Understanding Culture,

Society and Politics

occurs constantly, cultures push each
other to change. The variations
Cultural Variation, Social between humans are summarized in
Difference And Political the ideas of natural selection and
evolution. Human variation is based
Identity on the principle that there is
Cultural variation variation in traits which is resulted
- refers to the rich diversity in social by recombination of genes from sexual
practices that different cultures reproduction. These traits are
exhibit around the world . Cuisine changeable and can be passed down
and art all change from one culture to generation to generation. It also relies
the next, but so do gender roles, on differential reproduction, the idea
economic systems, and social that the environment can't support
hierarchy among any number of other unlimited population growth is
humanly organized behaviors. because of the reason that not all
- Cultural variation can be studied individuals get to reproduce to their
across cultures. full potential.
- People specifically students are not
Table 1. primarily shows the examples of
the same and alike. Their socio-
kinds of cultural variation (namely
economic status, backgrounds,
ethnicity, religion and nationality) and its
political beliefs cultural behaviors.
definitions
Just like the saying goes “Different
strokes different folks” Cultural Variation
- Across the globe societies are Kinds Descriptio Exampl
different in forms and varies, this is n e
because of culture. Ethnicity it is the Ilocano
expression of Mangyan
- Cultural Variation also refers to the the set of
differences in social behaviors cultural ideas
Maranao
that different cultures exhibited held by
around the world. And with the indigenous
people
current New Normal, another variation
Religion Is a system of Christians
is on the horizon. beliefs and Muslim
- As a result of interacting by culture in practices as
Hindus
both progressive and aggressive is due well as
to the evolution of those cultures being system of
actions
uninfluenced by one another. What
directed
may be considered good etiquette in toward
one culture may be considered an entities which
offensive gesture in another. As this are above
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
men. the same
Low-income
Nationalit It is the legal Filipinos socio-
class
relationship economic
y Malaysian
that blinds a privilege
person and a
s It refers to
Exceptionali Personality
country. Indonesian ty the state of Communicati
s being on
Intellectually Intellect
gifted and/ Physical
Social difference or having Appearance
physically or
- is a situation where people felt mentally
discriminated and there are also challenge
individuals on the basis of social
characteristics and qualities. Political identity
- Social difference can create - Is always associated with group
discrimination among affiliation and describes the ways in
individuals . For example, if in a which being a member of a certain
society individual with a high group might express specific
status are given more respects and political opinions and attitude .
importance as compared to the poor Like cultural variation and social
or homeless difference, Various factors constitute
people. Thus, social differences can create identity, it may include race,
nationality where people live and a
a lot of problems in society because
person’s gender, sexuality, religion
discrimination and prejudices always result
and socio- economic class.
in inequality inferiority complex
- Political identity as shown in Table 3
and others.
is about having political affiliations,
Social Difference political benefits and loyalty as well.
Kinds Descriptio Example Political Identity
n
Gender it is the Lesbian
socially Kinds Description Example
Gay
constructed Political benefit from Liberal
Bisexual partisan, seek
characteristi Party Nationalista
cs of being a to cultural
male or partisan
female loyalty
Socio- It refers to High- income including
the category Class dynasties
economic
of persons among their
Classes Middle-
who have member
income signifies
more or less Partisan
Class PRO
membership
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
Affiliation in a group is critical to human life, we
ANTI
that defines a
need institutions to ensure our
world view
and a core set communities work.
of common - Studying society is significant
values because it provides a system of
Political One who DDS. stratification, and means of
Loyalist remains loyal Marcos
especially to Loyalist,
social participation. It
a political Dilawan encourages you to think
cause sociologically. (stimulate
sociological imagination) An
example is when everybody
thinks joining the call for
Significance of Studying protest is correct even though
you haven't seen or known
Culture,
why such a thing happened.
Society, and Politics - Studying society will also
- Studying culture helps us to provide you with the skills to
understand our past, our craft critical questions about
place in the world, and our taken-for-granted communities.
future, thereby allowing us
to make better decisions in Government and Politics is a
the present. It helps us to fantastic A-Level that has shown us
understand ourselves because just how high an influence Politics
has on us and has broken the
we all come from a common
illusion that we are disconnected
source.
from it.
- We can all attributed a
Aside from the enormous benefits
person’s social behavior by
that this course brings in
the society where they
understanding
belong.
the events around us, here are some
- Society is an organized structure
of the significance of studying
that we humans made to create
politics..
synergy (accomplish things
that no individual can do). It 1. Politics helps you know your
provides a safer environment rights. Studying politics has
than since most of us will not allowed us to see
survive much less thrive in beyond our initial belief that we
such a harsh environment. have no real say in running our
Since we can say that society country. In
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
the 1987 Constitution Article III or the
Bill of Rights, section 4 says it all. It 4. Politics helps you to
