Society and culture according to the three disciplines: Society, Culture, and Political Science

1. Society and
Culture
According to
the Three
Disciplines
Prepared by:
Sir. Cari Edward C. Beñalet

2. Learning Objectives:
– Discuss how society and culture is viewed according to the three disciplines.

3. Three Disciplines
– Anthropology
– Sociology
– Political Science

4. Anthropology
– Considers culture as the central focus. Studies different cultures of different
societies.

5. 2 major views:
– Relativistic Approach
– Ethnocentric Approach

6. Relativistic Approach
– Considers cultures as equal. Holds that there are no “superior” and “inferior”
cultures, and each is unique in its own way.
– Cultural Relativism – recognizes and accepts the cultural differences between
societies.

7. Ethnocentric Approach
– One’s native culture is superior to other cultures. Tends to have a negative view
of other countries and people. Diminishes or invalidates “other” ways of life and
creates a distorted view of one’s own.
– Xenocentrism – considers their culture as inferior to others.
e.g. Filipino’s “Colonial Mentality”

8. Sociology
– Relates culture with overall context of social order.

9. 3 Sociological Perspectives:
– Structural Functionalism
– Conflict Theory
– Symbolic Interactionism

10. Structural Functionalism
– Operates on the assumption that society is a stable and orderly systems.
Considers culture as a glue that binds society together, leading to social order

11. Conflict Theory
– Assumes that there is a constant power struggle among the various social
groups and institutions within a society. Study the culture of “dominant classes”
and analyze how this culture is imposed on other classes.

12. Symbolic Interactionism
– Views individual and a group behavior and social interactions as defining
features of society. Believes that culture provides shared meanings to the
members of society. The more meanings are shared, the more society ensures
social order.

13. Political Science
– Examines culture as a vital aspect of society. Culture, together with political
socialization is analyzed in order to explain political behavior such as voting
patterns and the behavior of leaders.
– Culture is seen as an important element in building social capital and could also
lead to future conflicts and divisions.

14. Factors
– Multiculturalism
– Cultural Sensitivity

15. Multiculturalism
– An ideology that acknowledges and promotes cultural diversity within society.
Entails the establishment of political groups and institutions comprised of
people from diverse cultures.

16. Cultural Sensitivity
– Advances awareness and acceptance of cultural differences but encourages a
critical stance in dealing with issues regarding diversity.