Cultural Studies Overview

Culture

• Defined by Edward B. Tylor as a complex whole including knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and acquired capabilities and habits.
• Divided into material culture (tangible things like tools and clothing) and non-material culture (intangible things like habits, ideas, and religion).

Cultural Variation and Social Differences

• Cultural variation refers to differences in social behaviors across cultures.
• Social differences arise from discrimination based on economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, and profession.
• Examples of social differences: gender (biological characteristics and societal roles); socio-economic class (high, middle, and low income); ethnicity (shared culture, language, history); and race (shared physical characteristics).

Social Change

• Significant alterations in behavior patterns, values, and norms over time.
• Driven by modernization and globalization.

Political Identities

• Political positions based on the interests and perspectives of social groups.
• In democratic systems like the Philippines, leaders are elected.

Significance of Studying Culture, Society, and Politics

• Culture:* Enables adaptation to the environment, establishes acceptable behavior, conveys meaning, produces material goods, and contributes to human satisfaction.
• Society:* Provides economic interdependence, defines territorial identity, symbolizes political independence, and represents power distribution and resource allocation.
• Politics:* Art of government, public affairs, power, and resource distribution; involves academic consensus and compromise.

Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology

• Anthropology:* Scientific study of humankind, their works, bodies, behavior, and values across time and space. Goals include describing human biological and cultural evolution and diversity.
• Political Science:* Systematic study of the state, government, and relationships between individuals, groups, and sovereign entities. Goals include understanding current affairs and contributing to government and society.
• Sociology:* Scientific study of patterned human behavior and interaction, essential in understanding cultural makeup. Goals include self-understanding and aiding decision-making.