take in a day-to-day
existence. Religion is seen not only as a social belief but also as a social institution that continues to develop over time
Functions of Religion
In this part, you are able to gain a deeper sense of understanding with the different functions of religion by focusing on its three
major functions guided by three major sociological theories:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict theory

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 c. Symbolic interactionism

Major Sociological Theories and their Major Assumptions Concerning Religion

Theoretical
Major assumptions
perspective
Religion serves several functions for society. These include (a) giving meaning and purpose to life, (b)
Functionalism reinforcing social unity and stability, (c) serving as an agent of social control of behaviour, (d) promoting
physical and psychological well-being, and (e) motivating people to work for positive social change.
Religion reinforces and promotes social inequality and social conflict. It helps convince the poor to accept their
Conflict theory
lot in life, and it leads to hostility and violence motivated by religious differences.
This perspective focuses on the ways in which individuals interpret their religious experiences. It emphasizes
Symbolic
that beliefs and practices are not sacred unless people regard them as such. Once they are regarded as sacred,
interactionism
they take on special significance and give meaning to people’s lives.

Religious Beliefs
1. Animism
The animistic perspective is so widely held and inherent to most indigenous peoples that they often do not even have a
word in their languages that corresponds to "animism" (or even "religion");[9] the term is an anthropological construct.
Animism encompasses the beliefs that all material phenomena have agency, that there exists no hard and fast distinction
between the spiritual and physical (or material) world and that soul or spirit or sentience exists not only in humans, but also in
other animals, plants, rocks, geographic features such as mountains or rivers or other entities of the natural environment:  water
sprites, vegetation deities, tree sprites, etc.
2. Polytheism
Polytheism is the worship of or belief in multiple deities, which are usually assembled into
a pantheon of gods and goddesses, along with their own religions and rituals. In most religions which accept polytheism, the
different gods and goddesses are representations of forces of nature or ancestral principles, and can be viewed either as
autonomous or as aspects or emanations of a creator deity or transcendental absolute principle (monistic theologies), which
manifests immanently in nature (panentheistic and pantheistic theologies).Most of the polytheistic deities of ancient religions,
with the notable exceptions of the Ancient Egyptian and Hindu deities, were conceived as having physical bodies.
3. Monotheism
Monotheism is the belief in one god.A narrower definition of monotheism is the belief in the existence of only
one god that created the world, is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient, and intervenes in the world.
A distinction may be made between exclusive monotheism, and both inclusive monotheism and pluriform (panentheistic)
monotheism which, while recognizing various distinct gods, postulate some underlying unity.

Types of Religious Practitioners

There are several types of religious practitioners or people who specialize in religious behaviors. These are individuals who
specialize in the use of spiritual power to influence others.

1. A shaman is an individual who has access to supernatural power that can then be used for the benefit of specific clients.
Found in indigenous cultures, shamans may be part-time specialists, but is usually the only person in the group that can
access the supernatural. They have specialized knowledge that is deemed too dangerous for everyone to know because they
do not have the training to handle the knowledge. Oftentimes, shamans train their replacement in the ways of contacting and
utilizing the supernatural. Shamans are often innovative in their practices, using trance states to contact the supernatural.
2. Priests are another type of religious practitioner who are trained to perform rituals for benefit of a group. Priests differ from
shamans in a couple of important ways. For priests, rituals are key—innovation and creativity are generally not prized or
encouraged. Priests are found in most organized religions, e.g., Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism, although they have a
different name such as monks, ministers, or rabbis.
3. Sorcerers and witches, unlike shamans and priests who have high status in their cultures, usually have low status because
their abilities are seen in a negative manner. Both sorcerers and witches have the ability to connect with the supernatural for
ill purposes. Sorcerers often take on a role similar to law enforcement in the United States; they are used by people to punish
someone who has violated socially proscribed rules. Witches are believed to have an innate connection to the supernatural,
one that they often cannot control. Because witches may inadvertently hurt people because they cannot control their power, if
discovered, they are often ostracized or forced to leave their group
4. Mediums are part-time practitioners who use trance and possession to heal and divine. Oftentimes after a trance or
possession, the medium remembers nothing about the experience or their actions

Types of Religious Activities

Humans interact with the divine in various forms. There are five major forms of religious activities

1. Magic
This form of religious activity constitutes the “manipulation of supernatural forces for the purpose of intervening in
a wide range of human activities and natural events” (Ferraro and Andreatta,(2010).Although popularly related to form of
trickery, the anthropological definition of magic is more complex than a fast hand maneuverer of playing a card, Magic deals

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 with solving a current problem by seeking the intervention of the derive through the performance and offering of gifts. The
Native American practice of rain dance to invoke deities to release rain is an example of magic.