has genuinely educated us on a understand our nation's parties.
fundamental part of our society. It After just one term of the subject, we
has helped have learned about democracy and
us understand that if we engage in our
political processes, using the rights, ideologies, party policies, the
pressure Constitution, and government
points built into the system, every branches. With the knowledge
individual can change the world. gained from the classroom, we have
been able to watch events unfold
2. Politics clarify what you worldwide, have seen our leaders'
believe. Studying the things we reactions to these events, and
have reviewed has understand these reactions as
allowed us to discover our own demonstrations of what we have
political beliefs and see in much learned. And lastly, politics prepares
greater detail you for adult life.
the benefits and disadvantages - Politics opens up student’s
of the vast array of political curiosity as they age, with the
ideologies present vote giving us the ability to
today. Being able to express what change our nation and allow
you believe accurately and concisely the principles we hold dear to
is thrive. With this in mind, it
extremely useful, and forces you to could easily mean that
look at yourself!
- Government and Politics is the
1. Politics is a living, breathing most applicable subject on
subject. offer at any senior high school.
In Politics, textbooks go out of date It is a subject that students
the day they are published. Why? should be encouraged to take
Because the political landscape due to nothing less than the
changes every day, with new way it prepares you for
examples continually appearing in entering the adult world.
the media. Picking which examples - For that end, culture and
to use in your answers to essay government are the leading
questions is as exciting as something institutions that keep our
that has happened on the day you society together. Culture
are taking your A-Level exams can preserves the wisdom in the
appear in your response! traditions and practices we
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
inherit from our ancestors - Culture affects society because culture
while the government shapes the human nature of people in
organizes the nation with the the community, casts people's world
use of laws. outlook, outlook on life, and values;
- Thus far, I have mentioned social customs and ethical morality
society, culture, and gradually formed in the process of
government but not politics. cultural influence.
That is because politics is for - "Culture is the values, beliefs, and
the community, a subset of concepts shared by members of
government. Politics aim to society. These values, ideas, and
idealize models of governing attitudes are formed mainly through
the people and resources of the environment, religion, and the
society for security and well- adoption of child-rearing practices,
being religious practices, education systems,
media, and the accidental historical
So how do culture, society and politics are factors that passed down from their
interrelated? peers.
- "The impact of culture on society is in
Let us remember that culture influences the all aspects, from the formulation and
daily state of society and its direction of implementation of policies and laws;
development. At the same time, politics the formation of social ideologies and
determines the nature and form of culture customs, the status of interpersonal
and has the function of transforming it. relationships, while the smaller ones
Therefore, politics has a decisive role in involve the shaping of individual
deciding which direction the culture is going personalities and the establishment of
to develop. Culture is the basis for shaping ideological concepts, behavioral
social normalcy and development. performance and so on.
- Politics only fundamentally changes - Generally, a culture will affect the
this foundation, while culture reflects status, direction, and speed of a
its reality and internality. It has society's activities. When culture
nurtured human social characters, such succeeds in shaping society's customs,
as nationality, people's general then the customs and habits of this
personality characteristics and society will educate and influence
customs, and habits. However, culture people's ideas, behaviors, and
and politics are influencing and personalities; therefore, there will be
interacting with each other. While such things as Tocqueville. The idea
politics determines culture, culture that as greater social justice is
also subtly influences politics. achieved, there may be more intense
opposition to even smaller social
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
injustices than before. This sociology, while politics is for
phenomenon was said to have political science. These are the
occurred. disciplines under social science. The
- The impact of culture on the path of very goal of these disciplines is to
social evolution is crucial to reducing prepare people for active and
poverty and injustice throughout the responsible civic engagement through
world. It is also a critical factor in the development of critical thought.
foreign policy. Exposure to these areas of discipline
necessarily exposes you to the
Rationale for
following: social diversity and
Studying Anthropology, inequality, self-reflective knowledge
Political Science, and and practice, appreciation of
complexity, and advocacy for social
Sociology change and order.
- Anthropology is the study of humans
You are proud of your province may it be from and their society in the past and
the archipelago of Luzon, the Visayas and of present. Dealing with what makes us
course Mindanao. This constitute your cultural human, anthropology delves in objects
background as well as the norms and and materials we have created, our
values it represents. Basically, interconnectedness and adaptability
Anthropology with environment, our lifestyle, our
modes of communication, and our
is the study of human, human behavior
understanding of the world around us.
and society of the past and the present
as well. Meanwhile, if you appreciate people
The Goals of Anthropology
who sports tattoo and have a genuine
