Introduction
In our modern world, it is important to pay attention to the interplay of culture,
politics and society. These elements are essential in understanding human behavior and
social groups against the backdrop of globalization and industrialization. Hence, students
as individuals and integral members of society are expected to value their roles in society,
apply the knowledge they learned from school, and translate their gained ideas into actions
beneficial to nation building.
Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, the students should have:
1. identify human cultural variation;
2. point out the significance of studying culture, society and politics; and
3. explain the rationale for studying anthropology, political science, and sociology;
4. Demonstrate curiosity and an openness to explore the origins and dynamics of
culture and society. And political identities.
Learning Input. Read and study the concept presented below.
Lesson 2. Social, Political, and Cultural Behavior and Phenomena
Norms of Decency and Conventionality
Norms are often in the form of rules, standards, and prescriptions that are strictly
followed by the people who adhere on certain conventions and performance that are
strictly followed by the people who adhere on a certain conventions and performance
specific roles. Often norms indicate a society’s propriety, morality, ethics, and legality.
Norm of appropriate or decency is commonly exhibited on the type of clothing a
person wears in a specific occasion. This norms also includes the manners and behaviors
that shows a person’s refinement and civility (for instance, how to treat guest cordially)
In some society, norms of decency also includes the use of appropriate words and
gestures that coveys politeness and courtesy. Likewise, color signify different meaning
to certain culture.
Norms of decency are beliefs and practices that are acceptable to certain cultures but
can be inimical to other cultures.
Examples:
Bagobo inhabitants of Davao bury their dead within their neighborhood and the
T’boli of South Cotabato hang corpses of the dead infants on trees. While traditional
burial practices like this preserve indigenous culture, they are not approve by other
societies, especially lowland communities that value sanitation and fear the spread of
virulent diseases.
Muslim believers are prohibited to eat pork; Hindus are not allowed to eat beef;
Jewish practitioners are only allowed kosher food. Respect for one’s religious belief are
given paramount consideration especially those beliefs that deal with dietary resections.
Every society has a forms of social control, a set of means that endures people have
expected and approved ways. All norms. Whether codifies or not, are supported by
sanctions: reward for conformity and punishment for non-conformity Conformity.
Therefore, is defined as the state of having internalized norms as part of social
expectation.
There are forms of behavior that are relatively or distinctly set away from norms.
This form of behavior can be reoffered t as deviant behavior or nonconformity. Deviant
and nonconformist behavioral patterns can be tolerated, approved or dis approved
depending on societal views.
Deviance is divided into two types: formal and informal.
1. Formal deviance includes actions that violates enacted laws, such as robbery,
theft, graft, rape and other forms of criminality.
2. Informal deviance refers to violations to social norms that are not codified into
law, such as prinking ones nose. Belching widely, and spitting on the street.
Deviance is also a seen as a form of power struggle. In the Philippines. The
existence of political dynasties and monopolies and the rampant electioneering
activities during polls are considered as manifestations of deviancy and a blatant
reflection of the power imbalance and inequality in the Philippines.
Rampant political dynasties building is a tactics of self-preservation and expansion
a means of reserving the political power one’s self and family. This can be gauged from
recent studies, which revealed that since 1903 to the present, dynastic candidates have
had about thirty percent greater chance of winning over non-traditional rivals.
This scenario perpetuated and enjoyed various advantages in traditional kinship
network, political machineries, wealth, property, access to powerlessness among the
people, and warlordism. Qualified neophyte candidates, who should be given a chance
to serve the people, are deprived of this opportunity because of political monopoly.
Taboo is a prohibition imposed by social custom or as a prospective measure. Taboos
are also manifestations of deviancy. Though these practices may be case-to-case basis
since that one society views a deviant may be seen by other societies as normative,
traditional or desirable.
Example of taboo:
Hindus are prohibited to eat beef since cows are considered sacred in India.
Muslims and Jews abstain from eating pork , as pigs are considered “unclean”
Drinking alcohol beverages are not allowed in many religious faith and sectarian
denomination.
Blood and alcoholism are taboo for Muslims.
Lesson 3: Social, Political and Cultural Change
SOCIAL CHANGE refers to variations or modifications in the patterns of social
organization, of sub groups within a society, or of the entire society itself.
THREE CAUSES OF SOCIAL CHANGE
1. INVENTION- a new combination or a new use of existing knowledge. It produces
mechanical objects, ideas, and social patterns that reshape society to varying degrees. It
can be material invention( bow and arrow, mobile phones, airplane) and social
inventions ( alphabet, texting, jejemon)
2. DISCOVERY- takes place when people organized existing elements of the world they
had not noticed before or learned to see in a new way.
Oftentimes, a discovery contributes to the emergence of a new paradigm or perspective
and even reshapes and reinvents worldview
It is also an addition to the store of verified knowledge . It provides something new
to the culture because it becomes only after a discovery happens or takes place.
3, DIFFUSION- refers to the spread of culture of culture traits from one group to
another . It creates changes as cultural elements spread from one society to another
through trade , migration, and mass communication. Culture spreads through the
process of ENCULTURATION, SOCIALIZATION, ASSOCIATION AND
INTEGRATION.
Enculturation- takes place when one culture spreads to another through learning.
Example: Education
Socialization- refers to the learning through constant exposure and experience to
culture , which ultimately imbibes the latter to system of values, beliefs, and practices
of an individual or groups.
Associations- is the establishment of a connection with the culture thereby bridging
areas of convergence and cultural symbiosis.
Integration – is the total assimilation of culture as manifested by change of world
views, attitudes, behavior and perspectives of looking things.
POLITICAL CHANGE- includes all categories of change in the direction of open,
participatory, and accountable politics.
-it is the change that occurs in the realm of civil society, political society, and the state.
The emergence of civil society groups as “pressure groups” during crises in Philippine
politics
Ex. The impeachment of Chief Justice Corona
CULTURAL CHANGE-refers to the alterations affecting new traits or trait
complexes and changes in culture’s content and structure.
These changes are caused by several factors such as the physical environment,
population, war and conquest, random events, and technology.
Ex. Typhoon Yolanda victims.
Other causes of change includes:
Population Movement-brought about by migration, and transnational origin whether
caused by dislocation, deterritorialization and urban explosion.
Ex: Parents working abroad; Result of war; Random events(oil price hike); technology
Overall, changes have brought positive and negative effects to individual and
societies. Their nature and impact can best understood with the aid of appropriate
disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology and political science.
Activity 1. Make a comparison on the following topic as being done before and nowadays.
Then make an agreement or disagreement with change that took place in the past and in
the present. Justify your answer.
Topic/Practice
A. Courtship: Then:
Now:
Agree/Disagree with the change? Why.
B. MEANS OF COMMUNICATION
Then:
Now:
Agree/Disagree with the change? Why.
C. STATUS OF WOMEN
Then:
Now:
Agree/Disagree with the change? Why.
D. FILIPINO FAMILY
Then:
Now:
Agree/Disagree with the change? Why.
Activity 2. Write a reflection on the following questions.
1. Who are considered istambay? What should the government do in order for them to
improve their living conditions?
2. Why is the Philippines considered as the texting capital of the world (in 2001-2002)? Do
you believe in the study of Estuar (2003)?
3. What situation may be considered as political as political dynasty? Do you think the
anti-Political dynasty bill should be made into a law? Why?
NB. Submit your outputs until September 29 at 12:00 noon.
Assessment. Separate assessment shall be given thru the mVLE upon notification.
