11 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Disciplines and Ideas

in the Social Sciences
Quarter 1 – Module 5-7:
Analyze the basic concepts and principles of the major social
science theories;
a) Structural-functionalism b) Marxism c) Symbolic Interaction
Subject Name – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 5-7: Analyze the basic concepts and principles of the major
social science theories; a) Structural-functionalism b) Marxism c) Symbolic
Interaction
First Edition, 2020

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 11
Disciplines and
Ideas in the
Social Sciences
Quarter 1 – Module 5-7:
Analyze the basic concepts and
principles of the major social
science theories;
a) Structural-functionalism
b) Marxism
c) Symbolic Interaction
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences 11 Alternative

Delivery Mode (ADM) Module Analyze the basic concepts and principles of the
major social science theories; a) Structural-functionalism b) Marxism c)
Symbolic Interaction!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher
or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this
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into consideration their needs and circumstances.

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module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
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encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences 11 Alternative

Delivery Mode (ADM) Module Analyze the basic concepts and principles of the
major social science theories; a) Structural-functionalism b) Marxism c)
Symbolic Interaction!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time.
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being an active learner.

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What I Need to Know competencies you are expected to learn in the
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This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
What I Know
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
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Key at the end of the module.
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into real life situations or concerns.

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 This is a task which aims to evaluate your
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Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

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can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Analyze the basic concepts and principles of the major social science theories;
a. Structural-functionalism
b. Marxism
c. Symbolic Interaction

Discipline and Ideas in the Social Sciences is one of the subjects that you need
to take under HUMSS, which stands for Humanities and Social Sciences. This lesson
focuses on the study of Structural Functionalism, Marxism, and Symbolic Interaction.

This module was designed and written for you in order to help you understand
the basic concepts and principles of the major social science ideas. To do this, you
are required to undergo a series of learning activities to complete each learning
competency. Each lesson includes information sheets, tasks and activity sheets. You
need to perform each activity by yourself.

The module has 3 lessons, namely:

a. Structural Functionalism
b. Marxism
c. Symbolic Interactionism

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

• Explain the theories on Structural Functionalism.
• Analyze the basic concepts and principles of the structural functionalism
theory.
• Appreciate one’s personal and social experiences using the theories
structural functionalism

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 What I Know

Direction: Read each item carefully. Write T if the statement is true and F if the
statement is false. Write your answers in your activity notebook.

____1. Microstructures are the social structures formed among groups or institutions.

____2. Social functions are the effects of social structures or their purpose.

____3. Macrostructures are social structures that were established by the individual
or within a group that resulted in individual interactions.

____4. Structural functionalism is the essential sociological theory that revolves

around the notion that a society is composed of a system of interconnected
parts that have their own particular function.

____5. Manifest function is the predicted, intended, and expected effect of a social
structure.

____6. The unpredicted and unexpected disruptions of a social structure is called

latent dysfunction.

____7. Various parts of the society are interrelated.

____8. Davis and Moore aimed to develop a theory, which they called Middle Range
Theory, that aims to be more focused and manageable.

____9. Theorists respond to the social phenomena that pervade society.

____10 Communication is the means by which society learns about the issues and
affairs of the state.

____11. Structural functionalism is the same as the human body parts that have
specific functions, functionalism implies that all structures in society have their
own purpose and specific functions.

____12. Addressing elders with respect, as an example of a macrostructure, patterns

and shapes the younger generation to promote social values.

____13. When one of the parts of the society does not perform properly, the entire
society could not function well.

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____14. Political socialization is a means by which proper civic conduct, duties and
good citizenship are promoted and societal values and beliefs are passed on
to the younger generation.

____15. Recruitment is the way by which political systems attract the interest of the
public through participation in debates and other engagements.

What’s In

Imagine life without language. What would our world be like without it? How do
you use language appropriately in your daily life? Study the picture below and write at
least 5 sentences about the picture in your notebook.

https://bwcdigital.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/wl-005.jpg

What’s New

LESSON 1: STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM

STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM

Structural functionalism or simply functionalism, is essentially a sociological

theory that revolves around the notion that a society is composed of a system of
interconnected parts that have their own particular functions.

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 Social structures formed among groups or institutions are referred to as
macrostructures, which include religion, education, tradition, and culture. On the
other hand, social structures established among individuals or within groups that result
in individual interactions are called microstructures.
The effects of the social structures or their purpose are called social functions.
Every social structure has a corresponding social function. This relationship between
social structures and social functions are the parts of the system which structural
functionalism identifies.

KEY CONCEPTS IN STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM

A manifest function is the predicted, intended, expected, and knowable effect

of a social structure. An example of which is when people go to church, in order to
pray and to hear mass.

A latent function is the unintended outcome of social structure. So, if the

manifest function of going to church is to pray and hear mass, its latent function is to
gather people together in one place to reinforce the sense of community.

MANIFEST and LATENT Dysfunctions

A manifest dysfunction is the predicted, expected, and knowable disruptions

of a social structure. For example, a large gathering of people such as concerts and
other events disrupts traffic flow within the vicinity of the event, even though it was not
intended to do so.

