UCSP

Anthropology Overview

• Definition: Anthropology studies humans, their behavior, societies, and cultures across different times and places.
• Notable Quote: "Man is by nature a social animal" - Aristotle highlights the intrinsic social nature of humans.

Branches of Anthropology

• Cultural Anthropology: Focuses on cultural variations among humans.
• Archaeological Anthropology: Studies past human societies through material remains.
• Biological Anthropology: Examines biological diversity and evolution in relation to culture.
• Linguistic Anthropology: Investigates language's role in social life.

Goals of Anthropology

• Understand cultural diversity.
• Study the impact of social structures on human behavior.
• Explore human biological evolution.
• Examine language as a cultural tool.

Sociology Overview

• Definition: Sociology analyzes social behavior, institutions, and structures.
• Focus on understanding how social interactions shape individual and group behaviors.

Anthropological and Sociological Perspectives in Culture and Society

• Emphasis on how cultural norms and values are established and changed within societies.
• Exploration of human behavior in a social context.

Importance of Sociology

• Provides insights into societal trends and issues.
• Contributes to social policy development.
• Fosters understanding of social justice and equality.

Theoretical Perspectives of Sociology

• Structural Functionalism:
  • Level of Analysis: Macro or Mid.
  • Focus: How different parts of society function together for stability.
• Conflict Theory:
  • Level of Analysis: Macro.
  • Focus: Examination of social inequalities and power struggles.
• Symbolic Interactionism:
  • Level of Analysis: Micro.
  • Focus: Understanding societal interactions and personal meanings.

Political Science Overview

• Definition: Political science studies governance, political processes, and political behavior.

Perspectives in Politics

• Examination of ideologies, institutions, and behaviors that shape political processes.

Goals in Political Science

• Analyze political systems and power dynamics.
• Influence public policy and governance.
• Understand voter behavior and political engagement.

Culture Overview

• Definition: Culture encompasses beliefs, practices, values, and material objects shared by a group.

Two Types of Culture

• Material Culture: Physical objects and artifacts in a society.
• Non-Material Culture: Ideas, beliefs, and values that shape a society.

Culture Variation

• Acknowledges diversity in social behaviors and practices across different cultures.

Elements of Culture

• Symbols: Objects representing concepts.
• Language: A means of communication and cultural transmission.
• Values: Shared beliefs determining what is important.
• Norms: Rules and expectations guiding behavior.

Aspects of Culture

• Dynamic: Culture evolves over time.
• Shared and Contested: Cultures are collectively negotiated.
• Learned: Transmitted through socialization and enculturation.
• Patterned Interaction: Cultural behavior is structured.
• Integrated: Cultures are interconnected yet can face instability.
• Requires Communication: Language is vital for cultural expression.

Society Overview

• Definition: A society is a group sharing a common culture and governance.

Types of Society

• Pre-industrial: Small, kin-based societies.
• Industrial: Larger, urban societies with complex social structures.
• Post-industrial: Societies focused on information and technology.

Social Differences

• Discrimination arises based on economic status, ethnicity, gender, and profession, yet societal responsibilities remain upheld.

Cultural Change

• Influenced by internal (innovation) and external (globalization) factors.

Political Change

• Involves significant shifts in government structure, leadership, or policy.

Social Change

• Refers to evolving patterns in behavior and cultural values, often driven by modernization and globalization.

Causes of Social Change

• Technological advancements, economic shifts, ecological factors, social movements, political upheaval, and changes in cultural norms.

Ethnocentrism

• The belief that one's culture is superior, leading to biased perspectives on other cultures.

Ways to Avoid Ethnocentrism

• Avoid assumptions, learn about other cultures, refrain from judgments, and practice respect.

Cultural Relativism

• Understanding beliefs and practices through the lens of one’s culture.

Socialization

• The process of learning and internalizing the values and norms of one's society, shaping individuals as contributors.

Aspects of Socialization

• Family influence, educational systems, peer groups, and media impact behaviors and beliefs.

Enculturation

• The process of passing cultural knowledge and traditions to ensure continuity across generations.

Agents of Socialization

• Family, schools, peers, media, religious institutions, work, community, and social institutions.

Conformity

• Adjusting thoughts and behaviors to fit accepted standards within a group.

Deviance

• Behaviors that violate societal norms and provoke negative reactions from group members.

Social Control

• Mechanisms and practices to enforce norms and manage deviance.

Sanctions

• Responses to deviant behavior aimed at maintaining social order and norms.

Human Society

• A large social group sharing geographical territory, political authority, and cultural norms.

Kinship

• Culturally defined relationships based on bonds of affinity (marriage) and consanguinity (blood relations).

Primary Groups

• Characterized by intimate, enduring relationships; crucial for emotional support and socialization.

Importance of Primary Groups

• Foster strong emotional bonds and provide essential social support.

Secondary Groups

• Involved in more impersonal, task-oriented relationships; focused on material exchanges.

In-Groups and Out-Groups

• In-Groups: Groups individuals identify with.
• Out-Groups: Groups individuals do not belong to.

Reference Group

• A group used as a standard for self-evaluation and comparison.

Inspirational Quote

• "Life is like a runway, so slay every day" - Lemiel.

Type shii