Man's Social and Cultural Background

"Change is the only permanent thing in this world." -Heraclitus

In our society today, we can see a lot of changes and developments that affect our life. Machines have made our work
easier. Computers have allowed us to communicate with more people faster. Genetic engineering has helped us produce
disease resistant plants. Changes such as these have resulted in the modernization of nation-states.

A nation-state is a sovereign state whose citizens or subjects have a common culture. They speak the same language,
have a common descent, and share a common history. Having citizens with common culture, the nation-state,
therefore, is a major component of personal identity. Personal identity is the concept you develop about yourself that
evolves over the course of your life. A naturalized Filipina in Japan, may identify herself as a Filipina, having come from a
nation-state called the Philippines and possessing the culture of most Filipinos. However, another Filipina may identify
herself as a Muslim because of her Islamic, tradition. Her identification of herself as a Muslim may be considered
political if her objective, is to make a statement that she belongs to a different political group in our nation-state. Our
personal identity is both cultural and political which is guided by our personal encounters or experiences.

These personal experiences are created by man's interaction with his environment. According to David Bohm, each
individual already contains the whole information field of society. It is the whole information field, but each individual
contains that information field in his own way. As primary actors, we create the type of society that we want to have
which also includes our customs and traditions. Thus, cultures differ depending on the needs of individuals. As Schwartz
pointed out, the culture of any society represents an adaptation or adjustment to the various conditions of life, including
their physical, social; and supernatural environment.

People who need more will be pushed more by their inner drives to attain something. These drives consist of biological
and psychological drives such as cravings, wealth, power, greatness, successes, etc. (Banaag, 2012, p. 54). Likewise,
variations in geographical features, climatic conditions, and historical experiences contribute to man's development as
well as a reference of differentiation among people such as race, customs, and traditions.

As defined by Edward B. Tylor, culture refers to that complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws,
customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. Culture serves as a foundation
of man's continuing interaction with his surroundings. People develop a culture of their own out of their leanings and
experiences from their environmental exposure (Banaag, 2012 p. 46).
Significance of Studying Culture, Society and Politics

To understand man's social experience, it is necessary to make a wider analysis of man's relationship to his natural
environment. However, we need to identify the significance of culture, society, and politics in order to appreciate the
different components that are essential to the total development of a human person. According to Mark Banaag, culture
functions in the following ways and from which we can realize the significance of culture as well:

1. Culture makes it possible for man to adapt and integrate himself to his environment by being creative and
resourceful in coming up with ways and means of survival.
2. Culture establishes patterns of acceptable social behavior such as etiquette, protocols, good manners and right
conduct, roles and duties, etc. as established by folkways, mores, and laws.

 Folkways: are the habits, customs and repetitive patterns of expected behavior and tend to be self-
perpetuating. Some evolved into the present form out of slow but continuous process of trial and
experimentations. Some are rational, others are irrational. Folkways include rules of eating, sleeping,
dressing, cooking, studying, working and modes of greetings and farewell.
 Mores: are strongly held norms, which are essential to the welfare of the people and their cherished values.
They have moral or ethical values, and thus going against them is offensive to the standards of righteousness
and right behavior. They consist in large part of taboos, acts that are prohibited or forbidden. Incest, child
abuse, battering wives, and prostitution are examples.
 Laws: are formalized norms formulated by a governing body. Some mores are enacted into laws and
enforced by political and legal authorities.

3. Culture conveys and facilitates meanings through verbal and non-verbal communication, written and non-written
language, forms of expression, and symbolisms.
4. Culture produces man-made things such as clothing, tools, instruments, machines, equipment, structures, etc.
made possible by technological know-how.
5. Culture contributes to overall human satisfaction as we develop ways to make life more enjoyable, more
comfortable, easier, and more rewarding such as recreational activities, leisure, entertainment and arts, etc.

Therefore, culture creates the identities of individuals which are distinct from one another. Geographical or territorial
boundaries contribute to cultural diversities of human society. A Filipino living in Central Luzon will learn to utilize land or
acquire skills in farming as source of living as compared to those who are living along the coastal areas of the Visayas
who will depend on fishing as a source of livelihood. Culture may be thought of as a design for living or a road map that
guides the behavior of members of a society, Permitting them to live together in an organized, orderly manner (Palispis
2007, p. 42).

Society

As individuals continued to interact, societies were formed. It is a product of human social processes intended to meet
basic needs for survival. Every society is organized in such a way that there are rules of conduct, customs, traditions,
folkways and mores, and expectations that ensure appropriate behavior among members (Palispis, 2007, p. 254). Thus,
society is an important product of human interaction and interconnectedness. It symbolizes the group within which
human beings can live a total common life —the peer groups; social organizations like the family and kinship groups;
economic, political, religious and educational groups; and communities (Panopio et. al., 1994, p.141).
Studying society provides us an idea on its importance in creating an equal, just, and humane society. The schematic
diagram simply shows the significance of studying society.