A latent dysfunction is the unpredicted and unexpected disruptions of social

structures. For example, there are costumers who usually take pictures of food in
social media. But since these customers are not the only ones doing it, the average
time spent by customers in their tables will increase. The latent dysfunction in this
example is that the next costumers will have an increased waiting period.
Manifest and latent dysfunctions bring about negative effects or outcomes.
For the sociologist, studying manifest and latent functions is a way to promote the
benefits of such functions and further develop social structures. But because manifest
and latent dysfunctions are contrary to the idea of systems in society, sociologists
focus more on the dysfunctions to promote social stability and solidarity.
Understanding manifest and latent dysfunctions help sociologists assess risks and
prepare accordingly. Such assessments and preparations can be in different fields
and can be useful in various fields and professions.

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IMPORTANT THEORISTS

Auguste Comte
Auguste Comte provided an analysis of social evolution through his Law of
Three Stages. Comte provided a theory of society and man’s cognitive progression
from religious and abstract concepts to a scientific perspective. Comte’s ideas are
considered as the precursor to structural functionalism, as he identified tradition and
other social structures as elements in shaping the society. The Law of Three Stages
itself is a critique of the social structures and of how humans were shaped by
progressive thinking.

Herbert Spencer
Herbert Spencer is known as the first sociological functionalist. His comparison
of society to the human body is the overarching idea of structural functionalism.
According to Spencer, each social structure is like a body part---it has a purpose and
a function in the overall well-being of the society. He also compared the way organism
evolved to how it handles constant problems.

Talcott Parsons
Talcott Parsons was an American sociologist known as one of the primary
contributors to the development of structural functionalism. Parsons identified the
different systems which make up the structure of the society, which he called systems
levels. The systems he expounded on were the following: the cultural system, social
system, personality system and biological system. All these system work and interact
with each other in some level to provide structure to the society.
The cultural system is the structure that the society generated throughout
history so that people can socialize and live together as a community. The social
system is understood as the roles people have in society. The personality system
refers to how individuals affect society through their personalities, attitudes, behaviors,
beliefs and other characteristics. Lastly, the behavioral or biological system is the
physical body of the individual and the environment where he or she lives in.

Davis and Moore

Kingsley Davis (1908–1997) and Wilbert Moore (1914–1987) were American
sociologists known for the functionalist theory of stratification or Davis- Moore
hypothesis. Their hypothesis suggest that social inequalities are necessary so that
society benefits from them---from the poor, the middle class and the rich.
To arrive at such a hypothesis, Davis and Moore explored the dynamics of
hierarchical structure such as corporations, governments, and the military, whose
structural organizations reflect that of a pyramid----the head (decision-maker and
highest paid) is at the top, the managers and supervisors (both receiver and provider
of commands and receive a medium pay) at the middle and the workers (receiver of
command and lowest paid) at the base.

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 In order for the organization structure to function properly, the positions in this
hierarchical structure are accompanied by necessary qualifications and experiences
so that competent individuals would fill the positions. Any deviation from these
qualifications would undermine the entire organization. Thus, individuals with higher
education, skill, experience and training are placed on top of those who are less
qualified. Since those at the top enjoy higher social status and higher salaries, those
at the bottom are the motivated to acquire the necessary qualifications to eventually
be placed on top as well. Hence, individuals who understand stratification would invest
their time to further their education and hone their skills while getting experiences. In
such a case, inequality functions and dysfunctions.

Robert Merton
Robert Merton (1910–2003) was an American sociologist who is also a key
contributor to the functionalist theory of society. Specifically, he was the one who
developed the concepts of manifest and latent functions and dysfunctions.
A student of Parsons in Harvard University, Merton saw his mentor’s
functionalist perspective as being too theoretical and overarching. So, he aimed to
develop a theory, which he called middle range theory. This allows some level of
experimentation to ground theories more to reality. In order to do this, he said that a
middle range theory should have limited assumptions and hypothesis, which would
allow for some testing. It should also have a limited range of data to research and
interpret. This was how he came up with the different descriptions of functions.
Additionally, Merton focused on dysfunction as it opposes the idea of functional unity,
which presupposes that everything works optimally all the time and that distortions
exist in society. Because dysfunction is dependent upon who is asked, it is called
valued term. For example, a vehicular accident is seen as a dysfunction, but can also
be an opportunity for a tow truck driver or junkyard dealer to gain profit (the former by
towing wrecked vehicles, the latter by recycling the parts of the vehicles).

Almond and Powell

Gabriel Almond (1911–2002) and Bingham Powell (born 1942) are American
political scientists who applied structural functionalist theories in comparative politics.
Before the theory of structural functionalism was introduced in political science, states
were studied in a manner that they had the same systems upon which they operated
on and were subject to the same laws and production processes. Almond and Powell,
however, argued that the study of political systems of different states must be done
contextually. They highlighted the need to understand the institutions through which
political systems were allowed to function. Finally, the particular function and the
historical context which develop and established this institution must also be taken into
account in conducting research.
Aside from studying the interrelationships of the function of institutions in a
political system, Almond and Powell also recognized the function of the political
system itself on society. They highlighted the function of the political system as political
socialization, recruitment, and communication. Political socialization is the means by

6
which proper civic conduct, duties and good citizenship are promoted and societal
values and beliefs are passed on to the younger generation. On the other hand,
recruitment is the way by which political systems attract the interest of the public
through participation in debates and other engagements. Lastly, communication is the
means by which society learns about the issues and affairs of the state.

