Causes of Cultural Change-Ethnocentrism.pdf

CAUSES OF CULTURAL CHANGE is the process of finding a new place or an object, artefact or anything that previously existed. For example, the discovery of fire led to the art of cooking; discovery of oil, of organisms and substances; of diseases; of atoms and sources of energy. implies a creat...

CAUSES OF CULTURAL CHANGE is the process of finding a new place or an object, artefact or anything that previously existed. For example, the discovery of fire led to the art of cooking; discovery of oil, of organisms and substances; of diseases; of atoms and sources of energy. implies a creative mental process of devising, creating and producing something new, novel or original; and also the utilization and combination of previously known elements to produce that an original or novel product. It could be either social or material or it could also be invention of new methods or techniques. Example of social invention: invention of number system, government, language, democracy, religion, and alphabet Example of Material Invention: invention of the wheel, machines is the spread of cultural traits or social practices from a society or group to another belonging to the same society or to another through direct contact with each other and exposure to new forms. It involves the following social processes: a. Acculturation cultural borrowing and cultural imitation Example: The Filipinos are said to be the best English speaking people of Asia. b. Assimilation the blending or fusion of two distinct cultures through long periods of interaction Example: Americanization of Filipino immigrants to the US c. Amalgamation the biological or hereditary fusion of members of different societies Example: Marriage between a Filipino and an American d. Enculturation the deliberate infusion of a new culture to another Example: The teaching of American history and culture to the Filipinos during the early American Regime refers to the political, social, and political policy of establishing a colony which would be subject to the rule or governance of the colonizing state. For example, the Hispanization of Filipino culture when the Spaniards came and conquered the Philippines. movements aim to change the whole social order and replace the leadership. The challenge the existing folkways and mores, and propose a new scheme of norms, values and organization  ETHNOCENTRISM, XENOCENTRISM AND CULTURAL RELATIVISM AS ORIENTATIONS IN VIEWING OTHER CULTURES Orientations in Viewing Other Cultures ETHNOCENTRISM XENOCENTRISM CULTURAL RELATIVISM Ethnocentrism ❖ is a perception that arises from the fact that cultures differ and each culture defines reality differently. ❖ This happens when judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one’s own culture (Baleña, et.al,2016). ❖ This is the tendency to see and evaluate other cultures in terms of one’s own race, nation or culture. ❖ This is the feeling or belief that one’s culture is better than the rest.  Examples… 1. Colonialism Example: During European colonialism, colonizers often viewed their own culture as superior and sought to "civilize" indigenous populations by imposing their language, religion, and customs, dismissing native cultures as primitive or inferior.  Examples… 2. Language Superiority Example: Believing that one's language is superior to others. For instance, an English speaker might view other languages as less sophisticated or assume everyone should speak English, particularly in international settings.  Examples… 3. Stereotyping Example: Assuming that all members of a different cultural group share negative traits. For instance, thinking that people from a certain country are inherently lazy or untrustworthy based on cultural biases.  Examples… 4. Religious Ethnocentrism Example: Believing that one's religion is the only true faith and viewing other religions as wrong or inferior. This can lead to religious intolerance and discrimination against those who practice different beliefs.  Examples… 5. Manila-Centric View of the Philippines Example: People from Metro Manila sometimes view their region as the cultural and economic center of the Philippines, often dismissing or undervaluing the cultures, languages, and traditions of other regions such as Visayas and Mindanao. This can manifest in statements like, "Everything important happens in Manila," or the assumption that speaking Tagalog is the standard for all Filipinos, even in non-Tagalog-speaking regions.  Examples… 6. Religious Ethnocentrism: Catholics vs. Muslims Example: In some parts of the Philippines, particularly in predominantly Catholic areas, there may be a tendency to view Muslim Filipinos as less "Filipino" or to stereotype them as "terrorists" or "untrustworthy." This stems from a history of conflict and a lack of understanding of Islamic culture and beliefs. Xenocentrism ❖is the opposite of ethnocentrism ❖the belief that one’s culture is inferior compared to others. ❖People are highly influenced by the culture or many culture outside the realm of their society. Xenocentrism ❖This could be one of the effects of globalization. Exposure to cultural practices of others may make one individual or group of individuals to give preference to the ideas, lifestyle and products of of other culture.  Examples… 1. Idealization of Beauty Standards Example: Many Filipinos prefer lighter skin, which is often associated with Western or foreign beauty standards. This leads to the widespread use of skin-whitening products, as lighter skin is sometimes perceived as more attractive or desirable than the natural morena complexion.  