UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND
are essential to the total development of a person.
POLITICS CM1
INTRODUCTION TO CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND POLITICS
IDENTITY is a concept that defines your distinctive
characteristic over the course of your life. In your family,
for instance, your identity could be a son or daughter, a
sister or a brother. In school, your identity could be the
president of a Multiple Intelligence club, a student
athlete, or a member of a particular organization. In the
society, you could be a Japanese, Filipino, or an
American who is living in the Philippines.
Identity is continuously shaped, reshaped, and changed
over the course of your life. For instance, you are a
Senior High School student who is studying here at
National University but eventually, you would proceed
to college to take a course/program or proceed to work,
and later on, you would eventually have a family and
become a mother/father of your children.
CULTURE is defined as a society’s way of life, which
includes experiences, beliefs, traditions, language,
knowledge, arts, etc. Culture allows people to
understand themselves and the people who are living in
other societies and provides them a lens of how their
society “works”.
SOCIETY is defined as groups of people who have shared
culture, who are living in a particular geographical
location, and who are interacting with one another to
meet the basic needs for survival.
SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYING CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND
POLITICS
To understand man’s way of life, it is vital to have wider
analyses of relationship of man to his natural
environment. In order to achieve that, we need to
distinguish, recognize, and appreciate the components
and significance of culture, society, and politics as these
Significance of Culture:
1.Culture makes man adapt and integrate himself to his
environment by being resourceful and creative for his
survival.
2.Culture establishes norms, beliefs, and other social
behavior.
3.Culture conveys verbal and non-verbal
communications.
4.Culture produces technical evolution.
5.Culture contributes to the overall development of
human person.
Significance of Society:
1.Society is an integral product of human interaction
and interconnectedness.
2.Society provides knowledge and ideas on the
importance of justice, equality, and other widely
accepted human behavior.
3.Society is the representation of one’s identity.
4.Society is the symbol of political independence and an
avenue for economic interdependence.
Significance of Politics:
1.Politics provides knowledge and understanding on the
works of the government and its components.
2.Politics inculcates objectives and principles that must
be abided by officials and citizens.
3.Politics is an avenue to better understand political
concepts such as democracy, human rights, freedom,
justice, etc. and to become aware of what is happening
around the world.

THE THREE (3) DISCIPLINES OF STUDYING CULTURE,
SOCIETY, AND POLITICS
There are three (3) disciplines that provide us a lens in
studying culture, society, and politics. These are the
following:
ANTHROPOLOGY refers to the systematic study of man,
his body, his works, his behavior and values, in time and
space (Palispis, 2007). Anthropology came from Greek
words, “Anthropos” and “logos”, which mean “man”
and “study”, respectively. This branch of social sciences
is significant in studying culture, society, and politics as
this provides us comprehension and explanation of
human species and their practices in their environment.
SOCIOLOGY refers to the systematic study of social life
of humans, groups, and society, per se. It analyzes
human interaction, social relationships, social
organizations and structures, and social processes
(Palispis, 2009). Sociology came from Greek and Latin
words, “logos” and “socius”, which mean “study” and
“companionship”, respectively. This branch of social
sciences is significant in studying culture, society, and
politics as this provides us knowledge and
understanding on different elements and aspects of
society such as gender, race, culture, norms of conduct,
social structures, social order, and social change.
POLITICAL SCIENCE refers to the systematic study of
state and its government, relationship of state and
people in the community, and relationship of state and
other states. Politics came from the Greek word, “Polis”,
which means “city-state”. This branch of social sciences
is significant in studying culture, society, and politics as
this analyzes how people attain and maintain their
political position; how people encounter conflicts but
soon provide resolutions; and how laws, policies, rules
and regulations, among others, implement in the
society.
UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND
POLITICS CM2
UNDERSTANDING CULTURE AND SOCIETY
SOCIETYAND CULTURE AS ANTHROPOLOGICAL AND
SOCIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS
As mentioned from the previous course material,
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SOCIETY is defined as groups of people who have shared
culture, who are living in a particular geographical
location, and who are interacting with one another to
meet the basic needs for survival.
According to E.B. Taylor, society is defined as “a complex
whole which encompasses beliefs, practices, values,
attitudes, laws, norms, artifacts, symbols, knowledge,
and everything that a person learns and shares as a
member of society.”
ELEMENTS OF SOCIETY
A society becomes a society if it has the following
characteristics:
1. Social Solidarity;
2.Shared identity and culture;
3.Common Language;
4.Population;
5.Definite geographical location; and6.Political, social,
and economic organizations.
MAJOR TYPES OF SOCIETY
According to social scientists, there are five (5) types of
societies over the course of time.