ESSENTIAL LEARNING
The main idea in structural functionalism is that the society is made up of
different components such as institutions, services, and people that work together and
allow the society to function. As body parts have specific functions, functionalism
implies that all structure in society have their own purpose and specific functions.

Structural functionalism
Structural functionalism, or simply functionalism, is “a framework for building
theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote
solidarity and stability”.
The structural-functional approach is a perspective in sociology that sees
society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and
stability. Education, for example, has several important functions in a society, such as
socialization, learning, and social placement.

What is It

DO THIS IN YOUR NOTEBOOK

What have I learned so far?

1. What is your own understanding of Structural Functionalism theory?

Answer:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. How can manifest and latent dysfunction affect social order?

Answer:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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 What’s More

DO THIS IN YOUR NOTEBOOK

What specific experience in your life shows the basic principles of the structural
functionalism theory?

What I Have Learned

Complete the statements below. Write your answers in your activity notebook.

I have learned that ____________________________

I have realized that _____________________________
I will apply ___________________________________

What I Can Do

Do this in your notebook.

Explain the major events that occurred and its contribution which led to the
emergence of the social science disciplines.

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 Assessment

Direction: Read each item carefully and write T f the statement is true, and write F if
the statement is false. Write your answers in your activity notebook.

____1. Microstructures are the social structures formed among groups or institutions.

____2. Social functions are the effects of social structures or their purpose.

____3. Macrostructures are social structures that were established by the individual
or within a group that resulted in individual interactions.

____4. Structural functionalism is the essential sociological theory that revolves

around the notion that a society is composed of a system of interconnected
parts that have their own particular function.

____5. Manifest function is the predicted, intended, and expected effect of a social
structure.

____6. Structural functionalism is the same as the human body parts that have specific
functions, functionalism implies that all structures in society have their own
purpose and specific functions.

____7. Addressing elders with respect, as an example of a macrostructure, patterns

and shapes the younger generation to promote social values.

____8. When one of the parts of the society does not perform properly, the entire
society could not function well.

____9. Political socialization is a means by which proper civic conduct, duties and
good citizenship are promoted and societal values and beliefs are passed on
to the younger generation.

____10. Recruitment is the way by which political systems attract the interest of the
public through participation in debates and other engagements.

____11. The unpredicted and unexpected disruptions of social structures is called

latent dysfunction.

____12. Various parts of the society are interrelated.

____13. Davis and Moore aimed to develop a theory, which they called middle range
theory, that would be more focused and manageable.

9
____14. Theorists respond to the social phenomena that pervade society.

____15. Communication is the means by which society learns about the issues and
affairs of the state.

Glossary

Dysfunctions – abnormality or impairment in the function of a specified bodily organ

or system.

Functionalism – a viewpoint of the theory of the mind, and wherein mental states are
constituted solely by their functional role, such as their causal relations with
other mental states, sensory inputs and behavioral outputs.

Precursor – a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind

Recruitment – the action of finding new people to join an organization or support a

cause.

Subsist – maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level.

Additional Activities

Draw an example showing the main concept of Structural Functionalism. Draw it in a

separate paper and attach it to your quiz/activity notebook.

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 11
Asses what you Try this
have learned
1. F
1. F 2. T
2. T 3. F
3. F 4. T
4. T 5. T
Do this, keep this in mind, 5. T 6. T
apply what you have 6. T 7. T
learned, Reflect 7. T 8. F
8. T 9. T
9. T 10. T
10. T 11. T
The answers may vary.
11. T 12. T
12. T 13. T
13. F 14. T
14. T 15. T
15. T
Answer Key
 References
Acton, Harry Burrows. “Herbert Spencer | Biography, Education, Books, & Facts.”
Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Herbert-
Spencer.
Alejandria-Gonzalez, Maria Carinnes P., and Elizabeth T. Urgel. DIWA Senior High
School Series: Discipline and Ideas in Social Sciences. Makati City, Philippines:
DIWA Learning System Inc., 2016.

Barnes, Harry Elmer, and Ronald Fletcher. “Auguste Comte | Biography, Books,
Sociology, Positivism, & Facts.” Edited by The Editors of Encyclopedia
Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed August 19, 2020.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Auguste-Comte.

Moffitt, Kimberly, and Lesley Chapel. “Structural-Functional Theory in Sociology:

Definition & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.Com.” Study.com,
n.d. https://bit.ly/3ga8j7z.

“Structural Functionalism.” Wikipedia, September 21, 2003.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_functionalism.

"Structural-Functional Theory in Sociology: Definition & Examples." Study.com. April

24, 2015. https://study.com/academy/lesson/structural-functional-theory-in-
sociology-definition-examples-quiz.html.

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 What I Need to Know
LESSON 2: MARXISM

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

• Explain the theories on Marxism.
• Analyze the basic concept and principles of Marxism theories
• Appreciate personal and social experiences using the theories of Marxism.

What I Know

Directions: Read each item carefully and write T f the statement is true and write F if
the statement is false. Answer directly in your activity notebook.

