Understanding Culture, Society, And Politics Handouts PDF

UNDERSTANDING CULTURE SOCIETY AND POLITICS HANDOUTS Social, cultural, and political phenomena are complex aspects of human society that shape our interactions, beliefs, and governance. They are interconnected and often influence each other. Let's explore each of these phenomena and provide e...

UNDERSTANDING CULTURE SOCIETY AND POLITICS HANDOUTS Social, cultural, and political phenomena are complex aspects of human society that shape our interactions, beliefs, and governance. They are interconnected and often influence each other. Let's explore each of these phenomena and provide examples for a better understanding: 1. Social Phenomena: Social phenomena refer to observable patterns of behavior, attitudes, and interactions among individuals or groups within a society. They encompass various aspects of human life, including relationships, norms, and institutions. Examples of social phenomena include:  Social Norms: These are unwritten rules and expectations that guide behavior within a society. For example, the norm of not talking loudly in a library.  Social Movements: These are collective efforts by a group of people to bring about social or political change. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1960s is a prominent example.  Social Inequality: Disparities in wealth, income, education, and opportunities among different groups within a society are examples of social phenomena. The gender pay gap is one such example.  Social Networks: The formation of connections and relationships between individuals through platforms like Facebook or in-person gatherings is a social phenomenon that impacts communication and information flow. 2. Cultural Phenomena: Cultural phenomena pertain to the shared beliefs, values, customs, traditions, and practices of a particular group or society. These aspects define a group's identity and guide their behavior. Examples of cultural phenomena include:  Language and Dialects: The evolution of languages, dialects, and accents within a society is a cultural phenomenon. For instance, the various dialects of Chinese spoken across different regions.  Religious Practices: The rituals, beliefs, and ceremonies associated with various religions are cultural phenomena. For example, Diwali, the festival of lights in Hinduism.   Cultural Globalization: The spread of cultural elements, such as music, movies, and fashion, across borders, leading to the diffusion of cultures. The global popularity of K-pop is an example. 3. Political Phenomena: Political phenomena refer to events, structures, and processes related to governance, power, and decision-making within a society or at the international level. Examples of political phenomena include:  Elections and Voting Behavior: The conduct of elections, voter turnout, and the political preferences of the electorate are political phenomena. For example, the presidential election in the United States.  Government Institutions: The establishment and functioning of government institutions, such as parliaments, congresses, and courts, are political phenomena. The separation of powers in a democracy is one such example.  Political Revolutions: Mass uprisings and movements aimed at overthrowing existing political systems or leaders, like the French Revolution in 1789.  International Relations: Diplomacy, treaties, conflicts, and alliances between nations constitute political phenomena. The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union is a notable historical example. These three categories of phenomena are deeply interconnected and often influence one another. For instance, cultural values can shape social norms, and political decisions can impact cultural preservation or change. Understanding these phenomena is essential for comprehending the complexities of human societies and how they evolve over tim e. Human cultural variation and social differences are fundamental aspects of human society that arise from the diversity of cultures, traditions, and social structures across the world. These variations and differences play a significant role in shaping individual identities, group dynamics, and the overall fabric of societies. Let's explore these concepts further: Cultural Variation:  Definition: Cultural variation refers to the differences in beliefs, values, customs, traditions, behaviors, and practices that exist among various cultural groups and societies. It encompasses the diverse ways in which people from different backgrounds interpret and interact with the world around them.   Examples of Cultural Variation:  Food and Cuisine: The wide variety of culinary traditions, from sushi in Japan to pasta in Italy, demonstrates cultural differences in food preparation and consumption.  Clothing and Attire: Traditional clothing, such as the kimono in Japan or the sari in India, reflects cultural identity and values.  Festivals and Celebrations: Cultural festivals like Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Carnival in Brazil showcase unique customs, rituals, and celebrations. Social Differences:  Definition: Social differences refer to disparities and distinctions among individuals or groups within a society based on various factors, including socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, age, and more. These differences can result in unequal access to resources, opportunities, and social privileges.  Examples of Social Differences:  Income Inequality/Socio Economic Status: Disparities in income levels, with some individuals earning significantly more than others within the same society.  Gender Inequality: Unequal treatment and opportunities for individuals based on their gender, including the gender pay gap and limited access to leadership roles for women.  