UCSP Reviewer PDF

UCSP Reviewer Module 1 Lesson 1: The Science of Man and Society LESSON OBJECTIVES Welcome to the introduction to the understanding culture, society, and politics. For our first topic, we will be exploring the science of man and society by defining some key concepts. At the end of this lesson, you...

UCSP Reviewer Module 1 Lesson 1: The Science of Man and Society LESSON OBJECTIVES Welcome to the introduction to the understanding culture, society, and politics. For our first topic, we will be exploring the science of man and society by defining some key concepts. At the end of this lesson, you should be able to; 1. explain anthropological and sociological perspectives on culture and society (UCSPC11DCS-Ic6) 2. describe society and culture as a complex whole (UCSPC11/12DCSIc-7) 3. apply the concepts learned to real-world situations, enhancing their understanding of the relevance of these fields in everyday life. Social Sciences: – the study of society, culture and politics based on social and political philosophy (Scott 2006, p.9; Retrieved from Lanuza and Raymundo), offer multitudes of disciplines with different perspectives about people and society — three key disciplines for UCSP: Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science. In this lesson, we will be focusing on the concepts of culture, anthropology, society, and sociology. Culture (from the Latin cultura stemming from colere, meaning "to cultivate") as stated by Edward Tylor,” culture... is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.” Example: Christianity, Islam, mano (honoring gesture), hospitality, bayanihan, Ati-atihan festival, Feast of the Black Nazarene, Spoliarium, manunggul jar, adobo, and sinigang are all part of Filipino culture. How Can we study Culture? Anthropology is generally defined as Scientific study of humanity. Here are some of the definitions of anthropology. Anthropology is the study of the origin and development of human societies and cultures (National Geographic, n.d.) Anthropology is the study of humans in all areas and in all periods of time (Triton College, n.d.) Anthropology is the only discipline that can access evidence about the entire human experience on this planet (Schiffer, 1999). Meaning, anthropology covers all areas of human society, culture, and experience in all periods of time. This is contrary to the misconception that anthropology only studies the past; this is only one area of anthropology. There are a lot of disciplines in anthropology that focus on a particular aspect of human society and culture. Here are the four major subdisciplines of anthropology.  ○ Archaeology understands the past through pre-historic and historical materials, architectural features, landscapes, and remains. This is often called as the “anthropology of the past”. Example, the Laguna Copperplate Inscription is one of very few Philippine historical documents dating from the precolonial period and the only one bearing information on the social life of the Manila region before the arrival of the Spanish. ○ Bioanthropology examines human and non-human primate evolution, ecology, behavior, and biocultural variation. Example, in 2007, archaeologists unearthed human bones in the Philippines that proved early man had lived on the archipelago almost 70,000 years ago. It was revealed that it was significantly older than Tabon ManLinks to an external site. - dated to 67,000 years ago - making it the oldest human remains ever found in the Philippines. ○ Linguistic anthropology studies the many ways language reflects and influences social life. Example, the study “The Language of Fliptop among Filipino Youth: A Discourse Analysis” by Bong Borero Lumabao, Ph.D This academic undertaking attempt on discovering the discourse of Fliptop among Filipino Youth in terms of its phonological, morphological and semantic features of the fliptop talk, structures in the lines and insights can be gained from the fliptop talk. ○ Social-cultural anthropology examines social patterns and processes within and across cultures. Example, the study “‘Direct’ and ‘instant’: the role of digital technology and social media in young Filipinos’ intimate relationships by Christine Marie Habito, Alison Morgan & Cathy Vaughan.” They also use private spaces afforded by digital technology and social media to bypass traditional expectations of courtship, facilitating rapid relationship progression, and online and offline sexual intimacy. Society: As described by Charles Horton Cooley, “Society is a complex of form or processes, each of which is living and growing by interaction with the others, the whole being so unified that what takes place in one part affects all the rest.” Society has many different definitions. However, most of it tells us that a society is composed of a group of people that interacts with one another. How Can we study society? Sociology: Sociology is the scientific study of society (Auguste Comte, Father of sociology). Just like society, sociology is also defined in many different ways. Here are some definitions of sociology according to known experts in the field. Sociology is the study of social action (Max Weber)  Sociology is the study of collective behavior (Park and Burgess) Sociology is the study of social facts through social institutions (Emile Durkheim) Sociology is the study of humans living together (Tonnies) Sociology is the study of social groups on the basis of social interaction (Simmel) Sociology is the scientific study of social aspects of human life (Marck Young) Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior (Case Western Reserve University) Knowledge of society can only be acquired through scientific investigation… and by observing the laws that govern social stability and social change. Scientific understanding of these laws can bring about change. Science can be used to build a better world as Auguste Comte said, “From science comes prediction; from prediction comes action.” On the basis of above definitions, we can conclude that sociology is the science of society, human behavior, human interaction and relationships. It intends to address the most pressing issues of our time such as street crimes, welfare or education reform, problems of peace and war, and etc. Module 1 Lesson 2: Understanding Filipino Culture LESSON OBJECTIVES Welcome to the second lesson in the course understanding culture, society, and politics. After knowing the key concepts in this course, we will be exploring the characteristics of Filipino culture. At the end of this lesson, you should be able to; 1. define and explain the characteristics and key concepts related to Filipino culture 2. reflect on their own cultural identity and how Filipino cultural characteristics influence their behavior, values, and worldview. Philippine society is a unique blend of diversity and homogeneity. Although geographically part of Southeast Asia, the country is culturally strongly Euro-American. Forces of assimilation have constantly worked to overcome cultural differences between the various ethnic groups that are scattered—sometimes in relative isolation—throughout the archipelago. To understand more the culture in the Philippines, this module will discuss the types and characteristics, and reflect on some Filipino culture. Types of Culture Material Culture: tools, weapons, utensils, machines, ornaments, art, buildings, monuments, written records, religious images, clothing, and any other ponderable objects produced or used by humans. Bahay kubo, barong tagalog, baro’t saya, salakot, bigas, simbahan, tela, liham, etx., are all examples of material culture. If all the human beings in the world ceased to exist, nonmaterial aspects of culture would cease to exist along with them. However, examples of material culture would still be present until they disintegrated. An example of it is the Manunggul Jar that existed in 890-710 BC, sociological evidence of a society with clear beliefs in both the existence of the soul and life after death. Nonmaterial Culture: Non-material culture refers to the intangible aspects of a society’s culture, including values, norms, language, beliefs, and symbolic meanings. Kristyanismo, pagmamano, pagbabatok, mga awit, etc., are all examples of nonmaterial culture. It represents the unseen spiritual and intellectual substance of a society’s culture. For instance, tattooing or pagbabatok in some communities in the Philippines’ ancient times was associated with social status within the community. A Kalinga warrior who is heavily marked with these ancient tattoos, commands a lot of respect and could make his enemies tremble in fear. People at that time, believe that tattoos possess spiritual power and magical qualities which gave them strength and protection. More women are also attracted to men with lots of tattoos in his body. Characteristics of Culture Culture is social: Culture does not exist in isolation. It is a product of society. It develops through social interaction. No man can acquire culture without association with others. Culture varies from one society to society: Every society has a culture of its own that differs from other societies. The culture of every society is unique by itself. Cultures are not uniform. Cultural elements like customs, traditions, morals, values, and beliefs are not constant. For instance, Philippines has no single set of values and beliefs. There are more than 182 ethnolinguistic groups, many of which are classified as "Indigenous Peoples" under the country's Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997, each of these have differences in culture. Culture is shared: Culture is not something that an individual alone can possess. Culture, in sociological sense, is shared. For example, people of a society share all customs, traditions, beliefs, ideas, values, morals, etc. Culture is learned: Culture