_____1. The theory of Karl Marx is in favor of the owner of the company.

_____2. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’ core ideas were to have an unequal economic status
between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie.

_____3. Industrial capitalism is the cycle of production and consumption which is continued
to create the economy.

_____4. The communist society likes to have a common ownership of the property and its
resources.

_____5. Social injustice, according to Marx, is to give the laborer a low wage which is
disproportionate to the work they provide.

_____6. The purpose of Marxism is to treat the economic status equally for every individual
in the society.

_____7. Marxism delves into the relationship of the people with one another in the context of
production.

_____8. Bourgeoisie refers to the owner of the factory or the capitalist.

_____9. During the industrial revolution, the farmers improved the method of farming in the
society.

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_____10. Communist society is characterized by a classless society having common
ownership of property.

_____11. The two industrial capitalism created in the society are bourgeoisie and proletariat.

_____12. Karl Marx advocated for a revolutionary consciousness to fight back against the
capitalist oppressors.

_____13. Class Conflict arises from the oppression of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie.

_____14. The use of machinery equipment in the factory is an example of industrial

revolution.

_____15. In the theory of Marxism, the capitalists are also the laborers or the ones who work
for the company.

What’s In

The main purpose of structural functionalism is that the parts and its functions,
are interconnected to the other parts as a big factor for the maintenance or continuity
to function properly as a structured social system. Thus, each institution has a part to
play in maintaining the balance of the larger structure as a whole. This assumption
can also relate to the parts similar to that found in an organism, an example of which
is the digestive system (Vincent 2001).

What’s New

MARXISM

Marxism is a sociological, political, and economic philosophy that is based on

the ideas and theories of Karl Marx (1818–1883). To understand the ideas of Karl
Marx, the historical backdrop from which he lived---during the Revolution of the 19th
century – must be considered.
Before the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the primary source of living in
many European countries was farming or agriculture-related work. However, with the
rise of factories, such character changed, which caused farmers to abandon their fields
to become factory workers. The introduction of machines enabled the rapid

14
advancements in the production process, which allowed faster trade and consumption
of goods. This development provided factory owners with profits that enabled them to
invest in factory expansion. This cycle of production and consumption continued to
create an economy, which became known as industrial capitalism.
Industrial capitalism created two classes in society, which Marx termed as the
bourgeoisie or the factory owners or capitalist and the proletariat or the industrial
workers or labors. The bourgeoisie controls the production (factories, machines, and
land), while the proletariat, who does not have access to such means of production,
exchanges labor for wages.

KEY CONCEPTS IN MARXISM

SOCIAL INEQUALITY
In a capitalist society, oppression and exploitation are among the social
inequalities that exist between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Marx argued that
the profit from goods should be equally divided among the laborers since they are the
ones who work to produce such goods. But in reality, they are given low wages and
are often asked to work in terrible working conditions. For Marx, capitalists steal by
taking the profit for themselves, while leaving the workers with salaries
disproportionate to the work that they provide.

Class Conflict
Class conflict or class struggle arises from the oppression of the proletariat
by the bourgeoisie. Such oppression happens whenever a society has a stratified and
hierarchical class division, and it is more evident in a capitalist society where the
manipulative force of capitalism creates tension between the classes.
Marx advocated for a revolutionary consciousness to fight back against the
capitalist oppressors. At the end of the revolution, a communist society will then be
established, which for Marx, will make the citizens happy as they will be treated
equally. A communist society is characterized by a classless society having common
ownership of property and resources (means of production). Private property and
profit-based economy are replaced by public ownership and control.

Important Theorists

Marx and Engels

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (1820–1895) were German philosophers and
political scientists, who are regarded as the fathers of Marxist theory. Marx and Engels
were friends, and they collaborated many times. Their most notable work together was
Communist Manifesto.
Marx and Engels presented in the communist manifesto their core ideas in a
way that the proletariat could easily grasp. They laid out their thoughts in a simple and
systematic manner which does not require the reader to be a part of the academic
elite in order to understand. The communist manifesto provides a sociological

15
perspective in the understanding of history. For Marx and Engels, history is determined
by the class struggles and conflicts between the oppressor (bourgeoisie) and the
oppressed (proletariat). The bourgeoisie, who controls and monopolizes the means of
production, remains in power because of wealth accumulated from the profits of
production. The proletariat, who contributes much to the profit of the bourgeoisie,
remains as mere workers.
Moreover, the communist manifesto points to an organized proletariat class
who would revolt against the bourgeoisie by amassing political power. This is the aim
of communism as argued by Marx and Engels – that workers unite to overthrow the
bourgeoisie supremacy and ultimately allow the proletariat freedom from subjugation.
Thus, communism would prevent oppressors from exploiting the working class in order
to gain profit.