Racial and Ethnic Disparities: Disproportionate access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities based on race or ethnicity. Understanding and addressing cultural variation and social differences are essential for promoting social cohesion, equity, and inclusion within societies. Efforts to bridge these differences often involve education, policy changes, advocacy, and fostering cultural sensitivity and empathy among individuals and communities. Social Change Social change refers to the alteration, transformation, or modification of various aspects of society over time. It encompasses a wide range of shifts and developments in the beliefs, behaviors, norms, values, institutions, and structures that make up a society. Social change can occur at different levels, from individual and interpersonal dynamics to broader societal and global scales. It often involves shifts in societal attitudes, laws, policies, and cultural practices. Women's Suffrage: The fight for women's suffrage was a long and arduous social change process. Women's rights activists campaigned for decades to secure the right to vote for women in many countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and various European nations. Worker's Rights: Labor movements and social activism have played a significant role in improving workers' rights over the years, leading to changes like minimum wage laws, workplace safety regulations, and collective bargaining rights. Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of the world through trade, technology, and travel has led to significant social changes. It has facilitated the exchange of cultures, ideas, and goods on a global scale. Technology and Communication: The advent of the internet and social media has transformed the way people communicate, access information, and interact with one another. This technological advancement has had far-reaching social and cultural consequences. Cultural Change Cultural change refers to the transformation or evolution of the shared beliefs, values, customs, norms, practices, and behaviors within a particular culture or society over time. It encompasses shifts in the way people think, perceive, and interact within their cultural context. Cultural change can occur gradually, as part of a natural process of adaptation and development, or it can be influenced by deliberate efforts to introduce new ideas, technologies, or practices into a culture. Fast Food Culture: The rise of fast food chains and the convenience of quick, pre- packaged meals have changed how people eat. Fast food has become a significant part of many cultures' diets, leading to concerns about health and nutrition. Fashion: Fashion is a reflection of cultural, social, economic, and individual factors, and it plays a significant role in how people express their identities and conform to or challenge societal expectations. Political Change Political change refers to the process by which the structures, policies, leadership, and ideologies within a political system or government undergo transformation or evolution. Political change can manifest in various forms, from incremental policy adjustments to more significant shifts in political regimes or systems of governance. Policy Change: Political change often involves shifts in policies and legislation. Governments may adopt new laws, regulations, or public policies to address emerging issues or respond to changing societal needs. For instance, changes in healthcare policies, tax laws, or environmental regulations can be examples of political change. Constitutional Change: Amendments to a country's constitution or the adoption of a new constitution can signify significant political change. These changes can redefine the powers and structure of government, as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizens. For example, the ratification of a new constitution in South Africa in 1996 marked a major political change by ending apartheid and establishing a more inclusive democracy. Anthropology Anthropology is the scientific study of humans, encompassing the exploration of our biological evolution, cultural diversity, linguistic variation, and social behavior. It is a holistic discipline that seeks to understand humanity from both a broad and in-depth perspective, examining the many facets of human existence across time and space. 1. Cultural Anthropology: Cultural anthropologists investigate the beliefs, practices, customs, and social structures of different societies and cultures around the world. They conduct fieldwork, often living with and immersing themselves in the communities they study to gain a deep understanding of their way of life. 2. Archaeology: Archaeologists study the material remains of past human societies to reconstruct their histories, lifestyles, and technological advancements. They excavate and analyze artifacts, structures, and sites to piece together a comprehensive understanding of ancient civilizations. 3. Linguistic Anthropology: Linguistic anthropologists examine language as a cultural and social phenomenon. They explore how language shapes and is shaped by society, culture, and communication, including the study of language evolution, variation, and cultural contexts of language use. 4. Biological Anthropology (Physical Anthropology): Biological anthropologists investigate the biological aspects of humanity, including human evolution, genetics, primatology, and human variation. They study the physical characteristics, genetics, and behaviors of both living and extinct human and primate populations. Sociology Sociology is the scientific study of society, human behavior, and the various patterns and structures that shape social interactions and relationships. It is a discipline that seeks to understand how individuals and groups function within the context of larger social systems, as well as the impact of society on individuals and vice versa. Sociologists use empirical research methods and theoretical frameworks to examine a wide range of social phenomena and issues. Dramaturgy- Erving Goffman's theory of dramaturgy, also known as dramaturgical analysis, offers a metaphorical framework for understanding how individuals navigate social interactions and present themselves to others in everyday life. He likens social life to a theatrical performance, where people play the roles of actors on a stage. In this perspective, individuals are both the performers and the audience, and social settings are the stages where these interactions take place. Functionalism Theory-Functionalism is a theoretical perspective in sociology and other social sciences that views society as a complex system composed of various parts, each of which has a specific function contributing to the overall stability and functioning of the system. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of social institutions and the role they play in maintaining social order and equilibrium. Symbolic interactionism- is a sociological perspective and theoretical framework that focuses on the role of symbols and social interactions in shaping individuals' understanding of the world and their place within it. This perspective emphasizes the importance of symbols, gestures, language, and shared meanings in the construction of social reality. Émile Durkheim's study of suicide- is a seminal work in the field of sociology, published in 1897 as "Suicide: A Study in Sociology." In this groundbreaking research, Durkheim sought to understand the social factors that influence individual acts of suicide. His work is considered one of the earliest and most influential examples of sociological research and laid the foundation for the sociological study of deviance and social pathology. Political Science Political science is the academic discipline and field of study that focuses on the theory and practice of politics, government, and the analysis of political systems and behavior. It is a social science that seeks to understand and explain political phenomena, such as the functioning of political institutions, the behavior of political actors, the formulation and implementation of public policies, and the dynamics of international relations. THREE AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION 1. Family: The family is often considered the primary agent of socialization. It is the first and most influential social environment that individuals encounter. In the family, children learn their initial values, beliefs, and social norms. They acquire language, cultural customs, and a sense of identity from their parents or caregivers. Family socialization continues throughout one's life and provides a foundation for understanding interpersonal relationships and societal roles. 2. Education: Formal education institutions, such as schools, play a crucial role in socialization. Children and young adults spend a significant part of their formative years in educational settings, where they not only acquire academic knowledge but also learn social skills, values, and cultural norms. Schools teach students how to interact with peers, authorities, and diverse groups, shaping their understanding of societal roles and expectations. 3. Peer Groups: Peer groups consist of individuals who are roughly the same age and share similar interests, experiences, and social status. Peer interactions become increasingly important during adolescence and beyond. Peer groups can have a profound impact on an individual's identity, behavior, and values. They often serve as a context for social experimentation, the development of friendships, and the exploration of different cultural elements.  The society is a place where human beings live together and share their lives through intricate social connections and interconnections. People living inside the society practice social life through sharing a kind of culture peculiar to it. However, this does not necessarily mean that there is uniformity of culture inside the society. It has to be noted that the framework of the society is composed not merely of one culture but also of a mixture of cultures as well. This will be pointed out and discussed later on. What makes the Filipino society and culture unique? What makes Filipino different from Americans? Is it our language? Our Celebrations? Skin Color? In this chapter, we will discuss the underlying concepts of culture and society. Describe how culture affects society, as well as identify the components that contribute to the formation of culture and society. Society is a group of individuals sharing a common culture, geographical location, and government. Human beings are considered to be naturally inclined to establish societies since it is in interacting with others that they can ensure their survival by establishing mutually beneficial relationships with one another. Societies enable individuals to acquire necessary survival skills, maximize their potential, and share resources.  Culture is one of the important bases that define and influence society. The term culture was first used by the English anthropologist Edward B. Tylor in his book, Primitive Culture. According to Tylor (1920), culture is "that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society." From a sociological standpoint, culture denotes acquired behaviors and habits that are shared by and transmitted among groups of people as a result of their interaction with one another. Tinikling is a famous traditional dance in the Philippines. It is a part of the culture of Filipinos, especially during the time of Spanish colonization, which influenced our way of living. On the right, this shows the spirit of Bayanihan of people from rural areas. There are two primary categories of culture: material culture and nonmaterial culture. Material culture is composed of the physical or tangible objects produced, shared, and utilized within society such as tools or implements, paintings, and other works of art, architectural styles, weaponry, and toys. Nonmaterial culture, meanwhile, consists of the intangible properties and elements of society that influence the patterns of action and behavior of its members. Examples of nonmaterial culture include language, beliefs, values, attitudes, ideas, and norms shared among members of society. The community stories and other types of narratives shared within societies are collectively called as folklore. Folklore, which comes in the form of