2. Divination
This religious activity intends to gain from the divine practical answers for any concern that may range from war to
plans to marriages choices. One of most popular forms of divination is the I-ching, an ancient Chinese numerical system that
is believed to predict future occurrences, this was highly popular during the Warring states Period of China, as military
leaders utilized the I-ching to strategize campaign.

3. Sorcery and Witchcraft

Popularized by modern literature such as the Harry Potter novels, sorcery and witchcraft have been depicted by
media as a socially accepted activity .However, in most societies where witchcraft and sorcery are believed to exist,
practitioners of these types of religious acts are usually marginalized and ostracized as they are perceived to the bringers of
malevolence and misfortune.
A sorcerer inflicts harm on individuals by the use of materials such as dolls, wands, and medicines. The practice of
voodoo is an example of this.as practitioners use materials related to the victim such as hair or pieces of their clothing to cast
sickness or pain on them.

4.Prayers, Feast, and Sacrifices

These activities promote a direct interaction with the divine, as individual or groups communicate their thoughts and
desires to the supernatural through uttered request (prayers), celebration (feast), and gifts (sacrifices).
REVISED KNOWLEDGE

1. What are the functions of Religion?

Religion gives meaning and purpose to life
Religion reinforces and promotes social inequality and social conflict

2. What are the types of Religious activities?

The types of religious activities are: Magic,Divination, Sorcery and witchcraft, prayers and feast and sacrifices.

GENERALIZATION

The belief in the supernatural is a cultural universal as they need by humans to understand their environment and self persists. Due to
economic and political differentiation, humans tend to create varying religious norms and practices.Religion is a mirror of one’s
society as it reflects the social dynamics experienced by its members. An understanding of the variance promotes tolerance and
acceptance across societies.

WEEK 6: Health

Most Essential Learning Explain the health ,and healing system of our country
Competencies (MELCs)

INTRODUCTION

Social health is one of the most contested territories in public policy as questions on equality,quality, and availabilityof health
care remain submerged in international and local political dialogues among stakeholders.
The concept of being well,or being healthy,varies among groups of people,as each group subscribes to its own versions of
explanations that aim to answer for health related circumstances.
Meaning of Health

Three types of definition of health seem to be possible and are used.

1. Health is the absence of any disease or impairment.
2. Health is a state that allows the individual to adequately cope with all
3. Health is a state of balance, an equilibrium that an individual has established within himself and between himself and his
social and physical environment.demands of daily life (implying also the absence of disease and impairment).
Theories on Social Health
The concept of being well, or being healthy,varies among groups of people, as each group subscribed to its own version of
explanations that aim to answer for health related circumstances. Arthur Kleinmart et al, (2010) argued that health issues are best
understood within the frame of the individual’s local moral world, which embodies the rationalizations of individuals about their
illnesses. These rationalization are often rooted on their set of values and morality,
Culture-specific Syndromes and illnesses
1. ”Puwerausog”—this is a catch phrase often heard from elderly Filipino, when they complement an infant for its weight and
size. This is at times accompanied by the marking of a cross on the foot of the child using a saliva-coated fingertip.
Science provides a universal understanding of disease, however, despite the breadth of scientific discoveries on disease and
their cures, some scientific truths on disease remain obscured by local interpretations of them.
2. Wendigo is half demon and half beast creature is known for consuming human flesh. t is also believed that humans can be
possessed by the wendigo and turn to cannibalism.
Western medicine in the 1990s labelled this behavior as wendigo psychosis, a culturally specific mental disorder observed
among native North American
3. Latah is observed in parts of Southeast Asia is mental disorder embodies a set of abnormal behavior such as uncontrollable
laughter, cursing, screaming or even repetitive movements and statements. This has been labelled as a startle disorder due to
the fact that the abnormal behaviour is usually triggered by shock that an individual feels.