Politics

Sometimes people tend to associate politics with power. This connotation was formed through man's relationship with
other people. It is a struggle and a compromise between the powerful and powerless, the haves and the have-nots.
There are different perceptions about politics. According to Ricardo Lazo, politics may be viewed in different ways:
(Please refer to the diagram)
These perspectives show the wide-ranging ideas about politics which affect the life of every individual specially on
human relationship. In describing the characteristics of politics, two important things must be emphasized: First, all
questions involve the making of a common decision for a group of people, that is, a uniform decision applying in the
same way to all members of the group. Second, all involve the use of force by one person or a group of people to affect
the behavior of another person or group of people (Lazo, 2009 p. 7). Thus, politics talks about collective decision of
individuals based on defined rules of society. These rules bind people together in order to preserve culture and improve
human life.

Also, Hague defines politics in different ways but whatever definition is attached to it, there are four important points
inherent to it:

a. Politics is a collective activity, involving people who accept a common member-ship or at least acknowledge a
shared fate;
b. Politics presumes an initial diversity of views, if not about goals then least about means;
c. Politics involves reconciling differences through discussion and persuasion; and
d. Political decisions become authoritative policy for a group, binding members to decisions that are implemented
by force if necessary.

Rationale of Studying Anthropology Political Science, and sociology

The Rationale of Studying Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology There are different ways of understanding social
reality. These areas of studies pro-vide unimportant ideas in analyzing our society which is essential in creating a
productive society. Using anthropology, political science, and sociology will give an overview on man's early
development.
Anthropology

Source: htips://ph.images.search.yahoo.com
Look at the picture, what is the significant idea that it wants to convey? Dogs it show something about man and society?
It is very clear that early forms of art show something about man's social experience vis-à-vis man's relationship to his
environment which is essential in analyzing his way of life. Hence, anthropology as a subject is very important in seeking
answers about man's existence and his social experiences. Anthropology is the branch of knowledge which deals with
the scientific study of man, his works, his body, his behavior and values, in time and space (Palispis, 2007 p. 6). Also, it
includes man's physical , social, and cultural development that describes and explains the phenomenon of human life.

Anthropology helps by providing insights into strange aspects of past or even present societies which historians and
sociologists find difficult to comprehend and explain. Examples of these "strange aspects" are conflict and violence, trial
by ordeal, superstition and witchcraft, fashion, myths and legends, and rituals concerning rites of passage, court-ship and
marriage, human sacrifice, aid others (Banaag, 2019 p. 6). Hence, anthropology gives us information concerning man's
behavior in relation to his social environment.

Political Science

Political Science is a systematic study of a state and its government, with the relationships of men in the community, with
relations of men and groups to the state itself, and with the relations of a state with other sovereign states abroad
(Palispis, 2009 p. 14). It emphasizes the use of power, interest, influence, and diplomacy which is important in creating a
well-ordered society. Political scientists analyze how people attain political position in society, how they maintain their
position, and the outcomes of their policy implementation within a definite social territory.

According to Ricardo Lazo, the primary goal of Political Science is citizenship education. It requires the students to
understand and appreciate the duties and obligations of being a member of a society. Political. Science includes core
competencies, knowledge and skills that help learners become participative and productive members of the community.

IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Knowledge Based It provides the students the knowledge and understanding of a government, with all its
component curricula like public law, political theory, public administration, political philosophy,
and political dynamics.
Competence Basel Inculcates the objectives and underlying principles of the state that should be abided by the
 officials and its citizens.
Skills Based Prepares the students for future career path, be it in legal profession, government service,
politics, teaching, and many more.
Source: Lazo, Ricardo 2009. Introduction to Political Science. Manila: Rex Bookstore, 2009

Sociology

According to Joseph Fichter, sociology is the scientific study of patterned, shared human behavior. It analyzes human
interaction which is essential in understanding man's cultural make-up. It may focus its attention on all kinds of social
interactions: social arts, social relationships, social organization, social structures, and social processes (Palispis, 2009 p.
3). This social relationship will provide sociological information that will help in understanding society objectively through
the use of scientific investigation or methodology.

The outcomes of sociological investigations are essential for leaders, businessmen or entrepreneurs, and government
officials in maintaining social stability and creation of program as well as policies for development (i.e political, economic,
and social). The study of sociology broadens the experience of individuals as they learn to discard prejudices and
become. , come more understanding of the customs of other people and realize that truth is relative "good" or "bad"
behavior depends upon the norms of conduct of the society in which behavior takes place (Panopio, 1994 p. 2).

Process Question

1. Why do we need to understand the idea of culture, society, and politics?

Taken from: Baleña, Ederlina D. etal (2016). Understanding Culture Society and Politics,
Activities:

A. Complete the following diagram.

Directions: Write A if the statement is correct and B if it is not.

1. The nation-state as the main site of sovereignty is the basic feature of modernity and a major
constituent of personal. Identity.
2. Cultures differ depending on the needs of individuals.
3. Culture refers to that complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs,
and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.
4. People develop a culture of their own out of their learning and experiences from their environmental
exposure.
5. Society is a product of man's political and economic interest.
6. Sociology deals with the understanding of political relationships such as bureaucracy and hierarchy.
7. Political Science is an art of studying power.
8. The primary goal of Political Science is citizenship education.
9. Scientific investigation is utilized in conducting sociological Inquiry.
10. The study of sociology broadens the experience of individuals as they learn to discard prejudices and
become more understanding of the customs of other people.

C. Comprehension and analysis

Directions: Answer the following questions.

D. Transfer

Make a list, description, and explanation of cultural practices in your community that may be considered as
taboo or offensive.
E. Chapter Quiz