myths, legends, folktales (kuwentong bayan), proverbs, and riddles, embodies the history, beliefs, ideas, values, and practices that define a society. One example of such is the story of Malakas at Maganda, a creation myth that tells about the origin of the Filipino people. Relationship between Culture and Society Culture and society are two different but very interrelated concepts. Culture refers to values, beliefs, behaviors, practices, norms, and symbolic meanings within a society. Whereas a society arises from the interaction of people which in turn creates groups, associations, and institutions. It is the totality of the environment or community surrounding an individual. Both also revolve around relationships arising from such interactions. However, culture is distinct from society in that it adds value, merit, and meanings to created relationships. For instance, manifestations of culture include language, arts, music, festivals, literature, etc. Meanwhile, examples of the society include villages, cities, district municipalities, religious groups, professional organizations, educational institutions, and the like. Culture refers to how people behave and interact with one another within social institutions. For example, in the United States, people shake hands to greet one another. In France, a common type of greeting people is cheek kissing. In Korea, the traditional greeting is to bow. The Maasai tribe from Tanzania and Kenya touch each other's heads as a way of greeting each other. In the Philippines, younger people greet the elderly through "pagmamano" or "mano", a respectful gesture of pressing the elder's hand to the forehead. In this regard, cultural practices tend to differ significantly across various societies in the world Generally, human societies have acquired a specific set of cultural practices while culture in itself can only exist in the context of a society. Therefore, without a group of people interacting with one another creating relationships, culture would not be outwardly manifested. As such, sociologists view society as a way for individuals to share common cultural beliefs and practices. In a very broad sense, therefore, culture consists of the beliefs, practices, and traditions of a society, whereas society consists of individuals who share a common culture. However, with the advent of globalization and increasing virtual interaction, society and culture are becoming even more interrelated than ever. For instance, social media creates a society in itself where a specific culture arises which in turn shapes that particular society. This includes "likes" on Facebook, "hashtags" on Instagram, and "retweets" on Twitter. Such practices lead to the formation of "virtual groups" and "communities" and vice versa. Nevertheless, in a more traditional sense, culture is still used to mean common traits expressed within the larger context of society. Elements of Culture All cultures consist of key elements that are crucial to human existence. Though individual societies may have varying histories, experiences, identities, all of them have vital cultural components. This includes symbols, beliefs, language, values, and norms. Symbols refer to things that convey meaning or represent an idea. They are essential in communication, shaping thoughts and ideas, and defining a society's culture. Language, meanwhile, is a set of symbols that enables members of society to communicate verbally (spoken) and nonverbal (written, gestures). Values are shared ideas, norms, and principles that provide members of society the standards that pertain to what is right or wrong, good or bad, desirable or undesirable. Norms are shared rules of conduct that determine specific behavior among society members. There are various categories of norms according to their social importance. Folkways also known as customs, are norms for everyday behavior that people follow for the sake of tradition or convenience. Breaking a folkway does not usually have serious consequences. For example, belching loudly after eating or picking your nose in front of someone else breaks the folkways. Mores are strict norms that control moral and ethical behavior. Mores are norms based on definitions of right and wrong. For example, going inside the mall naked. Breaking the mores would mostly offend other people, or for some society, it might break some laws. Taboos are norms that society holds so strongly that violating it results in extreme disgust. Often the violator of the taboo is considered unfit to live in that society. For example, Rapist, Killer, etc. Laws are codified ethics, and formally agreed, written down, and enforced by an official law enforcement agency. For example, the constitution or the republic acts and ordinances. By themselves, norms are guidelines for human behavior. Sanctions are encouraged conformity to norms. Sanctions are socially imposed rewards and punishments in society which may be formal or informal. Aspects of Culture The notion of culture presents a complex portrait of humanity. Anthropology regards culture as learned, symbolic, integrated, shared, and all-encompassing (Tylor, 1871).  Since culture is very complex, there are important aspects of culture that contribute to the development of man’s social interaction. Culture is: - learned - diverse - shared - integrated - dynamic and flexible - required to have language and other forms of communication - symbolic Culture is Learned Culture can be learned by anyone who will be under the influence of such a culture. This process of learning culture happens in early life and continues until a person dies. Cultural learning is an unending process. No matter how delicate a culture could be, it can be learned by any individual being influenced by the said culture in a particular social environment. An example of this characteristic would be a child born in the Philippines and reared in the Philippine cultural context Culture is learned which stenches from birth to death That child is expected to grow up according to the customs and traditions of the Filipino