V. Gordon Childe
Vere Gordon Childe (1892–1957) was an Australian archeologist and
philologist. Childe used Marxist economics as a tool in distinguishing periods of
prehistory and in tracing the evolution of Western civilization.
Production is central to Marxist economics because it is the means by which
human living is maintained and sustained. It is through the process of production
where the bourgeoisie and the proletariat engage with one another and where
exploitation and oppression occur. Childe classified periods of prehistory through their
capacity to utilize the environment in food production processes. He maintained that
civilizations in those periods developed and evolved as they gradually took control of
their food production processes. To sustain their growing population, hunter-gatherer
civilizations turned into farming and by doing so created different social classes in the
process. The emergence of social classes were primarily caused by the surplus in
food production. Surplus allowed other classes in society to expend efforts in other
ventures such as metallurgy. Just as machine enabled the expansion of the industrial
revolution, new technologies such as metallurgy allowed for sociocultural and
economic revolutions in the prehistoric ages.

Theodor Adorno
Theodor Adorno (1903–1969) was a German philosopher and sociologist. His
most notable work, Dialectics of Enlightenment (1944), was made in collaboration with
Marx Horkheimer (1895-1973) who was also a German philosopher. In this
collaborative work, capitalist ideology was seen as focusing on commodities so that
consumers would find necessity in buying material goods. Marx called this effect of
capitalist ideology as fetishism of commodities. Fetishism commodities places value
on consumerist goods by making the masses want and desire to consume them.
Taking the argument of Marx, Adorno applied this to the state of capitalism in his time.
Adorno argued that commodity fetishism has reached beyond material goods and has
touched different social institutions and even academic disciplines. He explained that
the process by which fetishism takes hold is through reification, or the subjection of
human beings to capitalist ideology. Human minds are conditioned to accept ideology

16
without a second thought and apply capitalist ideology in their daily lives. Thus,
ideology becomes the driving force in all human actions, as it provides the desire and
the objects of desire while taking for granted the desire for these objects were only
made by the capitalist system.

Slavoj Zizek
Slavoj Zizek (born 1949) is a Slovenian philosopher and a sociologist. Zizek
expounded on ideology and how it directly affected everyday reality. He argued that
reality is constructed by ideology itself.
For Zizek, ideology is reflected in ordinary language. Zizek explains that
ideology blankets society with beliefs that paradoxically have no believers. The
Slovenian philosopher further elaborates on how ideology is used by the capitalist to
extract more profit from the masses; however, Zizek points out that this extraction is
now done in a more subtle way. For example, some of today’s advertisements will say
that there will be beneficiaries (who are in desperate need of help) for every
consumerist item that is sold. The belief is that consumers do not mind buying
expensive products if part of the profit will be donated to a noble cause. For Zizek,
such capitalist strategy is how ideology works. A person knows for a fact that a certain
object has a particular value that may or may not be equal to its advertised value;
however, he or she still purchases it because every day ideology has made him or her
believe that the object is necessary in everyday living.

ESSENTIAL LEARNING
One of the most striking arguments against Marxism which captured the
patronage of a significant number of scholars and social advocates is the pervading
issue of social inequality that is being perpetuated by systems of oppression based on
capitalistic values. More than 167 years after its conception and despite the criticisms
against it, Marxism still appears to be influential because the social realities that it
portrayed are still prevalent. Today, Marxism remains as a critical voice against forms
of oppression relating to economics and power.
Marxism is a method of socioeconomic analysis that uses a materialist
interpretation of historical development, better known as historical materialism, to
understand class relations and social conflict as well as a dialectical perspective to
view social transformation.
The political and economic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in
which the concept of class struggle plays a central role in understanding society's
allegedly inevitable development from bourgeois oppression under capitalism to a
socialist and ultimately classless society.
The key characteristics of Marxism in philosophy are its materialism and its
commitment to political practice as the end goal of all thought. The theory is also about
the hustles of the proletariat and their reprimand of the bourgeoisie.
Marxism was a critique of capitalism. Its original purpose was to steer society
away from the abusive, oppressive forms of class capitalism that were prevalent in
the 19th century and reassert more universal liberal principles.

17
 What is It

Directions: Read the questions below, and answer them directly in your notebook.

What have I learned so far?

1. What is Marxism?
Answer:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

2. What social conditions predicted the development of this theory?

Answer:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

3. How is social inequality experienced in a capitalist society?

Answer:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

4. How does class conflict occur?

Answer:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

What’s More

DO THIS IN YOUR NOTEBOOK

What specific experience in your life do you think, reflected the basic principles of
Marxism?

18
 What I Have Learned

I have learned that _____________________________________

I have realized that ____________________________________

I will apply ___________________________________________

What I Can Do

Do this in your notebook.

Explain the major events that occurred and its contribution of structural
functionalism theory.

Assessment

Direction: Read each item carefully and write T f the statement is true and write F if
the statement is false. Answer directly in your activity notebook.

____1. The purpose of Marxism is to treat the economic status equally for every
individual in the society.

____2. Marxism delves into the relationship of the people with one another in the
context of production.

____3. Bourgeoisie refers to the owner of the factory or the capitalist.

____4. During the industrial revolution, the farmers improved the method of farming in
the society.

19
____5. Communist society is characterized by a classless society having common
ownership of property.

____6. The two industrial capitalism created in the society are bourgeoisie and
proletariat.

____7. Karl Marx advocated for a revolutionary consciousness to fight back against
the capitalist oppressors.

____8. Class Conflict arises from the oppression of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie.

____9. . The use of machinery equipment in the factory is an example of industrial

revolution.