concern for the poor and helpless people then 1. Describe and analyze the
it has something to do with biological evolution of
Sociology mankind.
which focuses on social problems and 2. Describe and assess the
functioning of society. On the other hand, cultural development of our
being a socially responsible citizen requires species.
less talent but guts and love our country above 3. Describe, explain, and analyze
anything else. the present-day human
Political Science cultural similarities and
differences.
says it all for it deals with the analysis of 4. Describe and explain human
political activity and behavior.
biological diversity today.
- Culture is the subject of
anthropology, society is for
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
its members, and its diversity.
Specifically, sociology tackles the
Political Science is a social basic unit of the
science discipline that deals with society—the family; the functionality
systems of and relevance of state as an
government, and the analysis of important human
political activities and political institution; social issues on religion,
behavior. Primarily, it helps people crime, race, social class; and the
gain an understanding on “who gets stability and
what, when they get it, and how they instability of societies.
get it.” Political science helps us
understand politics, political The Goals of Sociology
institutions and behavior, public
1. Understand ourselves better
policy, and philosophical concepts,
2. Build a better understanding
such as 14 justice, equality, fairness,
of mankind
and liberty; and on how the said
3. Help with decision-making,
subject matters affect economy,
both our own and that of
public and private life, law, and
larger organizations.
public services.
4. Gather systematic information
from which to make a
The Goals of Political Science decision.
1. Be immersed in current affairs. 5. Provide insights into what is
2. Build an understanding on the going on in a situation, and
local, national, and international present alternatives.
politics. Culture and
3. Learn how political activities are
organized in and out of our Society as
country.
4. Provide substantially critical and
Anthropological
scientific contribution to Concept
government and society.
Anthropological Concepts
On the other hand, Sociology is
the study of human social So interestingly society is the first
relationships and concept. Society is a human created
institutions. These social sciences organization or system of
discipline mainly focuses on society interrelationships that connects
—its functions, individuals in a common culture . All the
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
products of human interaction, the Hospitality according to other foreigners or
experience of living with others tourist visiting our country, in one commercial
around us. Humans create their a tourist was called “anak” by a local villager
interactions and once created the and eagerly asked another local villager the
products of those interactions have meaning and was astonished to hear the
the ability or power to act back upon translation “my son.”
humans to determine or constrain
action. Often, we experience society 3. Norms
(humanly created the organization as
are behavioral rules or standards for
something apart from the individuals
social interaction. These often derive from
and interactions that create it.
values but also contradict values, and serve
as both guides and criticisms for individual
Three Components of behavior. Norms establish expectations that
Society shape interaction. Some of the norms that
Filipinos practice are; showing respect when
1. Language talking with elders using po at opo,
pagmamano, by placing the hand of the elder
Language- it is a system of verbal into your forehead. There are also negative
symbols through which humans norms that are being practice like spiting on
communicate ideas, feelings, the ground, calling someone you don’t know
experiences. Through language these can be “hoy.”
accumulated and transmitted across
generations. Language is not only a tool, or a The second of the concept is culture. We may
means of expression, but it also structures and define culture as sets of traditions, rules,
shapes our experiences of the world and what symbols that shape and are enacted as feelings,
we see around us. Filipino are very creative in thoughts, and behaviors of groups of people.
inventing a different term for different things Referring primarily to learned behavior as
for example tatay is usual called erpat distinct from that which is given by nature or
while nanay is called ermat. Likewise, we can biology, culture has been used to designate
say language is continually evolving everything that is humanly produced (habits,
throughout a progressing society. beliefs, arts, and artifacts) and passed from one
generation to another. In this formulation,
2. Values culture is distinguished from nature and
come in a second in the components of distinguishes one society from another. Here
society. It is set of ideas people share are some quotes defining culture “Culture.
about what is good, bad, desirable, Those patterns of meaning that any group or
undesirable. These are usually very society uses to interpret and evaluate itself and
general, abstract, cut across variations its situation.” Bella et. al. Habits of the Heart
in situations. Take the example of Filipino 1985:333.
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
how each member should behave. Society is
“Culture. A system of durably the overall bigger picture while culture is part
acquired schemes of perception, of society. Culture changing constantly
thought and action, engendered by remember during the 80’s up to the 90’s the
objective conditions but tending to word tatay became a slang as in erpat while
persist even after an alteration of nanay is ermat. Can you tell how are father
those conditions.” Bourdieu, The and mother are called today? Like in the early
Inheritors. 1979. part of our discussion we mentioned that being
I guess you were asking what is the a Filipino is really a unique experience let us
relationship between culture and know why. What makes the Filipino culture
society? stands out. Let us enumerate!

