- is a comp complex lex whole whole which which incl include udes s knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.
- is also viewed as a complex web of relationships existing out of man’s interaction with one another. - has several definitions throughout the different branches of social sciences.
“Society is a social organism possessing a harmony of structure and function.” - August Comte (The Father of Sociology)
“Society is a system comprised of the interactions of many individuals within a situation through commonly understood cultural norms of generalized symbols and associated meanings.” - Talcott Parsons (American Sociologist)
“Society is a complex of organized associations and institutions within a community.” - G.D.H. Cole (English Political Theorist and Economist)
“Society is a system of usages and procedures of authority and mutual aid of many groupings and divisions, of controls of human behavior and liberties.” - Robert MacIver and Charles Page (Social Scientists)
Can we separate society from culture? (vice-versa) Why do you think they overlap?
Culture and society are two different things but very interrelated concepts. •
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Both culture and society require the interaction of people with one another. Culture is somehow distinct from society in that it adds value, merit, and meanings to created relationships. Culture refers to how people behave and interact with one another within social institutions
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Culture would not be outwardly manifested without a group of people interacting. Culture and society are becoming more interrelated than ever as specific culture arises which in turn creates and shapes a particular society.
How do you describe your present generation? What cultural traits and practices do you have?
Culture varies across time and space. Societies across the world have acquired different sets of customs and practices over generations and historical contexts. There is no generalization as to how culture develops and progresses within a society. However, from various definitions, the following characteristics may be deduced:
1) Culture is Learned •
It is not innate in a person.
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It is not biological in nature.
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It is acquired and developed through families, peers, institutions, and media. ENCULTURATION – is the process of learning about culture.
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For most people, learning about a certain culture is an unconscious process
2) Culture is Shared •
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It is not possessed by one person alone. As individuals interact, they tend to share beliefs, customs, ideals, and practices. However, it does homogeneous.
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Example 1: Within the Filipino society, different religions are practiced such as Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and etcetera Example 2: The people in Malaysia are ethnically diverse – Malays, Chinese, and
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3) Culture is Integrated •
Though it is composed of specific parts or aspects, when taken together, forms a unified whole which distinguishes it from all others. Example 1: People across different regions (i.e. Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) in the Philippines may have varied food preferences Example 2: People from different walks of life and various religious practices
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This makes a certain culture unique and of itself.
4) Culture is Adaptive and Dynamic •
It can change and be adjusted according to various environmental and geographical conditions as witnessed throughout the context of history of the world. Examples: The ways of clothing of people, lifestyle, leisure, nature of work GLOBALIZATION – is the change in state of a country or area in terms of economy
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Certain aspects may last for a long time
5) Culture is Abstract •
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It is not tangible for it only exists in the minds of individuals within or across societies. It is manifested through behaviors, habits, mannerisms, and activities. It is not tangible for it only exists in the minds of individuals within or across societies. It embodies the ideals, aspirations, and norms of the society. It can be observed through the physical works or products of the people.
6) Culture is Symbolic •
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Since culture is abstract, societies have developed ways by which concepts and ideas would be represented. As such, all cultures in the world are driven with so many symbols that stand for something Symbols are only validated when people agree on what symbols stand for. Example 1: The color white represents purity and peace in many western cultures
What are the cultural symbols that we have in the Philippines?
Take home task: Interview your grandparent, parents, and relatives who belong to the 70s, 80s, 90s generation. Ask them about what makes their generation unique and different from the generation now.