MODULE 1

Introduction to Social Sciences towards

Understanding Culture, Society and Politics
Learning Objectives

1. Acknowledge human cultural variations, social differences, social change

and political identities.
2. Adopt an open and critical attitude toward different social, political, and
cultural phenomena through observation and reflection.
3. Appreciate the value of disciplines of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political
Science as social sciences.

WHAT IS THE SOCIAL SCIENCES?

Definitions of Social Sciences

According to Seligman (n.d.), social sciences are those mental or cultural sciences
which deal with the activities of the individual as a member of the group. The term social
sciences thus embrace all those subjects which deal with the relationship of man to
society.

On the other hand, Mitchell (n.d.) describes social science is loosely applied to
any kind of study concerning man and society. In the strict sense it should refer to the
application of scientific method to the study of the intricate and complex network of
human relationships and the form of organization designed to enable people to live
together in societies.

According to Fairchild (n.d.), social science as a general term for all the sciences
which are concerned with human affairs.

Distinctive Characteristics of Social Sciences

The study of man as a unique living creature may be viewed in two fundamental
dimensions:

a. Man as an individual being; and

b. Man as a social being.

Thus, the focus of the social sciences is on the study of the following:

1. Change in human relationship and reinterpretation between the present and the
past event;
2. Human activities and spatial distributions and interaction of culture, biologic and
physical elements;
 3. Basic social systems, institutions and processes;
4. Relationship between individual and institutions and among political economic
and social institutions; and
5. The nature of societies and authors and the interactions of people with each other
and also their social and physical environment.

HUMAN’S SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND

Culture and Cultural Diversity

Culture refers to the whole complex of traditional behavior developed by the

human race and successively learned by generations (Mead, 1937). It encompasses
attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, knowledge, laws, norms and practices. According to Boas
(1911), culture may be defined as the totality of mental and physical reactions and
activities that characterize the behavior of individuals composing a social group
collectively and individually in relation to their natural environment, to other groups, to
members of the group itself, and of each individual to himself/herself.

While culture binds people together, it also brings about differences in many forms.
This is called cultural diversity – the differences in social behaviors that many cultures
around the world demonstrate.

Social Differences on Social Stratification

Social differences are associated with social stratification – the relative social
position of an individual in a category, geographical region, social group, or unit. On the
other hand, social mobility is the change in the position within the social hierarchy.
Indicators of social mobility includes wealth, power and prestige. There are two types of
social mobility systems:

1. An open system exists when a status is achieved through effort or merit

2. A closed system exists when a status is ascribed from birth

Because of social stratification, a variety of social structures are formed. The four
major types of stratification system are as follows:

1. Caste – a person’s rank, rights, and obligations are ascribed upon birth.
2. Class – a person’s position is determined by achievement.
3. Estate – an individual’s birth, possessions, and wealth are hereditary and significant
in his/her stature.
4. Slavery – a condition in which individuals are owned and controlled by others.

Political Structures

Each country has its own political system that runs its government. A government
is a body of elected or appointed public officials who sets and administers public policy
and exercises authority through customs, institutions and laws within a state. A way to
group governments is to classify them according to concentration of power – ruled by
none, by one, by a few, or by many.
 a. Anarchy is characterized by a state of disorder because of non-recognition of
authority and laws.
b. Monarchy is a government that has a single person who is generally considered
the ruler by the title or birthright.
1. Absolute monarchy – the monarch exercises absolute power and wield
executive, legislative and judicial powers.
2. Constitutional monarchy – the monarch shares power with a constitutionally
organized government and may serve purely as a ceremonial leader.
c. Dictatorship – a type of government controlled by a single individual and wherein
people have little or no individual freedom.
1. Authoritarianism – the political actions and decisions of the ruler are not
constrained while political rights and freedom of citizens are significantly
limited.
2. Totalitarianism – the government uses ideology to captivate the people’s
loyalty to the leader-dictator.
d. Aristocracy – a government ruled by the best member of the community.
e. Oligarchy – a government is ruled by a wealthy few.
f. Democracy – a government in which supreme power is conferred on the people
and exercised directly by them or by their elected leaders under a free electoral
system.

“All forms or system of legitimate government rested upon

“the consent of the governed.”

- John Locke, Two Treaties of Government(1690)

Active participation from the citizenry is necessary in order to prevent the

government from committing abuses as they help balance the power and authority of
government officials.

CONCEPTS OF ANTHROPOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

Anthropology

Anthropology came from the Greek words anthropos which means ‘human’ and
logos which refers to ‘knowledge.’ It is the branch of knowledge which deals with the
scientific study of man, his works, his body, his behavior and values, in time and space
(Palispis, 2007). It includes man’s physical, social and cultural development that describes
and explains phenomenon of human life. For Eriksen (2001), anthropology studies the
diversity and similarity of the way a person lives and makes connections as social and
cultural being.

Four Major Fields of Anthropology

1. Archaeology – examines past cultures through tangible remains.

2. Cultural Anthropology – focuses on the human culture with respect to social
structure, language, law, politics, religion, and technology.
 3. Linguistics – the anthropological study of languages.
4. Physical Anthropology – deals with understanding the causes of present human
diversity.

Political Science

Political science is a systematic study of a state and its government, with the
relationship of men in the community, with relations of men and groups to the state itself,
and with the relations of a state with other sovereign states abroad (Palispis, 2009). It
emphasizes the use of power, interest, influence, and diplomacy which is important in
creating a well-ordered society.

Aristotle was the first thinker to use the term. It is derived from the Greek word polis
which means ‘city-state.’ Jean Bodin initially coined the term science politique.

Subfields of Political Science

1. Comparative Politics studies politics within nations.

2. Constitutional Law studies legal systems.
3. International Relations studies politics among nations.
4. Political Theory studies classical and modern politics.
5. Public Administration studies how bureaucracies function.
6. Public Policy studies the interplay of politics and economics.

Sociology

Sociology is the sciences of societies. Joseph Fichter defines sociology as the

scientific study of patterned, shared human behavior, it analyzes human interaction
which is essential in understanding man’s cultural make-up. Two approaches are
employed in exploring human societies: Macrosociology (macro-level perspective) and
Microsociology (micro-level perspective).

Two Approaches in Sociology

1. In Macrosociology, the sociological perspectives looks on how the concept of

society as a product of human interactions as individuals live up to the standards
of their culture.
2. Microsociology underscores the important role individuals perform in societies.

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYING
ANTHROPOLOGY, POLITICAL SCIENCE AND SOCIOLOGY

The main objective in the study of Anthropology is to acquire an understanding of

cultural differences. Hence, a deeper knowledge of humankind that enables us to
appreciate our diverse cultures and ways of living is obtained.

The primary goal of Political Science is citizenship education. It requires one to

understand and appreciate the duties and obligations of being a member of a society.
Knowledge of human rights educates citizens about their roles in the political affairs of
the state, specifically regarding political rights. Such discipline motivates citizen to
participate proactively in political activities.

Sociology is necessary for social planning. The outcomes of sociological

investigations are essential for policymakers in maintaining social stability and creation of
program as well as policies for development.
***

REFERENCES

 Baleña, E. D. (2016). Understanding Culture, Society and Politics. Quezon City:

Educational Resources Corp.
 Tumlos-Castillo, L. M. (2019). Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics. Quezon
City: FNB Educational, Inc.

Prepared by:

LEMUEL S. GALLOGO, LPT., RPm.

HUMSS Strand Faculty
Senior High School
Far Eastern University - Alabang