Culture is based off of historical Filipinos are very resilient. In

precedence while society is an times of calamities and catastrophes,
agreement on how each member Filipinos
should behave. Society is the overall always manage to rise above the
bigger picture while culture is part challenge. Instead of wallowing, they
of society. Culture changing manage to pick
constantly remember during the 80’s themselves up and smile.
up to the 90’s the word tatay
became a slang as in erpat while Filipinos take pride in their
nanay is ermat. Can you tell how are families. In our country, It’s family
father and mother are called today? first. So whether you are of the
Like in the early part of our immediate family or you belong to
discussion we mentioned that being the third or fourth generation, you
a Filipino is really a unique are treated as a family member.
experience let us know why. What Sometimes, even the closest of
makes the Filipino culture stands out. friends are considered family too.
Let us enumerate!
Filipinos are very religious. In all
“Culture. A system of durably acquired corners of a Filipino house, you can
schemes of perception, thought and action, find brazen images of crosses and
engendered by objective conditions but other religious paraphernalia. They
tending to persist even after an alteration of go to church every Sunday, or
those conditions.” Bourdieu, The Inheritors. sometimes even twice or three times
1979. I guess you were asking what is the a week.
relationship between culture and society?
Culture is based off of historical precedence Filipinos are very respectful.
while society is an agreement on From the moment they are born into
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
this world, they are already taught through mankind hence the
how to be respectful by using these concentration a human
simple catchphrases-po and opo, perspective throughout society.
words that end sentences when
addressing elders.

Filipinos helps one another. More

popularly known as bayanihan,
Filipinos
help one another-without expecting
anything in return-so that their tasks
and
responsibilities become much easier.
It is sometimes called, “community
spirit.”

These are just some of the

uniqueness of the Filipino culture.
Our culture speaks of our colorful
history from the time of our
ancestors and conquerors: the
Spaniards, the Americans. We have
also enumerated the concept of
Anthropology namely society and
culture itself.

As mentioned, what makes the

Filipino culture stand out? It is not
only from being respectful with our
elderly people nor being resilient in
times of calamities. Filipinos stands
out because of our care as a human
being.

