LET'S TALK ABOUT

SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND

CULTURAL CHANGE
LESSON 2 : GROUP 2
 WHAT INFLUENCES CHANGES IN
SOCIETY, POLITICS, AND
CULTURE?
Have you ever asked your parents or older family members
how life was when they were your age? You might be
surprised to find out that the technologies you are enjoying at
the moment are unavailable back then. In the past, students
who were doing research only rely on libraries and
typewriters. Now, laptops, cellphones, the internet, and all
other forms of communicative devices are available to
facilitate easier communication and knowledge-sharing.
While these have made life easier, the so-called technological
age has given rise to a new set of culture and identity
formation among the youth that is far different from what has
been developed in the past. Based on your observations and
personal experiences,
how much did or does
society change?
Society cannot go undeveloped.
People continuously socialize and
build society based on social
interactions, cultural practices, and
political activities. No society in the
world today is the same as it was
ten years ago. As the world
continues to develop, society and
individuals adapt, thereby creating
new avenues for cultural expression
Cultural Change
Change is a constant in culture, driven
by new developments and discoveries.
Culture is both adaptable and resistant
to change; some aspects evolve
easily, while others remain static.
Resistance to cultural change depends
on factors like societal interaction,
internal societal forces, and
environmental changes.
 Key Drivers of Cultural Change
New ideas and technologies can
significantly alter cultural practices. For
INVENTIONS example, the Technological Revolution
brought about inventions like the
telephone, cars, and airplanes, which
replaced slower cultural practices with
more efficient methods.
When new technologies and
CULTURAL LOSS knowledge emerge, older cultural
elements may disappear. The
Technological Revolution led to the
replacement of slower-paced practices
with advanced technologies.
Resistance to Cultural Change
These are ingrained behaviors and
CULTURAL HABITS
dispositions that promote consistency and
AND TRAITS
stability over time, making cultural change
more challenging. These traits are often
passed down through socialization.
COLONIAL
MENTALITY Cultural resistance is seen in the
EXAMPLE Philippines, where colonial mentality
(PHILIPPINES) persists. After the American
colonization, Filipinos developed a
preference for imported goods over
local products, reflecting an enduring
influence of American culture despite
initial resistance.
REMEMBER!!
Culture change could occur
within any type of society,
provided that conditions for
change have been met, and
habits or cultural traits are
continuously influenced by
social interactions and
assimilation from other
groups or societies.
IN SOME INSTANCES, CULTURE CHANGE OCCURS
WHEN SOCIETIES, AS A WHOLE, INTERACT WITH
ONE ANOTHER. THESE MAY BE THROUGH THE
PROCESS OF DIFFUSION, ACCULTURATION, OR
TRANSCULTURATION.
 CULTURAL CHANGES
Cultural changes can arise from internal
conflicts within societies, often driven by
ethnocentrism—the belief that one's
culture is superior to others. This belief
can lead to the rejection of foreign
traditions and foster competition within
society.
 Social and Political Change
In sociology, social change refers to alterations in social
structures, including changes in social organizations,
SOCIAL CHANGE
cultural symbols, behavior patterns, and value systems.
Historically, theories like the structural-functionalist model
have highlighted the role of social structures in driving
change at both individual and societal levels.
THEORIES OF Traditional sociological theories suggested that societal decline,
SOCIAL CHANGE cyclic change, and progress influence social change. However,
modern sociologists have moved away from these ideas due to a
lack of empirical evidence.

Modern sociologists argue that social

CONTEMPORAR
Y VIEWS
change results from interactions between
individuals and society, influenced by
various factors such as the natural
environment, demographics, economic
activities, technological innovations, social
movements, and political dynamics.
Key Example
Philippines Case
In recent decades, the rise of
technology and affordable
communication has transformed
social and political identities in
the Philippines. The country
became the texting capital of the
world, and communication with
the global community became
easier, leading to the emergence
of transnational families and
significant social and political
changes.
POLITICAL CHANGE DRIVERS
Political changes often occur when there
is a struggle for power or when the
public has rising expectations from the
government. This is especially true
during radical revolutions, structural
revisions, leadership changes, or shifts
in policies.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869–
1948)
INFLUENCE :
He was a key figure in the Indian
nationalist movement against British rule.
He is renowned for his advocacy of
nonviolent protest, known as
satyagraha, as a means to achieve social
and political change.
CAMPAIGNS :
Gandhi led three major campaigns against
British colonial rule in India. His role as an
advocate and mediator earned him the
reputation of a "utopian visionary" among
the British. His peaceful approach was
pivotal in ending colonial rule in India and
initiating social and political reforms
grounded in peace and spirituality.