is not inborn. It is learned. Unlearned behavior then, is not culture. Shaking hands, saying thanks, etc. are cultural behaviors. Not all behaviors are learned, but most of these can be. Combing hair, standing in line, telling jokes, criticizing the president, and going to movies all constitute behaviors that need to be learned. Culture is transmitted among members of society: Cultural ways are learned by people from others. Many of these ways are handed down from elders, parents, teachers, and others (most likely individuals of older generation), while other cultural behaviors are handed up to elders. Transmission of culture is made possible by language. Language is the main vehicle of culture. Transmission of culture may take place also through imitation as well as through instruction. Culture is cumulative and continuous: Culture exists as a continuous process. In its historical growth, it tends to become cumulative. Ralph Linton called culture “the social heritage” of man. No culture ever remains constant or permanent. It is subject to slow but constant variation. Likewise, culture is responsive to the changing conditions of the physical world; hence, it is dynamic. Culture is gratifying and idealistic: Culture provides proper opportunities for the satisfaction of our needs and desires. Our needs, both biological and social, are fulfilled in cultural ways. Culture consists of the intellectual, artistic, and social ideals, and institutions where members of the society profess and strive to confirm. Rethinking some of the Filipino Culture It is difficult, if not impossible, to define what a Filipino is. All that can be done is to pick out those traits common to average Filipinos and to separate those that are obviously foreign. Hospitality ○ “He makes you feel that he is honored by your invasion of privacy at an unholy hour of the day or night” ○ Misunderstood by many foreigners who thought that such show of profuse hospitality was a form of inferiority and obsequiousness Very Close Family Ties ○ The Filipino family ordinarily consists of grandparents, parents, and children. ○ The father is the head of the family, but while he rules, the mother governs. ○ But over and above the “ruler” and the “governor” are the grandparents, whose opinions and decisions on all important matters are sought. (BIYENAN THINGS!) ○ If there is anything that a Filipino fears, it is the charge of being a “bad relative”. ○ This custom of taking care of poor relations is so deeply ingrained in the Filipino character that one may trace the root of graft and corruption to the closeness of family ties. Respect for elders  ○ The Filipino parent exercises almost absolute power over the children. ○ The elders believe, and demand, that they be obeyed – right or wrong. ○ “Papunta ka pa lang, pabalik na ako” ○ Includes respect for the elder brother or sister. It is responsibility of the elder brother to perform the duties of the father and mother to the younger members of the family. Fatalistic (bahala na) ○ He believes that whatever happens to him is a work of Fate. ○ Such fatalism has bred Filipino a sense of resignation He appears indifferent in the face of graft and corruption He appears impassive in the face of personal misfortune Loyalty to a friend ○ Utang na loob ○ Do him a little favor and he remembers you to the end of his days. ○ A man’s friend is considered member of the family. The tendency to be indolent ○ Rizal admits the existence of indolence among the Filipinos, but it could be attributed to a number of reasons. ○ The first factor is the limited training and education Filipino natives receive. Segregated from Spaniards, Filipinos do not receive the same opportunities that are available to the foreigners. They are taught to be inferior. ○ The second factor is the lack of a national sentiment of unity among them. Because Filipinos think they are inferior, they submit to the foreign culture and do everything to imitate it. ○ The solution, according to Rizal, would be education and liberty. Lack of initiative ○ Natural fear of competition, for Filipino society is cooperative not competitive. ○ Bakit pa ako mag-aaral nang mabuti kung 75 lang pasado na. Anong gagawin ko sa sobra?” Helpful and cooperative (bayanihan) ○ a tradition of communal work and unity that has been practiced in the Philippines for centuries. ○ a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie that inspires Filipinos to help one another—especially those in need—without any expectations of material rewards. Regionalistic ○ Regionalism has been defined as a political ideology that favors a specific region over a greater area. ○ While positive regionalism may instill a feeling of joy and love towards one's heritage and culture, there is a threat of an excessive attachment to one's regions in preference to the country of the state. For example, Bisaya language is used when cracking jokes or trying to make someone laugh by mimicking Visayan's native accent. ○ This Filipino culture can also be observed during the election in which people vote the candidates who came from their region. Pakikisama ○ Intensive signification of camaraderie or spirit of comradeship.  ○ The main elements of which are unselfishness and good faith. There is, thérefore, no element of deceit, or dishonesty, or subversion of justice, attached to the term. ○ Mabuting makisama are those people who are honest and unselfish. On the other hand, those masamang makisama are elfish and incapable of empathy. ○ Today, however, this culture has been changed. For a person to be described as mabuting makisama, he must be dishonest, unjust, unfair, or unprincipled by subverting justice in order to be in the good graces of many people. ○ Thus, in Filipino society today, the most popular and highly respected people are not the honest intellectuals and artists, nut the “respectable” robbers in high public positions; the experts in issuing press releases praising themselves for fictitious achievements; the crooked public relations men who are adapt at twisting facts in order to make an idiot appear a genius in public; and the unprincipled politicians who have never heard of decency and honor. Module 1 Lesson 3: Social Norms and Attitudes towards Cultural variation LESSON OBJECTIVES Welcome to the second lesson in the course understanding culture, society, and politics. After knowing the key concepts in this course and the characteristics of Filipino culture, it’s time to explore Social Norms and Attitudes towards Cultural Variation. At the end of this lesson, you should be able to; 1. Define and differentiate different social norms and attitudes towards cultural variation such as ethnocentrism, xenocentrism, and cultural relativism. 2. Analyze real-world scenarios or case studies where ethnocentrism, xenocentrism, or cultural relativism are evident. 3. Discuss strategies for fostering cross-cultural understanding and reducing cultural bias in diverse settings. Social norms are the perceived rules, formal or informal, written or unwritten, that define acceptable and appropriate actions within a given group or community, thus guiding human behavior. They consist of what we do, what we believe others do, and what we believe others approve of and expect us to do. Social norms are therefore situated at the interplay between behavior, beliefs and expectations. Social norms are learned and accepted from an early age, often in infancy, and held in place by social sanctions (‘punishments’) for non-adherence to the norm and social benefits (‘rewards’) for adherence. If people conform to the norm, they expect to be socially accepted or rewarded; if they do not conform, they expect to be socially punished or excluded. Forms of Social Norms Folkways: Early American sociologist William Graham Sumner was the first to write about the distinctions between different types of norms in his book Folkways: A Study of  the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals (1906). Sumner created the framework that sociologists still use. ○ Folkways, he wrote, are norms that stem from and organize casual interactions, and emerge out of repetition and routines. We engage in them to satisfy our daily needs, and they are most often unconscious in operation, though they are quite useful for the ordered functioning of society. A common example of a folkway is the practice, in many societies, of waiting in line. This practice brings order to the process of buying things or receiving services, allowing us to more easily perform the tasks of our daily lives. Mores: more strict than folkways, as they determine what is considered moral and ethical behavior; they structure the difference between right and wrong. People feel strongly about mores, and violating them typically results in disapproval or ostracizing. As such, mores exact a greater coercive force in shaping our values, beliefs, behavior, and interactions than do folkways. Religious doctrines are an example of mores that govern social behavior. ○ For example, many religions have prohibitions on cohabitation with a romantic partner before marriage. If a young adult from a strict religious family moves in with her boyfriend then her family, friends, and congregation are likely to view her behavior as immoral. They might punish her behavior by scolding her, threatening judgment in the afterlife, or shunning her from their homes and the church. These actions are meant to indicate that her behavior is immoral and unacceptable, and are designed to make her change her behavior to align with the violated more. The belief that forms of discrimination and oppression, like racism and sexism, are unethical is another example of an important more in many societies. Taboos: A taboo is a very strong negative norm; it is a prohibition of certain behavior that is so strict that violating it results in extreme disgust and even