Remember society and culture are

interrelated and form part of our vast
history as Filipinos. And under
Anthropology as concepts it explains
that the origin of culture diversity is
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
Culture and Society as
Sociological Concept
Sociological Approaches to the Study of Society
Sociologists use three theoretical approaches: the Key Concepts
structural-functional approach, the social-conflict 1. Power and Inequality
approach, and the symbolic-interaction approach. A Central to this approach is the idea that society
theoretical approach is a basic image of society that is structured in ways that benefit some groups
guides thinking and research (Macionis 2012: 12) at the expense of others. Power is unequally
Structural-Functional Approach distributed, leading to various forms of
inequality, including class, race, gender, and
Structural-functionalists view society as a “complex
others.
system whose parts work together to promote solidarity
and stability” (Macionis 2012: 12). It involves an 2. Conflict
analysis of social structure, “any relatively stable Social conflict is seen as an inherent and
pattern of social behavior. necessary aspect of society. It arises from the
Key Concepts competition for limited resources and the
1. Social Structure gives our lives shape—in disparities in power between different social
families, the workplace, the classroom, the groups.
community.” The approach seeks to identify a
3. Change
structure’s social functions or “the
Conflict leads to social change, often through
consequences of any social pattern for the
the efforts of marginalized or oppressed groups
operation of society as a whole” (Ibid).
to challenge the status quo and redistribute
2. Function -each part of society serves a
power.
function that contributes to the stability and
functioning of the whole. 4. Dominant and Subordinate
3. Equilibrium - The various parts of society
Groups
work together to maintain balance and order.
Society is divided into dominant groups (who
When one part of the system changes or fails,
hold power and privilege) and subordinate
other parts adapt to restore stability.
groups (who are disadvantaged).
4. Manifest and Latent Functions - Manifest
functions are the intended and obvious Examples:
outcomes of social structures or actions, while 1. Class Conflict - Karl Marx's theory of class
Latent functions are the unintended and conflict is a primary example of the Social-
sometimes hidden consequences. Conflict Approach. He argued that society is
divided into two main classes: the bourgeoisie
Social-Conflict Approach (owners of the means of production) and the
The social-conflict approach sees society as an “arena proletariat (workers). The bourgeoisie exploit
of inequality that generates conflict and change” the proletariat, leading to class conflict, which
(Macionis 2012: 13). It therefore highlights inequality Marx believed would eventually result in a
and change. In contrast to the structural-functionalist revolution and the establishment of a classless
approach, it does not see the social structure as society.
promoting the smooth operation of society. Instead, it 2. Gender Inequality - Feminist theories often
focuses on how social patterns benefit the dominant use the Social-Conflict Approach to examine
groups in society. Typically, “people on top try to gender inequality. They argue that society is
protect their privileges while the disadvantaged try to patriarchal, with men holding more power and
gain more for themselves” (Ibid). privilege than women.
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
3. Racial and Ethnic Conflict - This approach is
also applied to the study of race and ethnicity.
Examples:
It examines how racial and ethnic groups
1. Language and Communication - In everyday
compete for resources and power, leading to
conversations, the words we use carry specific
systemic inequalities and social conflict.
meanings that are understood within the
context of the interaction.
Symbolic-Interaction Approach 2. Social Roles - Consider the roles of a teacher
and a student. The way each person interacts
The symbolic-interaction approach views sees society within these roles is based on their
as the “product of the everyday interactions of understanding of what being a "teacher" or
individuals”(Macionis 2012: 16). Human beings live in "student" means. These roles are not fixed but
a world of symbols. In the process of social interaction, are continuously negotiated through
they attach meaning to everything. interaction.
3. Symbols in Religion - Religious symbols, such
Key Concepts as the cross in Christianity or the crescent in
Islam, carry deep meanings that are shared
1. Symbols among members of the religion. These symbols
are not inherently meaningful; rather, their
Central to this approach is the idea that people significance is derived from the collective
use symbols—things like words, gestures, and interpretation and reverence they are given by
objects—that carry specific meanings. These the religious community.
symbols are the basis of human communication 4. Bode Language and Gestures - Non-verbal
and interaction. communication, like a smile or a handshake,
carries symbolic meanings that are understood
2. Social Construction of Reality within a cultural context. A handshake might
symbolize agreement or respect, while a smile
According to this approach, reality is not can convey friendliness or approval.
something objective and fixed, but rather it is
socially constructed through the meanings and Elements of Culture
interpretations that people create in their
interactions. What we perceive as "real" or 1. symbols - anything that carries
"true" is shaped by our social interactions. particular meaning recognized by people
who share the same culture.
3. Meaning
2. language - system of symbols
Individuals act based on the meanings that that allows people to communicate with
things have for them, and these meanings arise one another.
out of social interaction. These meanings are 3. values - culturally-defined
also subject to interpretation and change as standards that serve as broad guidelines
people interact with one another. for social living.
4. Self and Identity 4. beliefs - specific statements that
people hold to be true.
The self is seen as a product of social 5. Norms - rules and expectations by
interaction, where individuals continuously
which a society guides the behavior of its
negotiate their identities based on how they
members.
perceive others' reactions to them.
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
ASPECTS OF CULTURE interaction possible and influences how people
conceive of concepts and objects. Major values
that distinguish the United States include
Characteristics of Culture individualism, competition, and a commitment
to the work ethic.
Culture has five basic characteristics:
It is learned, shared, based on symbols, integrated, and Culture is integrated.
dynamic. All cultures share these basic features.
Culture is learned. This is known as holism, or the various parts of
It is not biological; we do not inherit it. Much of a culture being interconnected. All aspects of a
learning culture is unconscious. We learn culture culture are related to one another and to truly
from families, peers, institutions, and media. The understand a culture, one must learn about all
process of learning culture is known as of its parts, not only a few.
enculturation. While all humans have basic
biological needs such as food, sleep, and sex, the
way we fulfill those needs varies cross-culturally. Culture is dynamic.

Culture is shared. This simply means that cultures interact and

change. Because most cultures are in contact
Because we share culture with other members with other cultures, they exchange ideas and
of our group, we are able to act in socially symbols. All cultures change, otherwise, they
appropriate ways as well as predict how others would have problems adapting to changing
will act. Despite the shared nature of culture, environments. And because cultures are
that doesn’t mean that culture is homogenous integrated, if one component in the system
(the same). Since culture is shared within changes, it is likely that the entire system must
exclusive domains of social relations, societies adjust.
operate differently from each other leading to
cultural variations. Even as culture is bounded,
it does not mean that there are no variations in Six Aspects of Culture
how people act and relate with each other
within a given system of their respective 1. Language - The way a certain group of
societies. On the contrary, the same society can people communicate and speak with each other.
be broadly diverse wherein people, for Written, oral and nonverbal.
example, profess connections to each other yet
practice different religion, values, or gender 2. Religion - What people believe and how
relations. Furthermore, societies do not always they explain life's meanings. Death, birth, rituals,
exist independently from each other. church, belief in God or a higher power.
Culture is based on symbols. 3. Daily Life - It is how people dress, eat,
and go about living and doing things every day.
A symbol is something that stands for
something else. Symbols vary cross-culturally
and are arbitrary. They only have meaning
4. History - What people think are important
to pass along to future generations. It is what happened
when people in a culture agree on their use.
in the past that has affected the present and shaped the
Language, money and art are all symbols.
way a certain place life.
Language is the most important symbolic
component of culture. The major elements of
culture are symbols, language, norms, values,
and artifacts. Language makes effective social
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
5. Arts - The way people express themselves in and living. It is said that legacy is what cultural heritage
is. Having at one time referred exclusively to the
ways such as paintings, sculptures, architecture, dance,
monumental remains of cultures, cultural heritage as a
music, theater, and literature.
concept has gradually come to include new categories
as follows:
6. Government - Who has the power to
make decisions. How a certain place is run, who it is
run by, and the laws that must be obeyed.
1. Tangible Heritage