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 4. ’Run amuk’ refers to a sudden attack made by an individual against a group of people causing injuries or even death. This is
rooted in the Malay word mengamok that means “to make a furious and desperate change” (Hempel al., 2000). Although
posing a great threat to security and peace, amok is understood in Malaysia within frame of religion, as it is believed to be a
by-product of a spiritual possession of an individual by an evil tiger spirit. This belief complex allows for reconciliatory
processes after an individual runs amuk.
Systems of Diagnosis, Prevention, and Healing
A. Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and
mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat,
diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being (Fokunang et al., 2011).
Types of traditional healers
1. Shaman
The shaman cures the sick using powers that he has received during the state of trance. Healing is often done in the
house of the sick who is believed to have lost his or her soul. It is the task of the shaman to return the lost soul to its body to
cure the illness.
2. Magic-based healers.
This type of healer uses magic to counter the illness experienced by an individual who is believed to have such
condition due to black magic and curses. The ritual that the healer can use vary from society. Among the Nyoro of Uganda,
such healers often facilitate the process of vomiting by the sick to cleanse the latter from all sins and transgressions.
3. Fortune teller
Some individuals believed that their disease has some underlying spiritual explanation that, if learned, can be
addressed and promote healing. Often, individuals who seek the help of fortune are the ones suffering from psychological and
emotional pains.
4. Traditional birth attendant
These healers do not only assist expecting mothers in their process of giving birth. They also perform traditional
massages on individuals who are complaining of physical pain that may also rooted in psychological issues.
5. Trance-based healers
These healers provide relief for sickness and pain through meditation and trance-based activities. They believed that
the nature and appropriate cure for the sickness can only be uncovered through meditation. As, such, each consultant, despite
its similarly to another ailment, will often produce different rationalization and cure.
6. Traditional medicine experts (TME )
These healers closely resemble the Western concept of healers. Such that the TMEs ask the sick individual of the
symptoms that he or she is experiencing. Drawing from the responses, the TMEs prescribed a concoction of plants and other
natural ingredients that are believed to be efficient in arresting the disease.
B. Western Medicine
Western Medicine is Evidence-based. Western physicians make decisions about which treatment will be most helpful to
their patients based on controlled, scientific studies. This approach is known as evidence-based medicine.
The primary characteristic of Western medicine is its reliance on science, as a sole source of knowledge and information
for health-related issue. The science-based approaches allow of this system allow for strict and calculated approaches to disease.
Laboratory tests are made to confirm the symptoms narrated by the sick. In most cases, it is highly depersonalized due to the
expected practice of professionalism among practitioners.
C. Alternative Healing System
This is also known as complimentary alternative medicine (CAM).Unlike traditional medicine that competes with
Western medicines, CAM recognizes the latter’s importance and efficiency by accepting its prescription and techniques while
creating alternative forms of healing .One of the most accepted forms of CAM is acupuncture, which is believed to release
negative energies through the cleansing of pressure points. Similar to traditional healing, CAM is often without concrete scientific
basis, but it has been practiced through time by its followers.

REVISED KNOWLEDGE

1. What are the differences between traditional to western medicines?

Traditional medicines were used and practiced by the faith healers while western medicines were made through
science.
2. What are the types of traditional healers?
The types of traditional healers are shamans, Magic based healers, fortune tellers,and traditional birth attendant.
Trance-based healers, traditional medicine experts

GENERALIZATION
The concept of health is not universal as it is constrained by cultural-specific understanding of the body.Approaches relating to
alleviating dire health conditions should be drafted within the context of the recipient society ,as some do not accept the perspectives
used in western medicine. A more collaborative work between different types of health systems should be fostered to cater to the
varying needs of individuals and societies.