expulsion from the group or society. ○ Often the violator of the taboo is considered unfit to live in that society. For instance, in some Muslim cultures, eating pork is taboo because the pig is considered unclean. At the more extreme end, incest and cannibalism are both considered taboos in most places. Laws: A law is a norm that is formally inscribed at the state or federal level and is enforced by police or other government agents. ○ Laws exist to discourage behavior that would typically result in injury or harm to another person, including violations of property rights. Those who enforce laws have been given legal right by a government to control behavior for the good of society at large. When someone violates a law, a state authority will impose a sanction, which can be as light as a payable fine or as severe as imprisonment. Attitudes Towards Cultural Variation Etnocentrism and Xenocentrism In our discussions on the characteristics of culture, it became clear that differences between cultures and societies do exist and may even seem to be unavoidable. To further contextualize our understanding of cultural differences, tackling ethnocentrism unavoidable. relativism as orientations in viewing other cultures is in order. Ethnocentrism is defined as "the act of judging another culture from the perspective of one's own" (Atingdui 2011). Such perspective views the other culture "as inferior when compared to one’s own. One's own perspective is judged as right while the other is judged as wrong or less than" (ibid.). Thus, ethnocentrism considers the viewer's definition of the truth, as the absolute one—the only correct one, the only acceptable way of life, so to speak. Extreme forms of ethnocentrism are also labeled as cultural chauvinism-"the sense of superiority that ethnic or national groups have of themselves relative to others" (Ibelema 2021). In contrast, cultural relativism considers all perspectives as equally valid, that "truth" relies on the individual's or his/her culture's definition of what the truth is (Reichert 2015). One frequently used example of ethnocentrism is on certain cultural views like using eating utensils. Certain cultures use chopsticks, while some use spoon and fork. Others use fork and knives, while others use their bare hands for eating. An ethnocentric person from one of any of these cultures would consider his/her utensils as the only acceptable ones. In 2006, a 7-year-old Filipino, Luc Cagadoc, "was reprimanded by his school's staff several times for eating with a spoon and fork" and he was also told that he ate "like a pig" and that he "should eat his food like other Canadians" (Tiro 2010)-e.g., typically using fork and knife. Luc's family filed a case at the Quebec Human Rights Tribunal and was awarded $17,000 in damages. Ethnocentrism is also at play when a white American shouts "speak English! You're in America!" at a Latino/Latina speaking in Spanish while in the United States or when a Filipino insists on asking for pasalubong from a balikbayan (asking for gifts or small imported items from a returning migrant worker) and judges those who don't give pasalubong as having lost their "Filipino-ness." Nazi Germany’s idea of “Master Race” Nazism’s ideology was shaped by Hitler’s beliefs in German racial superiority and the dangers of communism. In total, six million Jewish men, women, and children were murdered by the Nazi German regime and its allies and collaborators. Antisemitism, the hatred of or prejudice against Jews, was a basic tenet of Nazi ideology. This prejudice was also widespread throughout Europe. European’s idea of “White Man’s Burden” defines white imperialism and colonialism in moral terms, as a “burden” that the white race must take up in order to help the non-white races develop civilization It played a key role in the congressional debates about whether America should annex the Philippine Islands after the Spanish-American War. the phrase "white man's burden" remains notorious as a racist justification for Western conquest. Tagalog vs Bisaya discrimination and prejudice against people from the Visayas or Mindanao regions of the Philippines, particularly those who speak Bisaya (Cebuano). Historically, the centralization of power and resources in Luzon, particularly in Metro Manila, has contributed to regional divides. Bisaya speakers are unfairly viewed as inferior or less educated, despite many from these regions excelling in various fields. The conflicts brought by ethnocentrism lead many to embrace cultural relativism instead. One positive form of cultural relativism is recognizing that various cultures have various ways of using utensils, and that is fine and there is no right or wrong way of using utensils and/or there's no right or wrong eating utensils (except perhaps in the context of fine dining occasions, where there are minimum customary expectations from diners). Hence, in the view of cultural relativists, even