In addition, we can also describe culture as Dynamic, A tangible heritage is a physical artifact or object
Flexible, Adaptive. significant to the archaeology, architecture, science, or
technology of a specific culture. This means that this
➢ Dynamic: Culture is dynamic as it type of heritage is perceptible, touchable or concrete.
Objects that can be stored are included in this category,
responds to the changing needs of time,
such as: traditional clothing, utensils, vehicles,
alongside to the motion and actions within and
documents, public works and architecture built and
around it. When one aspect changes within a
constructed by cultural group (e.g. buildings, historical
system, culture easily responds to it.
places, monuments, temples, graves, roads,
➢ Flexible: Culture is capable of being bridges).
flexible to be able to face any challenges that 2. Intangible Heritage
life would bring. An intangible heritage is not a physical or concrete
item. It exists intellectually in
➢ Adaptive: People use technology, the culture and includes: Songs, Myths, Voices, Values,
ideas and activities in order to survive and Traditions, Oral history
expand the human culture and society, this
only depicts that culture is adaptive.
Threats to Tangible Heritage
Natural Disasters

CULTURAL HERITAGE ➢ Earthquakes, Floods,

Cultural heritage is a representation of the ways of Hurricanes
living developed by society or group and passed on
from generation to generation. It is created to inform Natural calamities can cause irreversible damage to
and can be distinguished in the following: physical structures and artifacts.
- architectures like buildings, houses, and
structures
- artifacts such as books, documents, ➢ Climate Change
objects, images, clothing, accessories, and
jars Rising sea levels, temperature fluctuations, and extreme
- things that make people who they are, like weather events can deteriorate historical buildings and
oral stories, values, laws, norms, rituals, sites.
and traditions
1. Human Activities:
FORMS OF TANGIBLE AND
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ➢ Urbanization and
Legacy is what remains after one’s time. Handed down Development
from generation to another, legacy magnifies one’s life
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
Expansion of cities and infrastructure projects often lead Threats to Intangible Heritage
to the destruction or alteration of historical sites.
1. Globalization and Cultural
➢ Conflict and War Homogenization:
➢ Loss of Cultural
Armed conflicts can result in the deliberate or Diversity
accidental destruction of heritage sites.
Globalization can lead to the erosion of unique cultural
practices, languages, and traditions as they are replaced
➢ Looting and Vandalism by more dominant global cultures.

Theft of artifacts, graffiti, and other forms of vandalism

can cause significant damage to tangible heritage.
➢ Standardization
2. Environmental Degradation:
Traditional practices may be altered or simplified to
➢ Pollution conform to global standards, leading to a loss of
authenticity.

