Understanding Culture and Society: Lesson 2

Study Notes

Different cultures exhibit unique social behaviors globally, leading to cultural variations.
Cultural Universals: Traits or patterns observable in all cultures, such as language and family structures.
Cultural Generalities: Traits found in some but not all societies, highlighting similarities across cultures.
Cultural Particularities: Unique traits confined to a specific culture or society.

Religion: A system of beliefs and practices concerning the spiritual or supernatural. In the Philippines, the government maintains secularism, ensuring protection of religious choice under the Constitution.
Ethnicity: Represents the cultural expressions of distinct ethnic groups, such as Filipinos and Anglo-Saxons. The Philippines has diverse ethno-linguistic groups like Ilocanos, Tagalogs, and Visayans, many of whom adopted Christianity while retaining elements of their indigenous culture.
Nationality: Defines the legal relationship between a person and their country, influencing state protections and jurisdiction. Nationality can affirm through birthplace (jus soli) or parentage (jus sanguinis), while citizenship confirms political status.

Social differences arise from variations in social characteristics and individual qualities.

Refers to societal roles and expectations associated with being male or female, alongside the biological concept of sex.
Gender Roles: Societal expectations dictate behaviors; traditionally, women are seen as homemakers while men are providers.

Categorizes individuals based on shared socio-economic privileges.
High-Income Class: Individuals earning approximately P200,000 per month.
Middle-Income Class: Includes those earning around P36,000 per month, typically professionals and small entrepreneurs.
Low-Income Class: Comprises individuals earning less than P10,000 monthly, often laborers and minimum wage earners.

Describes characteristics that deviate from societal norms, including various physical and mental attributes that distinguish an individual.

Communication is vital for understanding and sharing information in everyday life.
Effective communication involves both listening and talking, ensuring clarity in understanding.
Strong communication skills are essential for career advancement and relationship building.

Verbal Communication: Involves spoken or written forms of interaction.
- Oral Communication: Utilizes spoken words through face-to-face conversations, phone calls, voice notes, or chat rooms.
- Written Communication: Includes emails, texts, letters, reports, and social media posts.
Non-Verbal Communication: Encompasses various forms of interaction without words.
- Facial Expressions: Convey emotions and reactions.
- Gestures: Use of hands and body movements to express thoughts.
- Body Language: Posture and physical presence during communication.
- Eye Contact: Enhances connection and engagement.
- Haptics: Communication through touch.
- Proxemics: Use of physical space and distance between communicators.
- Tone of Voice: Conveys emotions and intentions alongside spoken words.

The term 'communication' originates from the Latin word "Communicare," meaning to transmit or share.
Communication can be defined as the act of sending and exchanging information between parties.
The process varies based on individual needs and the context of the communication.

Speaker: The sender who shares information or messages.
Message: Information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the speaker.
Encoding: The conversion of thoughts into words or actions for communication.
Channel: The medium through which the message is delivered, which can be personal or non-personal, and verbal or non-verbal.
Communication is inherently a two-way process involving active participation from both sender and receiver.