using bare hands for eating (acceptable if not preferable in some Asian countries like the Philippines, especially when eating thorny fish or any seafood) is perfectly normal and acceptable. Meanwhile, a contentious example of cultural relativism is the way cultural relativists "argue that there are diverse ways to interpret and to use or abuse human rights" (Le 2016). Such view can be (mis)interpreted as a pretext for saying that Western standards on human rights could be more stringent, and hence, what the West would label as "human rights violations" may still be considered as acceptable in some non-Western countries, owing to cultural differences. A related example is female genital mutilation that is banned in some cultures (especially in Western countries), "but permitted in others" (Wilkinson 2014). Closer at home, supporters and detractors of President Rodrigo Duterte's bluntness-bordering vulgarity at times (McCargo 2016) offer competing explanations. Some insist it's part of Cebuano subculture (Mendez 2016) while others emphasize "culture is not an excuse" (Lasco 2018) to be vulgar. Scrutinizing and contextualizing his pronouncements— curated by journalist Pia Ranada (2019)—is a necessary exercise in understanding the complexity of culture and cultural relativism. Ethnocentrism, has an opposite relative—xenocentrism, or the belief that one's culture is inferior to another. A xenocentric person usually has a high regard for other cultures but disdains his/her own or is embarrassed by it. Xenocentrism is evident in many Filipinos, especially those who are influenced by other cultures. Many Filipinos prefer imported products rather than locally made ones, thinking that the quality is better if the product is made abroad. Another example is the penchant of many Filipinos especially teens for East Asian culture, such as Japanese, South Korea, and Taiwanese. The wider popularity of J-pop, K-pop, and the like, over the Philippine pop culture is evidence of the high level of xenocentrism of many Filipinos. The latest findings of Kantar Worldpanel’s Brand Footprint 2018 shows local brands that made it to the top 50 only got 28% in spend share. “Jaja Santiago tinalikuran ang pagiging Pilipino.” Cultural Relativism Cultural Relativism is the claim that ethical practices differ among cultures, and what is considered right in one culture may be considered wrong in another. The implication of cultural relativism is that no one society is superior to another; they are merely different. This claim comes with several corollaries; namely, that different societies have different moral codes, there is no objective standard to judge how good or bad these moral codes are, and that the job of those who study cultures is not to compare these customs to their own, but to describe them. It states that there are no universal beliefs, and each culture must be understood in its own terms because cultures cannot be translated into terms that are accessible everywhere. The principle is sometimes practiced to avoid cultural bias in research and to avoid judging another culture by the standards of one’s own culture. For this reason, cultural relativism has been considered an attempt to avoid ethnocentrism. From the cultural relativist perspective, no culture is superior to another when comparing their systems of morality, law, politics, etc. This is because cultural norms and values, according to cultural relativism, derive their meaning within a specific social context. Cultural relativism is also based on the idea that there is no absolute standard of good or evil. Thus, every decision and judgment of what is right or wrong is individually decided in each society. As a result, any opinion on ethics is subject to the perspective of each person within their particular culture. In practice, cultural relativists try to promote the understanding of cultural practices that are unfamiliar to other cultures, such as eating insects and sacrificial killing. “There’s nothing wrong with your beliefs!” Cultural relativists believe that the Philippine gorvenment should not impose their ideas on terrorists including the idea that suicide bombing/ bombing of civillians is evil. Islamic belief in the necessity of Jihad is as valid as any belief in Philippine Society. Philippine government is as much to blame for the attacks in Marawi as are the terrorists. The Sawi or Sawuy are an ethnic group of South Papua, Indonesia. They were known to be cannibalistic headhunters as recently as the 1950s. Don Richardson, a Christian missionary, evangelized the Sawi Tribe of the Netherlands, New Guinea in 1962. They gave up their long-held customs of cannibalism and sacrificing widows on their husbands funeral pyre. While most people in the world agree that ending cannibalism is a good thing, CULTURAL RELATIVISTS MAY ACCUSE DON RICHARDSON OF CULTURAL IMPERIALISM. Strengths of Cultural Relativism Cultural relativism has a number