Air, water, and soil pollution can corrode buildings and

deteriorate materials used in historical artifacts.
2. Urbanization and Migration:
➢ Displacement
➢ Biodeterioration Movement of people from rural to urban areas, or from
one country to another, can lead to the loss of traditional
Growth of moss, algae, fungi, and other biological practices and languages.
agents can damage stone, wood, and other materials.
➢ Community
3. Neglect and Poor Maintenance: Fragmentation
Lack of Funding As communities are dispersed, the transmission of
intangible heritage from one generation to the next
becomes difficult.
Insufficient resources for maintenance and restoration
can lead to the gradual decay of heritage sites.
3. Economic Pressures:
➢ Commercialization
Inadequate Conservation
Practices Traditional practices may be commodified for
tourism or profit, leading to a loss of their original
meaning and significance.
Poorly managed restoration efforts can sometimes cause
more harm than good.
➢ Poverty and Economic
Changes
Economic hardships can force communities to
abandon traditional practices in favor of more
economically viable activities
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
socialization and surrounding culture and acquire values and behaviours
appropriate or necessary in that culture.
Enculturation
According to Stephen A. Grunland and Marvin K.
Mayers (1988) (as cited from Hoebel, 1982),
Socialization enculturation is both a conscious and an unconscious
simply means the process of learning one’s society and conditioning process whereby man, as child and adult,
its culture. It is moreover the same as interacting, achieves competence in his culture, internalizes his
mingling and being with other people or groups within/ culture and becomes thoroughly enculturated.
outside of your society. Socializing with people plays a great part in achieving
it.
Through socialization, one learns the culture’s language,
their roles in life, and what is expected from them. As a child lives with his family and the community,
Without socialization, a person will develop different he/she adapts socially accepted values (e.g. attending to
physical and mental disabilities. It is sad to know that religious obligations, respecting the elders, etc.) At a
individuals with no successful socialization develop very young age, a child is instilled with values by
mental illness, abnormal or odd behavior and self - his/her parents and family. He / She sees the importance
isolation. of being together as respected when they eat.
In school, he/she learns to be socially educated person
AGENTS OF as he/she observes and adapts the behaviour of other
people (e.g. singing the National Anthem, paying
SOCIALIZATION respect to the flag, showing respect to teachers and
valuing friendship among friends and classmates).
1. FAMILY - Most of the habits, manners, beliefs
In a community, a person may be inspired to practice
and the way we think are develop in the family. A huge
social duties and obligations as observed and learned
part of your personality is molded by your family
from those who do great contributions for the welfare of
because this is where you spent your childhood.
most people. In these practices, one may also become a
steward of goodwill.
2. SCHOOL - Here, you interact or socialize
with other people- your classmates, teachers, The government upon its imposition of law refines a
administrators, and others which are outside your person’s way of living. Through which, he/she learns
family within a society. Your socialization with them his civil rights and exercises them righteously.
has made a lot of experiences in you.
In his/her dealing with religious affiliations, a person’s
3. PEER GROUP - Your circle of friends is belief in Omnipotent Being is strengthened. This
cultivates the idea that everyone like a brother and a
also an agent of socialization. It is called peer group.
sister. Thus, respect towards one another is valued. He
Your peers usually have similar ages, social status and
or she learns to respect differences in faith.
share interests.

4. SOCIAL MEDIA - as agent of Concept of social groups

socialization plays a crucial role in shaping your
personality as well. Majority of us, young and old, are A group is composed of two or more persons interacting
connected through social media. Much of our waking with each other and guided by a set of norms. It is also
time is spent on using social media. defined as specified number of individuals where each
recognizes members as distinct from non-members.
Basic Classifications of Social Groups
Enculturation
As an individual grows up in a social group, he/she Primary groups
learns to understand his/her identity. This is where
are marked by concern for one another, shared activities
enculturation comes in. Enculturation is the process by
and culture, and long periods of time spent together.
which people learn the requirements of their
They are influential in developing an individual’s
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
personal identity. The goal of primary groups is the or localized groups defined by neighborhood or school,
relationships themselves rather than achieving some among others-- we see norms and dominant values, and
other purpose. we choose to either embrace and reproduce them in our
own thoughts, behavior, and interactions with others; or,
The examples of a primary group but not limited to be we reject and refute them by thinking and acting in
your family and childhood and close friends. The ways that break from them. Sample of these groups are
concept of the primary group was introduced by Charles parents, siblings, teachers, peers, associates, and
Cooley in his book, Social Organization: A Study of the friends.
Larger Mind.
Sample Groups: Family, Play group, Network
Village/Neighborhood, Work-team A network is a collection of people tied together by a
specific pattern of connections. They can be
Secondary Groups characterized by the number of people involved, as in
Secondary relationships involve weak emotional ties the dyad (by twos) and triad (by threes), but also in
and little personal knowledge of one another. In contrast terms of their structures (who is connected to whom)
to primary groups, secondary groups don’t have the and functions (what flows across ties). Networks
goal of maintaining and developing the relationships indeed, are able to do more things and different things
themselves. These groups are based on usual or habitual than individuals acting on their own could. Networks
interests or affairs. It includes groups in which one have this effect, regardless of the content of the
exchanges explicit commodities, such as labor for connections or persons involved.
wages, services for payments, and such.
Sample Groups: Nation, Church Hierarchy, Professional Human dignity, rights, and the
Association, Corporation, University classes, Athletic common good
teams, and groups of coworkers.

Human Dignity
In-group
The English word dignity comes from the Latin word,
Belonging to the same group as others who share the dignitas, which means “worthiness.” Dignity implies
same common bond and interests who are more likely that each person is worthy of honor and respect who
to understand each other refers to an in- group. Sample they are, not just for what they can do. In other words,
Groups: Sports team, Unions and Sororities people are entitled to having the rights regardless the
race, age, gender orientation, etc.
Out-group
Dignity is one of the most treasures that humans cannot
Those who do not belong to the in-group are part of the be exchanged for anything. Treating other individuals
out-group, which exist in the perceptions of the in- with dignity means treating them the way we’d like to
group members and takes on social reality as a result of be treated ourselves (Family Education 2019). Every
behavior by in-group members who use the out group as person has the right to show others his or her desire to
a negative point of reference. live with dignity. It is the individual’s disposition to
treat us with dignity and respect. Giving greater respect
Reference Groups and honor to others is also reflected in your self-respect.