Examples… 2. Preference for Foreign Entertainment Example: Many Filipinos prefer watching Hollywood movies, K-dramas, or listening to Western music over local films, TV shows, or OPM (Original Pilipino Music). This preference for foreign entertainment can sometimes lead to the underappreciation of local talent and productions.  Examples… 3. Marriage Preference Example: There is a perception among some Filipinos that marrying a foreigner, especially from Western countries, is more desirable or prestigious than marrying a fellow Filipino. This can be driven by the belief that a foreign partner can provide a better life or social status.  Examples… 4. Bias Towards Foreign-Made Technology Example: Some Filipinos may prefer to purchase electronics or gadgets from foreign companies like Apple, Samsung, or Sony, believing they are superior in quality compared to locally made products, even if local options are available. Cultural relativism ❖is an attempt to judge behavior according to its cultural context (Baleña, et.al,2016). ❖It is a principle that an individual person’s beliefs and activities should be understood by others in terms of that individual’s own culture. Cultural relativism ❖ This concept emphasizes the perspective that no culture is superior to any other culture (Arcinas, 2016) because (a)different societies have different moral code; (b)the moral code of a society determines what is right or wrong within the society; (c) there are no moral truths that hold for all people at all times; (d)the moral code of our own society has no special status, it is but one among many; and (e) it is arrogant for us to judge other cultures, so we have to be tolerant to them  CULTURAL RELATIVISM: ⮚ is the practice by assessing or judging a culture by its own standards rather that viewing it through the lens of one’s own culture. ⮚ Using the lens of cultural relativism, member of the society can be more tolerant towards different attitudes and practices of others’ culture. ⮚ It also promotes the idea that a society has to be viewed from inside so that the inner aspects can be explained.  ADVANTAGES OF CULTURAL RELATIVISM 1. It promotes cooperation. Embracing the differences of the different society can create cooperation because it allows a stronger bond with one another in the society. 2. Respect and Equality is encouraged. People from different culture with different ideas that share their own perspectives and experiences in the society can promote respect and equality. 3. It preserves human cultures. Respect with the diverse set of traditions, ideas and practices would help preserve the culture. ETHNOCENTRISM Advantages: 1. increase the levels of devotion to a community, country, or society 2. enhance solidarity in society 3. It can produce higher levels of self- esteem Ethnocentrism can be so strong but when confronted with all of the differences of a new culture, one may experience culture shock.  OTHER IMPORTANT TERMS RELATED TO CULTURE 1. Cultural diversity refers the differentiation of culture all over the world which means there is no right or wrong culture but there is appropriate culture for the need of a specific group of people. 2. Sub-culture refers to a smaller group within a larger culture. 3. Counterculture refers cultural patterns that strongly oppose those widely accepted within a society (example in the 1960”s counter culture among teenagers reflect long hair, blue jeans, peace sign, rock and roll music and drug abuse) Example of Sub-culture… Taho Vendors: Vendors who sell taho, a popular street food made from silken tofu, brown sugar syrup, and tapioca pearls, form a subculture with unique practices. They often have specific routes and a distinctive call ("Taho! Taho!") to attract customers. Their way of operating and interacting with the community sets them apart from the mainstream culture-Street Food culture. Example of Sub-culture… Vlogging Community: The vlogging subculture in the Philippines revolves around the creation and sharing of video blogs, or vlogs, on platforms like YouTube and Facebook. This community is characterized by its diverse range of content, including lifestyle, travel, beauty, food, and personal experiences. The vlogging community represents a modern subculture that leverages digital platforms to create, share, and engage with content, reflecting the evolving nature of media and communication in the Philippines. Example of Counterculture… The hacker and cypherpunk movements are countercultures that oppose the control of information by governments and large corporations. Hackers often challenge established norms regarding privacy, security, and intellectual property, advocating for open-source software, internet freedom, and the protection of personal data. Cypherpunks specifically focus on using cryptography to protect privacy and resist surveillance. Example of Counterculture… LGBTQ+ countercultures have emerged to challenge traditional norms regarding gender and sexuality. Activists have fought for the rights and recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, often in the face of significant opposition. Pride movements, drag culture, and queer activism represent a rejection of heteronormative values and promote diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity.  