Social Sciences: Identity and Culture

Identity

• Identity is defined by distinctive characteristics shaped by group membership.
• It encompasses individual traits influenced by culture, society, and politics.

Social Sciences

• Social sciences study culture, society, and politics, represented by anthropology, sociology, and political science.

Anthropology

• Systematic study of biological, cultural, and social aspects of humans.
• Derived from Greek: "Anthropos" (man) and "logos" (study or inquiry).
• Integrates biological sciences and humanities to understand human complexity across cultures.

Sociology

• Defined by Anthony Giddens as the study of human social life, groups, and society.
• Explores individual and group behavior through economic, political, and social factors.

Political Science

• Systematic study of politics, described by Andrew Heywood.
• Focuses on values of equality, freedom, and justice and examines conflicts, resolutions, and cooperation.

Culture

• Culture refers to shared knowledge that shapes behavior and experiences.
• Includes explicit values and beliefs, implicit assumptions, customs, practices, and artifacts passed down generations.

Society

• Society consists of social actions, cultural practices, and political realities.
• Functions as a framework within which culture develops and individuals interact.

Cultural Variations

• Examples of cultural dress: Hanfu from the Tang Dynasty, Sari, and Filipiniana dress.
• Body language differs across cultures, reflecting unique social norms.

Aspects of Culture

• Culture is social, variable, shared, learned, transmitted, continuous, and gratifying.
• Values: Standards of behavior and judgments about what is important.
• Beliefs: Accepted truths or convictions, often based on traditions or experiences.
• Norms: Accepted behaviors in society, including greetings (e.g., handshakes).
• Language and Communication: Methods of conveying ideas (e.g., bowing for respect).
• Art and Aesthetics: Creative expressions like classical music or calligraphy.
• Social Institutions: Structures like family, education, religion, and government that organize societies.
• Technology and Material Culture: Modern tools and artifacts, such as smartphones.
• Cultural Symbols: Objects with significant meanings (e.g., the American flag symbolizing patriotism).
• Cultural Identity: How individuals identify themselves within cultural contexts.

Types of Culture

• Counterculture: Movements rejecting mainstream norms, such as the hippie movement of the 1960s.

Ethnocentrism vs. Xenocentrism

• Ethnocentrism: Viewing other cultures as inferior against one's own (e.g., criticizing indigenous lifestyles).
• Functions: Reinforces group solidarity, hinders understanding, can lead to social change.
• Xenocentrism: Preference for foreign values or products, often undermining local culture (e.g., seeking imported goods).

Society

• Society comprises individuals sharing interactions, relationships, and a sense of belonging.
• Organized patterns of relationships, structures, and social hierarchies influence social dynamics.

Aspects of Society

• Social Structure: Organized relationships determining individuals' roles.
• Social Institutions: Established systems (e.g., family, religion) structuring life.
• Social Norms: Accepted behaviors guiding actions in various situations.

Types of Society

• Hunting and Gathering: Nomadic groups relying on foraging.
• Agrarian Society: Settled communities with agricultural economies.
• Industrial Society: Focus on urbanization and complex social structures.
• Postindustrial Society: Emphasis on information and services rather than manufacturing.

Politics

• Politics encompasses governance, power dynamics, and decision-making processes.
• Involves competition, negotiation, and cooperation among individuals and groups.

Aspects of Politics

• Government: Institutions making and enforcing laws.
• Power: Ability to influence others’ behaviors.
• Political Ideologies: Systems of belief guiding societal organization.
• Public Policy: Government actions addressing societal issues.
• Political Participation: Citizen involvement in political processes.
• Political Culture: Shared beliefs regarding government roles.

Political Cultures

• Nordic Political Culture: Emphasizes equality and strong government involvement.
• Authoritarian Political Culture: Centralized control with limited freedoms.

Types of Politics

• Democracy: Power vested in the people through elected representatives.