1.Hunting and Gathering Society
▪This society is also known as band-level
society. ▪People were basically small and
nomadic.
▪The society was non-hierarchical since their roles and
responsibilities were distinct according to their age and
sex.
▪Leadership was based according to strength,
trustworthiness, and intelligence.
2.Horticultural and Pastoral Society
▪This society shifted from hunting and gathering lifestyle
to a more sedentary lifestyle.
▪This society introduced agriculture (food production
method), cultivation of plants, and domestication of
animals.
▪People were not nomads anymore.
3.Agricultural Society
▪Food production became more efficient.
▪Introduction to a more advanced technology in
agriculture.
▪In this society, people had permanent settlements.
 4.Industrial Society
▪There was a series of inventions of machines that
improved the production of food and that made life
easier.
▪There was rise of urban centers or cities. Further, arts
and sciences flourished.
5.Post-Industrial Society
▪The society transitioned from manufacturing-based
economy (goods) to a service-based economy
(services) ▪Knowledge becomes the commodity and
basis for invention and innovation.
▪Technological inventions and inventions are keys to
long-lasting growth and development.
These societies were formed through social interaction.
Through interaction, people were able to form and
organize series of rules of conduct, norms, customs,
traditions, and institutions and systems which are
collectively known as culture.
As mentioned from the previous course material,
CULTURE is defined as a society’s way of life, which
includes experiences, beliefs, traditions, language,
knowledge, arts, etc.
Culture is the product of human interaction; is a
heritage; and provides socially acceptable patterns of
behavior for meeting social and biological needs.
Culture is acquired through socialization and
enculturation. Socialization is the process of forging
identity through social interaction, whereas,
Enculturation is the process where the person acquires
culture of the society, he/she belongs to.
MAJOR TYPES OF CULTURE
1.Material Culture
▪Consists of tangible things or objects that are produced,
shared, and utilized in the society.
▪Examples: fashion and accessories, food, tools,
paintings, weaponry, among others.
2.Non-Material Culture
▪Consists of non-tangible things, objects, or elements
that influence the behavior and action of people in the
society.
▪Due to technological advancements, agricultural
society transformed into industrial society.
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▪Examples: superstitious beliefs, language, folklores,
norms, among others.
VITAL COMPONENTS OF CULTURE
1.Symbols - These convey meanings or represent ideas.
2.Language - Set of symbols that enables people
communicate verbally or non-verbally.
3.Values - These are norms and principles that pertain
to right or wrong.
4.Norms - These are shared rules of conduct that
determine the behavior of people in the society.
▪Folkways
▪Mores
▪Laws
ETHNOCENTRISM, XENOCENTRISM, AND CULTURAL
RELATIVISM
According to Dean Champion and his associates, “the
range of variations between culture is almost endless
and yet at the same time, cultures ensemble one
another in many important ways”. We may consider a
good etiquette in a particular culture but a bad
etiquette in another. In this case, we will delve in to the
important concepts in perceiving cultural variations.
1.Ethnocentrism
✓A perception that cultures differ and each culture
defines reality differently.
✓A perception that “invalidates” other’s culture.
2.Xenocentrism
✓A perception that one’s own culture is inferior than
others.
3.Cultural Relativism
✓A perception that an individual recognizes,
understands, and accepts that every society has cultural
differences.
✓No prejudices---no culture is inferior nor superior.
✓The culture in one society may be considered immoral
in another and vice versa; therefore, no one has the
right to judge other’s culture.
ASPECTS OF CULTURE
Since culture is very complex, there are important
aspects of culture that contribute to the development of
man’s social interaction (Baleña, et.al., 2016).
 Culture is:
1.Dynamic, flexible, and adaptive
UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND
POLITICS CM3
BECOMING A MEMBER OF SOCIETY
SOCIALIZATION
✓Socialization refers to the lifelong process of social
interaction through which people acquire their identities
and necessary skills in the society (Atienza, et.al. 2016).
This prepares and trains the person to think, feel, and
act within one’s society. As the person moves from one
stage to another, he/she may not or may discard the
learnings he/she acquires and learn new patterns of
behavior along the way.
✓Socialization is an integral part of human
development as this enables a person to become more
knowledgeable and aware of his/her surroundings,
learn his/her society’s culture, and analyze and evaluate
the appropriateness in the society.
AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION - refers to social groups and
organizations, people, and institutions that teach
individuals essential knowledge and skills and integrate
them as accepted members of the society.
1.Family
✓The primary agent of socialization
✓Vital for the early care and development of child
✓Family becomes an avenue for social engagement and
political socialization
2.School
✓The institution that has a critical and active role in
socialization through academic and social activities.