A reference group is a collection of people that we use

as a standard of comparison for ourselves regardless of Human Rights
whether we are part of that group. We rely on reference
groups to understand social norms, which then shape We have the right to enjoy privileges because we are
our values, ideas, behavior, and appearance. This means human. People are entitled to immunity granted by state
that we also use them to evaluate the relative worth, or another authority to a limited group, either by birth or
desirability, or appropriateness of these things. conditional premise is called privilege whereas the right
is an inherent, irreversible privilege held by all citizens
By looking to reference groups--be they those of race, or all human beings from the minute of birth (Wikipedia
class, gender, sexuality, religion, region, ethnicity, age, 2020).
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
Human Rights may be defined as those fundamental 11. We’re always innocent till proven guilty. Nobody
rights of man essential for the exercise of human should be blamed for doing something until it is
dignity. These human rights are natural rights of all proven. When people say we did a bad thing we
human beings whatever their nationality, religion, have the right to show it is not true.
ethnicity, sex, language and color. We are equally
entitled to our human rights without discrimination. 12. The right to privacy. Nobody should try to harm our
When human rights are not well-known or made known good name. Nobody has the right to come into our
to people, abuses such as discrimination, intolerance, home, open our letters, or bother us or our family
injustice, oppression, and slavery can arise. It is not a without a good reason.
privilege. It is something that can be taken away at 13. Freedom to move. We all have the right to go where
someone’s whim. They are “rights” because they are we want in our own country and do travel as we
things you are allowed to be, to do, or to have. These wish.
rights are there for your protection against people who
might want harm or hurt you. They are also there to 14. The right to Seek a safe place to live. If we are
help us get along with each other and live in peace. frightened of being badly treated in our own
country, we all have the right to run away to another
country to be safe.
Below are the simplified version together the 15. Right to a Nationality. We all have the right to
explanation of the 30 Articles of the Universal belong to a country.
Declaration of Human Rights which was created by the
United Nations in 1948. 16. Marriage and Family. Every grown-up has the right
to marry and have a family if they want to. Men and
women have the same rights when they are married,
1. We are all born free and equal. We are all born free. and when they are separated.
We all have our own thoughts and ideas. We should 17. The right to your own things. Everyone has the right
all be treated in the same way. to own things or share them. Nobody should take
2. Don’t discriminate. These rights belong to our things from us without a good reason.
everybody, whatever our differences. 18. Freedom of thought. We all have the right to believe
3. The right to life. We all have the right to life, and in what we want to believe, to have a religion, or to
life in freedom and safety. change it if we want.

4. No slavery. Nobody has any fight to make us a 19. Freedom of Expression. We all have the right to
slave. We cannot make anyone our slave. make up our own minds, to think what we like, to
say what we think, and to share our ideas with other
5. No torture. Nobody has any rights to hurt us or to people.
torture us.
20. The rights to public assembly. We all have the right
6. You have rights no matter where you go. I am a to meet our friends and to work together in peace to
person just like you. defend our rights. Nobody can make us join a group
if we don’t want to.
7. We’re all equal before the law. The law is the same
for everyone. It must treat us all fairly. 21. The rights to democracy. We all have the right to
take part in the government of our country. Every
8. Your human rights are protected by law. We can all grown-up should be allowed to choose their own
ask for the law to help us when we are not treated leaders.
fairly.
22. Social security. We all have the right to affordable
9. No unfair detainment. Nobody has the right to put us housing, medicine, education, and childcare, enough
in prison without good reason and keep us there, or money to live on and medical help if we are ill or
to send us away from our country. old.
10. The right to trial. If we are put on trial this should be
in public. The people who try us should not let
anyone tell them what to do.
 Understanding Culture,
Society and Politics
23. Worker’s rights. Every grown-up has the right to do
job, to a fair wage for their work, and to join a trade
union.
24. The right to play. We all have the rest from work and
to relax.
25. Food and shelter for all. We all have the right to a
good life. Mothers and children, people who are old,
unemployed or disabled, and all people have the
right to be cared for.
26. The right to education. Education is a right. Primary
school should be free. We should learn about the
United Nations and how to get on with others. Our
parents can choose what we learn.
27. Copyright. Copy right is a special law that protects
one’s own artistic creations and writings; others
cannot make copies without permission. We all have
the right to our own way of life and to enjoy the
good things that art, science and learning bring.
28. A fair and free world. There must be a proper order
so we can all enjoy rights and freedoms in our own
country and all over the world.
29. Responsibility. We have a duty to other people, and
we should protect their rights and freedoms.
30. No one can take away your human rights.