Social Sciences
Sociology, Anthropology, and Political Science
Culture & Society
What is Culture?
The shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society. It is learned, shared, and passed down through generations.
Components of Culture
- Symbols: Objects with shared meaning (flag, cross)
- Language: System of communication
- Values: Ideas about what is important
- Norms: Rules of behavior (folkways, mores, laws)
- Beliefs: Ideas held to be true
- Technology: Tools and skills
Types of Culture
Material Culture
Physical objects: tools, clothing, art, buildings
Non-Material Culture
Ideas, beliefs, values, rules, customs
Subculture
Smaller group within larger culture
Counterculture
Opposes dominant culture values
Cultural Concepts
- Ethnocentrism: Judging others by your own culture's standards
- Cultural Relativism: Understanding cultures in their own context
- Cultural Shock: Disorientation in unfamiliar culture
- Acculturation: Adopting traits from another culture
- Assimilation: Complete absorption into dominant culture
Social Institutions
What are Social Institutions?
Organized patterns of beliefs and behaviors that address basic social needs. They provide structure and stability to society.
The Family
- Functions: Reproduction, socialization, economic support
- Types: Nuclear, extended, single-parent, blended
- Marriage: Monogamy, polygamy, endogamy, exogamy
- Descent: Patrilineal, matrilineal, bilateral
Education
- Manifest Functions: Teaching knowledge, skills
- Latent Functions: Socialization, social control, childcare
- Issues: Access, quality, relevance, funding
- K-12 Program: Philippine basic education reform
Religion
- Functions: Meaning, social cohesion, social control
- Elements: Beliefs, rituals, community, morality
- Types: Animism, polytheism, monotheism
- Philippines: ~86% Catholic, Islam, INC, others
Economy
- Functions: Production, distribution, consumption
- Types: Capitalism, socialism, mixed economy
- Sectors: Agriculture, industry, services
- Issues: Unemployment, poverty, inequality
Political Systems
What is Politics?
The process by which power is distributed and exercised in society. It involves how decisions are made and who has authority to make them.
Types of Authority (Max Weber)
- Traditional: Based on customs, heredity (monarchy)
- Charismatic: Based on personal qualities of leader
- Rational-Legal: Based on rules and procedures (democracy)
Forms of Government
Democracy
Rule by the people, elected officials
Authoritarianism
Limited political freedom
Totalitarianism
Complete state control
Monarchy
Rule by king/queen
Philippine Political System
- Type: Presidential, democratic republic
- Branches: Executive, Legislative, Judicial
- Legislature: Bicameral (Senate + House)
- Local: Provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays
Social Stratification
The ranking of people into hierarchical layers based on wealth, power, and prestige.
- Class: Economic position (upper, middle, lower)
- Status: Social prestige and honor
- Power: Ability to influence others
- Mobility: Movement between social positions
Socialization
What is Socialization?
The lifelong process through which individuals learn the norms, values, behaviors, and social skills appropriate to their society. It shapes who we become as social beings.
Agents of Socialization
Types of Socialization
Social Groups
Primary Groups
Close, personal: family, friends
Secondary Groups
Formal, impersonal: organizations
In-Groups
Groups we belong to ("us")
Out-Groups
Groups we don't belong to ("them")