✓The institution that teaches students important
values, such as cooperation, camaraderie, innovation,
competitiveness, punctuality, respect for authority, etc.
✓The institution that instills and values self
improvement and hard work
✓An avenue for political socialization
3. Peer Groups
✓People who have shared commonalities such as
interests, characteristics, age, and social background
2.Shared and contested
3.Learned through socialization and
enculturation 4.Patterned social interactions
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✓reinforce acceptable behaviors being introduced by
the family and school and allow a certain degree of
independence from family and certain figures of
authority.
4.Mass Media
✓This includes forms of communication such as books,
magazines, articles, radio, television, other print
materials, and social media.
✓The source of information regarding events and
developments in the society and the source of providing
entertainment.
5.Religion and State
✓Ultimate source of authority
✓Religion influences the person’s views, legitimizes
accepted social behavior and practices, and provides
stability and social change.
✓State implements laws and other regulations that
reinforce appropriate behavior and help form values and
attitudes of citizens.
CONFORMITY AND DEVIANCE
CONFORMITY
For an individual to continue his/her role and function in
the society, he/she should conform to the generally
accepted behavior within the society.
Conformity refers to attempting to change his/her
behavior to adapt to the accepted and defined behavior
of the society he/she is in.
TYPES OF CONFORMITY
1.Compliance
✓An individual accepts social pressure but may privately
disagree with it. The person is motivated by the desire
to gain rewards and avoid punishment.
2.Identification
✓An individual adopts a certain behavior for him/her to
establish a satisfying relationship with other people.
3.Internalization or Acceptance
✓An individual accepts public compliance and internal
acceptance of the norms and standards imposed by the
group.
 DEVIANCE
An individual who does not conform to the accepted
behavior, norms, and standards of society would mean
Take note: As a UCSP student, bear in mind that what
may be considered norms and standards in a particular
society and culture may be considered deviant in others.
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF DEVIANCE
1.STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONALIST THEORY
▪According to Emile Durkheim, deviance can serve a
number of functions for the society:
- Responding to deviance clarifies moral boundaries
and promotes social unity
- Deviance encourages social change
2.STRUCTURAL STRAIN THEORY
▪The tensions between socially-approved goals and an
individual’s ability to meet the goals will lead to
deviance.
3.LABELLING THEORY
▪This theory considers deviance as a socially-constructed
phenomenon influenced largely by interpersonal
relationships among members of the society.
4.CONFLICT THEORY
▪This theory considers deviance as a reflection of
inequalities in the society.
SOCIAL CONTROL AND SANCTIONS
Social Control refers to systematic means and practices
to maintain and stabilize norms and standards, rules and
laws; regulate conflicts; and discourage deviant behavior
(Atienza, et.al. 2016).
Sanction refers to the means of social control to
address conflicts and violations of socially-accepted
behavior.
2 Types of Sanctions
1.Formal Sanctions
✓Sanctions that are provided for by laws and other
regulations in society.
2.Informal Sanctions
deviance. Social Deviance refers to behavior that elicits
a strong negative reaction from group members and
involves actions that violate socially-accepted norms and
standards (Atienza, et.al, 2016).
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✓Sanctions that are imposed by smaller societies,
communities, or groups of people.
✓Sanctions that are arbitrarily agreed upon by the
members of the group or society.
HUMAN DIGNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Human Dignity refers to the idea that a person has the
innate right to be valued, respected, and treated
(Atienza, et.al., 2016).
Human Rights refer to natural rights of all individuals
regardless of their ethnicity, age, religion, sex, race, and
language.
Human Rights have the following
characteristics: 1.Universal
2.Fundamental
3.Indivisible
4.Absolute
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a
legal instrument that upholds the recognition of human
rights. The said instrument was drafted by the United
Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1948.
UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND
POLITICS CM4
HOW IS A SOCIETY ORGANIZED?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
❖ How do you interact with the people around
you? ❖ Who are your primary groups and
secondary groups?
❖ How are you influenced by a certain group?
SOCIAL GROUP
You share certain similarities with your family, friends,
classmates, and other individuals who are living in the
society you are in. These similarities could be the initial
basis for individuals to form a group and interact with
one another, resulting in establishing relationships; and
this is what we call SOCIAL GROUP.
 Social Group is a collection of individuals who have
relations and interactions with one another that make
them interdependent to some degree. This
interdependence is vital for members of the society as
this enables them to pursue mutual goals and benefits.
TYPES OF SOCIAL GROUPS
PRIMARY GROUP
Primary group is characterized as small and intimate
face-to-face and emotion-based interactions over a
period of time. Communication is profound and strong,
and personal satisfaction is highly important.
Primary groups are the first groups whom an individual
encounter. These groups establish and influence an
individual’s identity, beliefs, values, and aspirations.