nation. Culture is Shared An individual who learns a particular culture can share his knowledge of that particular culture to other individuals who in turn can learn it and share it with others as well. In this fashion, culture can be shared by everyone in a given social setting One should take note that culture cannot be acquired automatically. There must be someone who will teach or share his knowledge of culture to other individuals so that others can learn it. A mother teaching his child the right values that a child must follow An example of this would be when a parent shows by example how a decent man should act is learned by his son. In this manner, the parent shares his knowledge of a particular culture to his son. This can happen in many ways such as inside the school, the church, or the community. Culture is Dynamic Culture is always on the move. It is never stagnant. It constantly changes as new social experiences accumulate and shape how people will respond to social life. Because of the cumulative characteristic of culture, culture is also dynamic. One might observe that older people will always refer to the culture of their own time to be a little different from the present cultural trends. An example would be before courtships always take place inside the house of a lady with her parents around but today courtship takes many forms through the use of cellphones and social media. The photo represents the old fashion courting of the Filipinos Culture is Diverse The world is composed of many different cultures. It is observed that a particular culture has differences compared to other cultures. The reason for such is the fact that culture was shaped by the experiences of people that accumulated through time. People have different experiences. This makes a particular cultural experience to be unique. An example of this can be seen from the difference between western and eastern traditions. Philippine festivals show how culture is diverse Culture is Integrated There could be many different cultures. Despite these countless variations, a particular culture could be integrated into another culture. In effect harmonization of culture is always a possibility. One culture could be fused to another culture creating a hybrid culture. An example of this will be the many cultural traditions in the Philippines such as the Ilocano, Tagalog, Visayan, etc. “Conyo” is two integrated language— Filipino and English. These different cultures could be somehow harmonized into one Filipino culture. Culture is Symbolic Because culture is abstract, societies have developed a way by which concepts and ideas existing in the mind would be manifested. As such, all cultures in the world are driven by symbols that stand for something. Symbols in the society are only validated when people in a specific society agree on what the symbols stand for. This is the reason why similar things and actions may vary in meaning across societies. In Filipino culture, a black cat crossing your path symbolizes a bad omen. For example, the color white is the color of purity and peace in many Western cultures. Whereas in Eastern and Asian cultures, white is the color of death, mourning, and misfortune. One way of expressing symbolic meanings of culture is through language. It allows people to understand and transmit abstract concepts and ideas to the next generation. It allows people to have a vehicle by which they can transfer knowledge and ideas from one to another. Culture Requires Language and Other Forms Communication Requires language and other forms of communication. In the process of learning and transmitting culture, we need symbols and language to communicate with others in society. A symbol is something that stands for something else. Symbols vary cross- culturally and are arbitrary. They only have meaning when people in a culture agree on their use. Language, money, and art are all symbols. Language is one of the key elements of culture needed for people in one culture to interact or for one to interact with other people in other cultures. Human evolution is the evolutionary process leading to the appearance of modern-day humans. Evolution is a natural process of biological changes occurring in a population across successive generations. It is characterized by several morphological, developmental, physiological, and behavioral changes that have taken place since the split between the last common ancestor of humans and apes. In Human evolution, the term Homo is used to determine the species of human beings. According to Anthropology, the direct ancestors of the Homo species are Hominid. According to Ember (2011), the first definite hominids are Australopithecus. They were fully bipedal which means that they could walk using their two legs. In the picture beside was the first Australopithecus Afarensis that was discovered in Ethiopia, named Lucy. Lucy has been observed to be a bipedal species. As an upright walker, Lucy strengthened the idea that walking was one of the key selective A sculptor's rendering of Lucy (Australopithecus Afarensis) when she pressures was alive, driving displayed athuman evolution the Houston Museum of forwards. The Natural Science first hominins did not need bigger brains in Texas to take defining steps away from apes. Extra brainpower only came over a million years later with the arrival of Homo erectus. Though big brains would be important later, walking remains one of the traits that makes us uniquely human.  