MODULE 7: Social Change

Most Essential Learning Examine human responses to emerging challenges in contemporary societies
Competencies (MELCs)

INTRODUCTION
Change is a state of becoming different from the status quo.Just like humans that experience biological changes through
time,societies are subject to change through the instigation of various factors such as the environmental technology.Social change is a
concept used to portray any changes in human social system.

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Sources of Cultural, Social, and Political Change

All the changes that happen in human society are deeply noted on three aspects: cultural, social , and political. These are not mutually
exclusive as they are interrelated structures and processes.

1. Innovation
Innovation may be in the form of new scientific knowledge, new belief, and additional inventions. When applied to
technology, new ideas and concepts can revolutionize how a population behave in response to their environment .The innovation
in farming methods and technology brought about the establishment of permanent settlement among early humans who were
primarily nomadic prior to the shift.
Traditional perspectives on innovation claim that innovation is mostly dictated by dominant groups. However, this has
been proven a limited perspective as simple societies have been seen.
2. Diffusion
One of the earliest and most important forms of cultural change is known as diffusion.Diffusion involves the process of
transferring cultural traits and concepts from one human group to the other. Such a process involves two cultures in contact with
one another. A specific cultural trait can be introduced to another culture through the facilitating factors such as migration and
media.
Diffusion becomes a factors in social change as it allows for the incorporation of new perspective and practices in
existing cultural fabric of a society
3. Acculturation and Assimilation
Cultural change can also be triggered by cultural adaptation processes called acculturation and assimilation.
Acculturation is the process of learning a culture other than one’s own.This implies that it is geared toward second-
culture learning .this process is primarily a result of the interaction between two cultures. In most cases, the dominant society’s
cultural complex is adapted by the less dominant group.
Assimilation is a gradual process of culture change that allows for the indistinguishable cultural similarity between two
different cultural groups. This process is often observed in immigrant societies wherein the migrants often assimilate the culture
of the locals to adapt to the new society’s rules and regulations. This characteristics separates assimilation from acculturation as
the individuals who experienced the latter would still be distinguishable from the other society.
Social Contradictions and Tensions
Social contradictions and tensions are two inevitable circumstances among societies that can be seen in different forms such as
issues, problems,struggles, and conflicts. Conflicts arise in every society because of certain societal differences or inequalities. In
many instances, cultural, social, and political differences often lead to disagreement and conflict. Moreover, people who seem to be
oppressed or violated often form collective action.
1. Collective action refers to any action being taken by a certain group who shares common aims and goals to achieve specific
changes or objective that would benefit the members of the group. (Ostron,2004 ).

For instance, ethnic groups with specific cultures and practices often generates conflict with other groups because of their
differences. Sometimes conflict happens within ethnic groups especially when there is a dispute between the ethnic ruler and
its people.
2. Ethnic Conflict, Armed Conflict, and Terrorism
These three forms of social tensions are grouped together due to their violent nature in resolving social issues.
Ethnic conflict is also referred to as ethnic war and is usually characterized by homogenous cultural groups having
an armed struggle with each other or with other social institution. The war that ravaged post-Cold war USSR saw genocide
occurring in most of its former territories. One of which was Bosnia-Herzegovina, which had the Bosnian Muslims, Serbs,
and Croats attacking one another to secure territory for their group. This war resulted in the displacement of roughly
2,700,000 Bosnian to parts of Europe and Asia.
Armed conflict are mostly political in nature as non-state actors clamour for their rights that are perceived to be
withheld from them by the state .The Philippines has witnessed several armed conflicts with non-state such as the New
people’s Army (NPA ) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
3. Acts of terrorism are highly political activities that are meant to give a statement to organizations or states that are believed to
have hegemonic power over subjugated territories or sectors of society. The attack on the Twin Towers (World Trade Center)
in New York in 2001 changed the political landscape of the United States, as it launched its intensive campaign against
international terrorist groups such as the Al-Qaeda.
New Challenges to human Adaptation and Social Change
In modern times, new challenges have been faced by society that require members to strive for social change for the
purpose of adaptation and development. Any changes that would take place in the human environment greatly affect human
adaptation and survival.
There are two major challenges being faced by various countries and societies: climate change and transnational
migration.
1. Global Warming and climate Change
Global warming and climate change have been identified as one of the key indicators for policy-making in most
countries, as all present-day government have admitted to the magnitude of implications that these two factors can have on
their citizens’ lives.What is Global warming? The United States Environmental Protection Agency (2012)