of benefits that can help people gain greater insight into different cultures. This perspective can help: Promote cultural understanding: Because cultural relativism encourages seeing cultures with an open mind, it can foster greater empathy, understanding, and respect for cultures different from ours. Protect cultural respect and autonomy: Cultural relativism recognizes that no culture is superior to any other. Rather than attempting to change other cultures, this perspective encourages people to respect the autonomy and self-determinism of other cultures, which can play an important role in preserving the heritage and traditions of other cultures. Foster learning: By embracing cultural relativism, people from different backgrounds are able to communicate effectively and create an open dialogue to foster greater learning for other cultures of the world. Limitations of Cultural Relativism Failure to Address Human Rights: This perspective has been criticized for failing to address universal rights. Some suggest that this approach may appear to condone cultural practices that constitute human rights violations. It can be challenging to practice non-judgment of other cultures while still protecting people’s right to live free from discrimination and oppression. Reducing Cultures to Stereotypes: Cultural relativism sometimes falls victim to the tendency to stereotype and simplify cultures. Rather than fully appreciating the full complexity and diversity that may exist within a culture, people may reduce it to a homogenous stereotype. This often prevents outsiders from seeing the many variations that may exist within a society and fully appreciating the way cultures evolve over time. Individual Rights vs. Cultural Values: This perspective may sometimes lead observers to place a higher priority on a culture’s collective values while dismissing individual variations. This might involve, for example, avoiding criticism of cultures that punish political dissidents who voice opposition to cultural norms, and practices. Module 2 Lesson 1: Sociological Imagination and Perspectives Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson, you should be able to; identify the key sociological perspectives: structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism; reflect on personal experiences in relation to larger social patterns and structures; and present an analysis of a current social issue using sociological imagination and a selected sociological perspective. “Many personal troubles must be understood in terms of public issue.” -Charles Wright Mills (1916-1962)  The sociological imagination is a concept established by C. Wright Mills (1916-1962) The sociological imagination is making the connection between personal challenges and larger social issues. Mills identified “troubles” (personal challenges) and “issues” (larger social challenges), also known as biography, and history, respectively. Mills’ sociological imagination allows individuals to see the relationships between events in their personal lives (biography), and events in their society (history). provides the ability for individuals to realize the relationship between their personal experiences and the larger society in which they live their lives. ○ The sociological understanding of social problems rests heavily on the concept of the sociological imagination. Urban Traffic and Work-Life Balance PERSONAL TROUBLE: An employee in Metro Manila spends hours in traffic every day, leaving little time for family or personal life. He came late to work and blamed himself for not adjusting with the traffic. PUBLIC ISSUE: Traffic congestion is not just a personal inconvenience but a public issue resulting from urban overpopulation, insufficient public transportation systems, and urban planning challenges. The issue reflects broader societal and policy failures. Jeepney Phaseout and Modernization PERSONAL TROUBLE: A jeepney driver can't afford the new eco-friendly vehicles required by the government's modernization plan and fears losing his livelihood. PUBLIC ISSUE: While the government’s modernization policy aims to reduce traffic and pollution, it disproportionately affects marginalized jeepney drivers, raising concerns about social equity and the lack of support for jeepney drivers. Filipino Resilience during Typhoon PERSONAL TROUBLE: A family repeatedly losing their home to typhoons but continuously rebuilding, often celebrated as "Filipino resilience." PUBLIC ISSUE: The Philippines is prone to natural disasters due to its geographic location, but the vulnerability of communities is also shaped by poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and unequal access to resources. “Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both” “The sociological understanding of social problems rests heavily on the concept of sociological imagination, we can sociologically understand it further through sociological perspectives.”