____10. In the theory of Marxism, the capitalists are also the laborers or the ones who
work for the company.

____11. The theory of Karl Marx is in favor of the owner of the company.

____12. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’ core ideas were to have an unequal economic
status between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie.

____13. Industrial capitalism is the cycle of production and consumption continued to

create the economy.

____14. The communist society likes to have a common ownership of the property
and its resources.

____15. Social injustice, according to Marx, is to give the laborer a low wage
disproportionate to the work they provide.

Glossary
Fetishism – excessive attention or attachment to something

Grasp – to seize and hold by or as if by clasping with the fingers or arms.

Oppressors – to burden with cruel or unjust impositions or restraints; subject to a

burdensome or harsh exercise of authority or power.

Reification – to consider or make (an abstract idea or concept) real or concrete

Struggle – to contend resolutely with a task, problem, etc.; strive

Subjugation – the action of bringing someone or something under domination or

control.

20
 21
Assess what you
have learned. Try this
1.T 1.F
2.T 2.F
3.F 3.T
4.F 4.T
5.T 5.T
Do this, keep this in mind,
apply what you have 6.T 6.T
learned, Reflect
7.T 7.T
8.T 8.F
The answers may vary.
9.T 9.F
10.F 10.T
11.F 11.T
12.F 12.T
13.T
Answer Key
References

Alejandria-Gonzalez, Maria Carinnes P., and Elizabeth T. Urgel. DIWA Senior High
School Series: Discipline and Ideas in Social Sciences. Makati City, Philippines:
DIWA Learning System Inc., 2016.

Vincent, J. “Functionalism in Anthropology.” In International Encyclopedia of the Social

& Behavioral Sciences, 5844–47. New York, USA: Elsevier, 2001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-08-043076-7/00874-3.

Wikipedia contributors, "Marxism," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marxism&oldid=973330998
(accessed August 19, 2020).

McLellan, David T., and Henri Chambre. “Marxism.” In Encyclopædia Britannica.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Accessed August 19, 2020.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Marxism.

Chappelow, Jim. “Marxism Definition.” Investopedia. Accessed August 19, 2020.

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/marxism.asp#:~:text=Marxism%20is%
20a%20social%2C%20political%2C%20and%20economic%20theory%20origi
nated%20by,would%20inevitably%20create%20class%20conflict.

22
 What I Need to Know

LESSON 3: SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

• Explain the theories on Symbolic Interactions.
• Analyze the basic concept and principles of symbolic interaction theory.
• Appreciate personal and social experiences using the symbolic interactions
theory.

What I Know

Direction: Read each item carefully and put your answer on the space provided before
the number. Write T f the statement is true and write F if the statement is false.

____1. Symbolic interaction cannot be applied in other subject areas.

____2. As time goes by, a window is not only for ventilation but also for socializing
with others.

____3. Communication and interactions define social reality.

____4. Games are one way of socializing with others. This allows an individual to
internalize and acquire knowledge of societal roles.

____5. As humans, it is natural for each individual to have different reactions to the
things surrounding them.

____6. Reactions can sometimes cause conflict.

____7. Interactions are important between people, especially when providing meaning
to things around us.

____8. Charles Horton Cooley is a German sociologist.

____9. Interaction with the things around us are based on the society we grew up.

23
____10. Roleplaying enables the self to internalize his or her roles and assume the
expectations of such roles.

____11. Social networks are responsible for creating the social self.

____12. Symbolic interactionism is viewing society as composed of symbols that

people use to establish meaning, develop views about the world, and
communicate with one another.

____13. Individuals are capable of making their own realities apart from structural
pressures.

____14. Symbolic interaction is the social dynamics of people on how they give
meaning to things.

____15. Ventana is a Spanish word which means ventilation or allows the cold air to
circulate inside the house and the hot air to get out.

What’s In

Marxism is the theory of Karl Marx which says that society's classes are the cause of
struggle and that society should have no classes. An example of Marxism is replacing private
ownership with co-operative ownership.

What’s New

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
Symbolic interactionism is a theory on society that focuses on the individual’s
interaction with objects and other people. It perceives reality through the compositions
of social interactions and the understanding of the meanings of these social
interactions that provide a perspective on social order and social society. The basic
premise of symbolic interactionism is that behavior is influenced and can only be
examined through social interactions. Consider the following, for instance. The Filipino
word for window is often thought of as bintana, which came from the Spanish word
ventana. For Spaniards, the window is associated with ventilation, which allows cold
air to circulate around the house and the hot air to get out. However, for the Filipino
the formal word for window is not bintana but dungawan. For the Filipinos, the
window is associated with something to look outside on; but more than that, the
dungawan is a place where Filipinos could socialize at. Typically, an individual opens

24
his or her window to see the neighborhood, to greet people passing by, and to learn
about the latest news in town.