An illustration of how humans evolved Species Characteristics Homo habilis Species with a brain of a Broca’s area which is associated with speech in modern humans and was first to make stone tools. The species name means “Handy Man”. Lived about 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago scavenging for food. Homo rudolfensis Species characterized by a longer face, larger molar, and pre-molar teeth, and having a larger braincase compared to habilis particularly larger frontal lobes, areas of the brain that processes information. The species lived about 1.9 to 1.8 million years ago. Homo erectus The species name means “Upright Man” with body proportions similar to that of modern humans. Lived 1.89 to 143,000 years ago; adapted to hot climates and mostly spread in Africa and Asia. They were the first to use axe and knives and produce fire Homo Heidelbergensis Species with large brow ridge and short wide bodies that lived about 700,000 to 200,000 years ago in Europe and Africa. They were the first to hunt wild animals on a routine basis using spears, and first to construct human shelters. Homo floresiensis Species nicknamed “Hobbit” due to their small stature with a height of more or less 3 feet and lived 95,000 to 17,000 years ago on the island of Flores, Indonesia along with other dwarfed animal species. Homo sapiens The species name means “Wise Man” that appeared form 200,000 years ago. The present human race belongs to this species Homo Subspecies with short yet stocky in body build adapted to winter climates neanderthalensis especially in icy cold places in Europe and Asia. The subspecies, also known as “Neanderthal Man” are the closest relative of modern humans. The first to practice burial of their dead, hunting, and gathering food and sewing clothes from animal skin using bone needles. III. Introduction/Review/Content: In our last meeting, we discussed the development of human biology. We started from apes until the species we know today as Homo Sapiens. For this chapter, we will understand the context of the cultural and sociopolitical development of society. Let's take a closer look at some major kinds of societies, from the simplest societies of the past to today's complex post-industrial societies. The table below shows the six major types of societies and some of their defining characteristics: Types of Societies Types of Human Characteristics Societies 1. Hunting and Food  The earliest form of human society. Gathering Societies  People survived by foraging for vegetable and small games, fishing, hunting larger wild animals, and collecting shellfish.  They subsisted from day to day on whatever was available.   They used tools made of stones, woods, and bones. 2. Horticultural  People learned to use human muscle power and hand-held tools to Societies cultivate fields.  It is classified as subsistence farming and surplus farming. SUBSISTENCE FARMING:  Involves only producing enough food to feed the group.  The settlements are small.  The social cohesion among neighborhood is solid.  Political organization is confined in the village.  Authority is based on positions inherited by males through the kinship system. SURPLUS FARMING:  They practiced in thickly populated and permanent settlements.  There was occupational specialization with prestige differences.  Social stratification was well established.  The community tended to be structured by kinship relations that are male-dominated. 3. Pastoral Societies  It relied on herding and animals' domestication for food and clothing to satisfy the group's greater needs.  Most pastoralists were nomads who followed their herds in a never- ending quest for pasture and water.  It was organized along with male-centered kinship groups.  It was usually united under strong political figures. However, centralized political leadership did not occur. 4. Agricultural  These societies were characterized by the use of the plow in farming. Societies  The creation of the irrigation system provided farming enough surpluses for the community.  Ever-growing populations came together in a broad river valley system.  Those who controlled access to arable land and its use became rich and powerful since they could demand taxes and political support.  By taxing the bulk of agriculture surplus, the political leaders could make bureaucracies implement their plans and armies to protect their villages.  Social classes became entrenched, and the state evolved. 5. Industrial  It is characterized by more than just the use of mechanical means of Societies production.  It constitutes an entirely new form of society that requires an immense, mobile diversity specialized, high skilled, and well- coordinated labor force.  Creates highly organized systems of exchange between suppliers of raw materials and industrial manufacturers.  Industrial societies are divided along class lines.  Industrialism brought about a tremendous shift of populations.  Kinship plays a smaller role in patterning public affairs.   Industrial societies are highly secularized.  The predominant form of social and political organization in industrial societies is the bureaucracy. 6. Post-industrial  It depends on specialized knowledge to bring about continuing Societies progress in technology.  The spread of computer industries characterizes it.  Knowledge and information are the hallmarks of this society. The Industrial Revolution Over time, societies evolved social and political institutions developed along with the ideas of laws, political leadership, governance, and citizenship. In the mid-1700s until the 1800s, many societies worldwide, particularly in western Europe, were transformed by the industrial revolution. This event introduced significant social, cultural, and political changes in the lies of the people of Europe. Among the effects of the industrial revolution were: 1. Increase migration 2. The growth of urban populations 3. Changes in lifestyle 4. Increased production 5. Technological advancement 6. The rise of the middle class.  It is widely believed that the factors that influence the industrial revolution were mainly technological in nature. The inventions and technological breakthroughs that were achieved significantly altered economic activities, paving the way for massive social, cultural, and political changes in societies. The increased use of mechanical devices and steam power discovery led to the factory system's development, which brought about many societies' changes. As a result, agricultural societies were transformed into industrial societies. The impact of the industrial revolution can also be seen in terms of the growth of new forms of sociopolitical institutions.