Define the Process as follows:

The Earth’s climate is fueled by the Sun, most of the sun’s energy called solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth, but
some is reflected back into space. A natural layer of atmospheric gases absorbs a portion of this reflected solar radiation
eventually releasing some of it into space but forcing much of it back to Earth. There it warms the Earth’s surface creating
what is known as the natural “greenhouse effect”.
Some of the expected and observed impacts of global warming and climate change include rise in sea level, increase
in wildfire events, severe droughts, increase in the frequency of storms in many areas, flooding, and increase in weather
variability. The rise in temperature in most areas can also trigger health risks through the spread of vectors-borne disease (e.g.
malaria and dengue). And increase in frequency of heatstroke and skin diseases.
2. Transnational Migration and OFWs

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 Transnational migration is the process by which individuals from one country migrate to another country for
economic, political, and social reasons. The growth of transnational migration has been observed in the past decades as the
world becomes more globalized and technology become more complex, allowing for easier transfer.
The constant migration of people, whether in migration or out-migration, creates social changes in societies as their
population composition is altered by the decrease or the increase of people living in it. Social dynamics is also altered, as
migrant established network that are not limited to their own country, as they also navigate the social sphere of other
countries where they find affinity with similar ethnic or religious group.
One of the best examples of transnational migration is the condition of OFWs across different geographical
locations. What do you think is the major factor that drives Filipinos to go abroad? The root causes of this large number of
migration cases among Filipinos are their families and issues on development. A huge number of Filipinos are experiencing
unemployment and poverty. This condition gives them the drive to pursue for better careers and lives by working abroad.
Transnational migration is a big leap and challenges for Filipinos because there is no assurance of success and development.
Responding to social, Political, and Cultural Change
Every societal changes entails certain reactions, responses, and adaptations, Individuals have several kinds of
responses (positive and negative) to these growing numbers of societal changes. Some easily adapt with the new changes
being imposed, but others rejects systemic changes, causing them to establish social movements to defeat or transform what
has been already changed.
1. Inclusive Citizenship and participatory Governance
In a democratic society, citizen participation in politics is encouraged. However, this participation is sometimes
contested. One of the leading organizations espousing the goal of having more government allowing intensive citizen
interaction in policy- making is the UN.
2. New form of media and Social Networking
Media has already undergone a series of technological innovation and development. During ancient times, written
historical records were found around the world, and they served as the medium of communication. As society continued to
undergo changes and development, movable type printers were used to spread information to people. Consequently, mass
publication was made to ensure that messages and information reach more people, allowing them to have enough information
and public awareness.
3. Social Movements
A social movement is a process that involves three elements:
a. The individual
b. The group
c. The society
Individuals are aware of their personal qualities, characteristics, and values, enabling them to act accordingly to
what they practice or believe in. When they experience any form of change in the society where they belong to, reactions and
responses follow. Then, this individuals finds another individual or group that has views and sentiments similar to his or hers.

REVISED KNOWLEDGE

1. What are the sources of Cultural, social and political change?

The sources of cultural,social and political change are innovation, diffusion and acculturation and assimilation.

2. What are the new challenges to human adaptation and social change?
The new challenges to human adaptation and social change are:Global warming and climate change; transnational
migration and OFWs; and ethnic conflict and armed conflict.

GENERALIZATION
One of the main characteristics of culture is that it changes. Similarly, society changes as it adapts to its environment. Such process
of adaptation ensures the continuation of the human species. Apart from the environment,other factors such as technology,
mobility,climate and landscapes can trigger the alteration of social structures to enable the population to survive.In other cases when
the structures remain constant despite the pressure exerted by these factors human engagements in social movement accelerate social
changes.

Checked: EDELITA A. RAMOS Noted: LEVELYN D. GARCIA

Subject Area Coordinator Curriculum Coordinator

Approved: ANNABELLE G. TACADENA

School Principal

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