Key Concepts in Symbolic interaction

Interaction-based Meaning
It can be said that meaning is not monopolized by
a single person or perspective---something can have
different meanings as there are different perspectives.
Actions are determined by the meanings people’s
association of meanings. As meaning changes, so does
society. Even interactions with the environment are only https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/47vPTpSI2puFyIA
ew5D1PxZGAw0=/1333x1000/smart/filters:no_upsc
done through the meanings assigned to them. A tree can ale()/TC_3026633-symbolic-interaction-theory-
be perceived as a source of shade during hot days, or as 5b1166fb8e1b6e0036e3e383.png
means to produce a thousand sheets of paper. Symbolic
interaction sees reality not just as meanings but sees meanings as constitutive of
reality itself. Hence, culture, science, society, and mathematics to name a few are only
as real as the meanings assigned to them.

Human Agency
Humans are perceived to be active social actors who willingly negotiate their
roles and identities within and through the system. This concept emphasizes the
capacity of humans to project and plan their actions based on certain goals formed for
the betterment of their conditions. Hence, despite the impositions of a greater
structure, the individual can be seen as an active player in the interpretation and
modification of the structure’s rules and processes.

Important Theorists

Herbert Blumer
Herbert Blumer (1900–1987) was an American sociologist who coined the term
symbolic interactionism. A central idea to Blumer’s works is that social reality is in a
continuous process of creation. This idea stems from the notion that social interactions
happen in a society at a given place and time. It follows that social reality is in a
constant process of creation and reinvention.

Symbolic interactionism, for Blumer, has three basic premises:

1. “Humans act toward things on the basis of the basis of the perceived goal.
An individual ascribes a meaning to a particular goal and this affects his or her
actions toward achieving it.

2. “the meanings of things derive from social interaction”. The meanings ascribed
by individuals to things are formed from their interaction with society. In a sense,
the individual accepts the meanings of things given by society.

25
 3. “These meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretative
process used by the person in dealing with the things he or she encounters.”
Meanings are in a constant flux; they are evolving each time interaction takes
place and each time an individual reflects on these interactions. Although the
interpretation of things and the corresponding meanings produced are internal
and subjective, elements which formed the meanings are highly social and
come from interactions. As such, the creation of meaning requires, in some
level, conformity to the generally established meaning assigned by society.

In social perspective, meaning is subject to negotiation in order to reach a

consensus of a mutually understood meaning. Adjustments to personally derived
meanings must be made in order to address another individual in a social interaction.
This adjustment is done through the process of role play. Role play, in this context, is
the ability to perceive the object of conversation through the eyes of the other. In doing
so, it allows for a better consensus on what the object means, thereby allowing a better
understanding of what the general meaning of the object is. Without a consensus, the
object would remain distant to both individuals in a dialog, inasmuch as it becomes a
limiting force in the force in the process of understanding each other.

George Herbert Mead

George Herbert Mead (1836–1931) was an American sociologist, philosopher,
and psychologist, considered as one of the founders of social psychology. Mead
developed a theory of the social self, which interprets the self as emerging from social
interactions. Mead’s three activities are language, play, and games.
Language allows communication through which attitudes, opinions, emotions,
and ideas are conveyed between individuals. Language also allows individuals to
respond to each other using symbols, gestures, and sounds. For Mead, the use of
language enables the individual to understand and internalize the opinions of others
about him or her. Play, on the other hand, allows an individual to act in another role or
capacity, or what is commonly referred to as role play. Role play is important as it
makes the individual confine his or her actions by the expected roles assigned to him
or her. Play enables the self to internalize his or her roles and assume the expectations
derived from such roles. Lastly, games allow an individual to act within the confines
imposed by the rules of activity. They also allow an individual to know when to bend
the rules or to completely break them. Games allow an individual to internalize and
acquire knowledge of societal rules, which are essential in order to live in a society.

Charles Horton Cooley

Charles Horton Cooley (1864–1929) was an American sociologist whose main
contribution in the field was the study of primary groups. He coined and defined
primary group as the first group where a person belongs, and where the individual
develops his or her ideas, beliefs, values, and self. Based on the given definition, one
will instinctively think of the family as his or her primary group. The family, being the

26
first primary group, influences the way a person thinks and the way he or she relates
to others.
Cooley’s most famous theory of self is the looking-glass self in which the self is
understood as that which is formed from interactions, such as those done with the
primary group. The looking-glass self is the process by which self-consciousness
emerges through the lens of the other.

Harold Garfinkeld
Harold Garfinkeld (1917–2011) was an American sociologist and
ethnomethodologist. Unlike other sociologist theories, the aim of ethnomethodology is
not the analysis of society, but the methods, procedures, and practices by which
members of society use to make sense out of the world. Ethnomethodology is
sometimes related to the theory of common sense, as its main focus of study is the
everyday interactions of people through the use of symbols, language, gestures, and
emotions, which enable the construction of a meaningful social order. An example of
an everyday act which requires only common sense is having a telephone
conversation. Because there are no visual cues to help, the flow or delivery of
communication is key to have a proper conversation.
Unlike traditional sociology, ethnomethodology is not an analysis of society. It
does not provide a theory by which the society can achieve social stability or social
unity. Rather, it allows social stability, unity and order by looking into society’s
individual members and how each one performs. One method used in
ethnomethodology is termed as first time through, which refers to the practice of
describing social activities as if being witnessed for the first time. The purpose of the
first time through method is to allow the observer to be better in framing social
activities, as it would require intense reflection on his or her part to actually conduct.
Deviation from social norms elicits bewilderment, and in most cases, a negative
response from the other. For Garfinkeld, social order is constructed using common
sense or the consensually accepted practices of society for given social interactions
and events. As such, social order is not something which naturally occurs, but is more
of a social accomplishment. Hence, members of society must be taught common rules
agreed upon and these rules must be practiced in their daily lives. When a common
sense rule works, then it is repeated to achieve social order.