OTHER IMPORTANT TERMS RELATED TO CULTURE 4. Culture lag is experienced when some parts of the society do not change as fast as with other parts and they are left behind 5. Culture shock is the inability to read meaning in one’s surroundings, feeling of lost and isolation, unsure to act as a consequence of being outside the symbolic web of culture that binds others. 6. Ideal culture refers to the social patterns mandated by cultural values and norms. Example of Culture lag… Digital Technology and Education Example: The rapid development of digital technology, such as online learning platforms and educational apps, has outpaced the adaptation of traditional educational systems. Many schools and educators are still using outdated teaching methods and curricula that do not fully incorporate or utilize these new technologies, leading to a gap between what technology can offer and how it is actually used in classrooms. Example of Culture lag… Environmental Awareness and Industrial Practices Example: While there is growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable practices, many industries continue to operate using environmentally harmful methods. The lag in adopting greener technologies and practices, despite their availability, leads to ongoing environmental degradation. Example of Culture shock… Foreigners Adjusting to Filipino Time (Filipino Time) Example: Foreign visitors or expatriates might be surprised by the concept of "Filipino Time," where events often start later than scheduled. This can be particularly shocking for someone from a culture where punctuality is strictly observed, leading to frustration or confusion when meetings or gatherings don’t start on time. Example of Culture shock… Foreigners Navigating Filipino Food Culture Example: Foreigners might experience culture shock when confronted with Filipino food practices, such as the use of hands to eat (kamayan), the presence of "exotic" dishes like balut (fertilized duck egg), or the strong flavors of dishes like dinuguan (pork blood stew). The communal style of eating and sharing food might also be unfamiliar. Example of Ideal Culture… Ideal: The concept of bayanihan represents the Filipino ideal of communal unity and cooperation. It is often symbolized by the traditional practice of community members physically helping a family move their house (a nipa hut) from one place to another. This ideal reflects the value placed on helping one another and working together for the common good. Example of Ideal Culture… Another example of ideal culture is the concept of "honesty" in many societies, including the Philippines. Honesty is highly valued, with the expectation that people will tell the truth, avoid corruption, and act with integrity in both personal and professional relationships. This is reflected in national ideals, such as government campaigns promoting anti-corruption and schools teaching the importance of honesty from a young age. However, in reality, instances of dishonesty, corruption, or small acts like cheating on exams may still occur, showing a gap between the ideal and real culture.  OTHER IMPORTANT TERMS RELATED TO CULTURE 7. Real culture refers to the actual patterns that only approximate cultural expectations. 8. High culture refers to the cultural patterns that distinguish a society’s elite 9. Popular culture refers to the cultural patterns that are widespread among a society’s population. 10. Culture change is the manner by which culture evolves. Example of Real Culture… Environmental Conservation (Philippines): The ideal culture promotes environmental care, such as proper waste disposal, recycling, and protecting natural resources. However, in real culture, littering and improper garbage disposal are common, especially in urban areas, despite efforts to promote cleanliness and conservation. Example of Real Culture… Punctuality (Philippine Setting): The ideal culture values punctuality, with people expected to arrive on time for meetings, events, or appointments. However, in real culture, the concept of "Filipino time" persists, where people often arrive late, and it's socially accepted in many situations. Examples of high culture, which refers to cultural products and practices associated with the elite or upper class and are often considered prestigious or refined: Attending Opera Performances: Opera is often seen as a symbol of high culture, with its elaborate compositions, sophisticated staging, and connection to classical music. In the Philippines, for example, attending a performance at venues like the Cultural Center of the Philippines reflects participation in high culture. Examples of high culture, which refers to cultural products and practices associated with the elite or upper class and are often considered prestigious or refined: Fine Art Exhibitions: Visiting art galleries or museums to appreciate famous works of art, such as paintings by Fernando Amorsolo or sculptures by Guillermo Tolentino, is seen as a form of high culture. These exhibits are often attended by art enthusiasts, collectors, and intellectuals. Example of Popular Culture… Mainstream Music: Pop music by artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Ariana Grande is a major part of popular culture. Their songs are played on the radio, streamed online, and discussed across social media platforms, reaching a broad audience. Example of Popular Culture… Fast Food Consumption: Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and KFC represent a cultural pattern embraced by people across different backgrounds. Eating at these places is part of the everyday lifestyle of many, showing how food habits reflect popular culture