Examples of Primary groups are family, close friends,
work-related peers, and close churchmates.
SECONDARY GROUP
Secondary group is characterized as large and less
intimate face-to-face and emotion-based interactions
for a limited time. Communication is not deep;
interaction is not that much significant. Interaction is
merely a means to achieve an individual’s objectives.
Examples of Secondary groups are employer- employee
relationship, professional relationships, political
organizations, and religious organizations.
GROUPS ACCORDING TO SENSE OF BELONGINGNESS
IN-GROUP and OUT-GROUP
In-group is a group to which an individual belongs to
and feels sense of belongingness. Members devise ways
to distinguish themselves from non-members. This may
come in a form of group name, group symbol, group
code, etc. Further, they share commonalities such as
interests, experiences, attitudes, among others.
Examples are members who are part of
sorority/fraternity, members of student body, and
members of a specific organization.
Out-group is a group to which an individual does not
belong to and does not feel sense of belongingness,
thus, he/she may feel hostility or sense of
competitiveness.
REFERENCE GROUP
Reference group is a group that looks up to by an
individual. This group serves as the “role model” and has
REQUIREMENTS FOR A GROUP
1. Group shall be two or more people.
2. There must be interaction within the
group. 3. Members of the group could be
together physically or virtually.
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a significant influence on individual’s character. Further,
an individual patterns his/her life due to his/her
reference group. Example is a person who admires and
loves Kim Seok-Jin of BTS. The person tends to follow
and emulate the character of Jin.
NETWORKS
Network refers to the interconnections and
interrelationships among social actors/groups and large
institutions to which they all belong to. Examples are
social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.
to which an individual interconnect with other people
from different parts of the world.
UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND
POLITICS CM5
LOOKING BACK AT HUMAN BIOCULTURAL AND SOCIAL
EVOLUTION
FOCUS QUESTIONS
❖ How do societies affect the cultural development
of humans?
❖ How does society maintain and sustain itself
across generations?
❖ Why are fossils and artifacts
important in the study of biological and cultural
evolution?
EVOLUTION
Social Scientists, Anthropologists, and Sociologists delve
into the origin and nature of society. They tend to ask
questions such as, “how do biological factors and
cultural behavior affect and influence human
evolution?”, “What is the relationship between
biological factors and cultural behavior?” “How do
society and the established institutions affect human
interaction?”. It has been said that societies have
evolved as human beings acquire knowledge and skills
and adapt to their environment.
Evolution is a natural process of biological changes
occurring in a population across generations. It helps us
identify and analyze man’s physiological development
 which is important in his subsistence (Banaag, 2012). he developed intellectually. They are, therefore,
instinctive; Such instinct as mother-love, compassion,
More so, the evolution of man became an important cooperation, curiosity, inventiveness, and
concern in the emergence of different societies. Further, competitiveness are ancient and embedded in the
all of the human’s social drives developed long before humans. These are all necessary for humans to survive
in the community they live.

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TYPES OF EVOLUTION CULTURAL EVOLUTION
Cultural Evolution is the process of development which
occurs when human beings adapt themselves with their
surroundings and be able to survive within the
environment.
SIMPLE DIFFERENTIATION OF THE CULTURAL
EVOLUTION
PALEOLITHIC AGE
• Unpolished stone implements;
• Hunting and gathering; and
• Nomadic way of living.
NEOLITHIC AGE
• Polished stone tools;
• Domestication of plants and animals;
and • Living in permanent places.
BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION
Biological Evolution refers to a process wherein
organisms undergo various changes (genetic and
physical) that pave the way for biological diversity.
EVOLUTION OF MAN HOMINIDS
▪ A member of the family Hominidae
▪ One species could evolve into another species (Ember,
2002).
THE HOMO HABILIS
▪ “Handy man”
▪ First to make stone tools
▪ Lived about 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago
scavenging for food.
THE HOMO ERECTUS
▪ “Upright man”
▪ Lived 1.89 to 143,000 years ago
▪ They were the first hunters with
improvised tools such as axes and knives, and were the
first to produce fire.
THE HOMO SAPIENS
▪ “Wise man”
▪ Appeared form 200,000 years ago
▪ The present human race belongs to this
Species
THE HOMO SAPIENS
▪ known as Cro-Magnon
▪ lived in the last Ice age of Europe 40,000
to 10,000 years ago.
▪ They were the first to produce art in cave
paintings and crafting decorated tools and accessories.
TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION
People in the society create various tools and
equipment for their daily life, such as domesticating
animals, planting, trading, among others. As people
interacted and live with one another, they started to
reciprocate ideas, beliefs, knowledge, practices, and
material possessions, leading to forge culture.
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