ESSENTIAL LEARNING
The theory of symbolic interactionism relies heavily on the qualitative approach
to research, as it aims to make sense of human behavior through the social circles
that an individual interacts with. The theory is highly relevant in providing context to
how we acquire our behaviors and the importance of social groups in the formation of
the self.
Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that develops from practical
considerations and alludes to people's particular utilization of dialect to make images
and normal implications, for deduction and correspondence with others. The view of
social behavior emphasizes linguistic or gestural communication and its subjective

27
understanding, especially the role of language in the formation of the child as a social
being.
Symbolic interactionism is viewing society as composed of symbols that
people use to establish meaning, develop views about the world, and communicate
with one another. We are thinking beings who act according to how we interpret
situations.

What is It

Answer the following questions in your activity notebook.

What have I learned so far?

1. What is symbolic interactionism?
Answer_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. What are your experience that could relate the theory of symbolic interactionism?
Answer_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

What’s More

Answer the questions below in your activity notebook.

What specific experience in your life that shows the basic principles of the symbolic
interaction theory?

28
 What I Have Learned

I have learned that _____________________________________

I have realized that ____________________________________

I will apply ___________________________________________

What I Can Do

Do this in your notebook.

Explain the major events and its contribution of Marxism in the society.

Assessment

Direction: Read each item carefully and put your answer on the space provided before
the number. Write T f the statement is true and write F if the statement is false.

____1. Symbolic interaction cannot be applied in other subject areas.

____2. As time goes by window is not only for ventilation but also for socializing with
others.

____3. Communication and interactions defined social reality.

____4. Games are one way of socializing with others. This allows an individual to
internalize and acquire knowledge of societal roles.

29
____5. As humans, it is natural for each individual to have different reactions to the
things surrounding them.

____6. . Reactions can sometimes cause conflict.

____7. Interactions are important between people, especially when providing

meaning to things around us.

____8. Charles Horton Cooley is a German sociologist.

____9. Interaction with the things around us are based on the society we grew up.

____10 Roleplaying enables the self to internalize his or her roles and assume the
expectations of such roles.

____11. Social networks are responsible for creating the social self.

____12. Symbolic interactionism is viewing society as composed of symbols that

people use to establish meaning, develop views about the world, and
communicate with one another.

____13. Individuals are capable of making their own realities apart from structural
pressures.

____14. Symbolic interaction is the social dynamics of people on how they give
meaning to things.

____15. Ventana is a Spanish word which means ventilation or allows the cold air to
circulate inside the house and the hot air to get out.

Glossary
Consensus – the opinion of the majority

Ethnomethodology – the sociological study of the rules and rituals underlying

ordinary social activities and interactions.

Interactions – the direct effect that one kind of particle has on another

Perceive – to become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses:

Role – the rights, obligations, and expected behavior patterns associated with a
particular social status.

Symbolic – characterized by or involving the use of symbols:

30
 Additional Activities

Tell us who you really are…

https://tamaradonn.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/05/thick
-and-thin-woman.jpg
https://previews.123rf.com/images
/kencor/kencor1503/kencor15030
0002/37358162-flabby-man-
visualizing-himself-as-being-in-
good-shape-in-the-mirror.jpg
https://images.cdn4.stockunlimite
d.net/clipart450/fitness-
concept_2021214.jpg

Base on the theory of Charles Cooley’s Looking Glass Self, write a reflection of
yourself – who you really think you are. Write your reflection on a short bond paper,
and attach it to your activity notebook.

Answer Key
15.T

15.T 14.T

14.T 13.T
13.T 12.T
12.T 11.T
11.T 10.T
10.T 9.T
9.T 8.F
The answers may vary.
8.F
7.T
7.T
6.T
6.T learned, Reflect
5.T
5.T
apply what you have
4.T Do this, keep this in mind,
4.T
3.T
3.T
2.T
2.T
1.F
1.F
have learned.
Try this Asses what you

31
References
Alejandria-Gonzalez, Maria Carinnes P., and Elizabeth T. Urgel. DIWA Senior High
School Series: Discipline and Ideas in Social Sciences. Makati City, Philippines:
DIWA Learning System Inc., 2016.

Betts, Jennifer. “Symbolic Interactionism Examples in Everyday Life.” Accessed

August 19, 2020. https://examples.yourdictionary.com/symbolic-interactionism-
examples-in-everyday-life.html.

Wikipedia contributors, “Symbolic interactionism,” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Symbolic_interactionism&oldid=973
219328 (accessed August 19, 2020).

“Marxism Dictionary Definition | Marxism Defined.” Accessed August 20, 2020.

https://www.yourdictionary.com/marxism.

32
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Negros Oriental

Kagawasan, Avenue, Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tel #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117

Email Address: negros.oriental@deped.gov.ph
Website: lrmds.depednodis.net