UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO POPULAR CULTURE: CULTURE & SOCIETY

Popular culture, often referred to as pop culture, represents the everyday practices, beliefs, and objects that are
prevalent within mainstream society. It encompasses a wide array of activities and symbols that are embraced by
the general population, including music, fashion, media, and entertainment.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTURE
Culture is the collective manifestation of the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics shared by
groups of people. It encompasses the ways of life, including language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and
arts, that define a society.
Popular refers to the aspects of culture that are well-liked, commonly accepted, or widespread among the general
population. It involves trends, ideas, and items that gain mass appeal and become part of the mainstream
consciousness.
Popular Culture is the set of practices, beliefs, and objects that embody the most broadly shared meanings of a
social system. It includes mass-produced and mass-consumed cultural products, such as television shows,
movies, music, fashion, and other forms of entertainment that are widely accessible and enjoyed by a large
audience. Popular culture reflects and influences societal norms, values, and trends.
Characteristics of Culture
1. Shared: Culture is a collective phenomenon shared by members of a group or society. It involves shared
beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that the members of society use to cope with their world
and with one another.
2. Learned: Culture is not innate; it is learned through socialization. From a young age, individuals learn the
cultural norms, values, and practices of their society through family, education, peer groups, and media.
3. Symbolic: Culture relies on symbols, which are things that stand for or represent something else. Language
is the most prominent example of a symbolic system, but symbols also include gestures, signs, objects, and
rituals.
4. Dynamic: Culture is not static; it evolves and changes over time. Cultural changes can result from internal
dynamics (like innovation) or external influences (such as globalization).
5. Integrated: Different aspects of culture are interconnected. Changes in one part of culture often result in
changes in other parts. For example, technological advances can lead to shifts in social practices and
economic structures.

COMPONENTS OF CULTURE
Culture is composed of several core elements that work together to create a cohesive whole.
• Symbols: As previously mentioned, symbols are anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by
people who share a culture. Examples include flags, religious icons, and corporate logos.
• Language: A system of symbols that allows people to communicate with one another. Language is a
fundamental aspect of culture as it facilitates communication and the transmission of cultural values and
norms.
• Values: Culturally defined standards that people use to decide what is desirable, good, and beautiful and
that serve as broad guidelines for social living. Values are deeply embedded in cultural systems.
• Norms: Rules and expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members. Norms can be formal,
such as laws, or informal, like social conventions and etiquette.
• Beliefs: Specific ideas that people hold to be true. Beliefs are closely related to values and often underpin
them. They can be religious, philosophical, or ideological in nature.
• Artifacts: The physical objects created by members of a society. Artifacts can range from simple tools to
complex technologies and are tangible expressions of culture.

TWO FORMS OF NORMS

Norms are essential guidelines that dictate acceptable behavior within a society. They come in two primary forms:
folkways and mores.
• Folkways: These are norms for routine or casual interaction. They are not strictly enforced and often involve
everyday customs and practices. Examples include dress codes, table manners, and polite behavior.
• Mores: These are norms that are widely observed and have great moral significance. They are more strictly
enforced than folkways and are often formalized into laws. Violations of mores can result in severe social
sanctions. Examples include prohibitions against theft, murder, and other forms of serious misconduct.

MODES AND FUNCTIONS OF CULTURE

Culture manifests in various modes, including high culture and popular culture, each serving different functions
within society.
• High Culture: This refers to the cultural products and activities that are highly esteemed by a society. High
culture often includes classical music, fine arts, literature, and other forms of sophisticated and elite artistic
expression.
• Popular Culture: Also known as pop culture, this encompasses the entertainment, trends, and everyday
practices that are widely accessible and enjoyed by the general population. Examples include television
shows, pop music, fashion trends, and social media.

Functions of Culture:
• Social Integration: Culture brings people together by providing a sense of belonging and shared identity. It
fosters social cohesion and stability.
• Social Control: Culture helps regulate behavior through norms and values, guiding individuals in making
choices that align with societal expectations.
• Adaptation: Culture allows societies to adapt to their environments and changing circumstances. It provides
tools and practices that help people meet their needs and solve problems.
• Expression: Culture provides a means for individuals and groups to express their creativity, beliefs, and
emotions. Art, music, literature, and rituals are all forms of cultural expression.

UNIT 2: THE ROLE OF SOCIALIZATION

Socialization is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, norms, and
behaviors that are necessary for functioning within their society.
SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
Social Stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on various factors such
as wealth, power, prestige, and education. It creates structured inequalities between different groups, affecting
access to resources and opportunities.
• Class: Class is determined by economic position, often influenced
by factors such as income, wealth, and occupation. The class
system is an open stratification system, meaning individuals can
move between classes through education, career advancement,
and other means. This system is prevalent in many industrialized
societies and affects individuals' access to resources and
opportunities.
• Status: Status refers to the social prestige or honor associated with
a particular position within a society. Status can be influenced by
family background, education, and occupation. For instance,
professions like doctors and lawyers typically hold higher status
than other occupations due to their perceived importance and educational requirements.
• Power: Power is the ability to influence or control the behavior of others, often linked to positions of authority
or political influence. Individuals or groups with more power can shape societal norms, policies, and access
to resources. For example, politicians and corporate leaders often have significant power to affect change
within society.
Social stratification is a universal phenomenon, but the criteria and intensity can vary significantly across
different cultures and societies.

SYSTEMS OF STRATIFICATION
There are several systems of stratification that societies use to categorize and rank individuals:
• Slavery: or the ownership of people, is the most closed institution and has been prevalent throughout
human history. Slavery is supposed to have originated 10,000 years ago, after agricultural societies
emerged, when people forced captives of war to work on their farms.
• Estate Systems: which are distinguished by land ownership, were widespread throughout Europe and Asia
from the Middle Ages and until the 1800s. In these systems, there were two great estates: the landed gentry
or aristocracy, and the peasantry or serfs.
Estate systems prospered across Europe until the French Revolution of 1789, which violently overthrew
the established order and inspired people in other countries with its calls for liberty and equality.
• Caste Systems: In a caste system, people are born into unequal groups
based on their parents' rank and remain in these groups throughout
their lives. For many years, the most well-known caste system was
found in India, where, aided by Hindu beliefs emphasizing acceptance of
one's fate in life, several major castes determined one's life prospects
from birth, particularly in rural areas.
• Class Systems: Many cultures, including all industrialized ones, have class structures. In this system of
stratification, a person is born into a social rank but can easily move up or down from it, unlike in caste
systems or slave civilizations. This progress in either direction is mostly caused by an individual's own effort,
knowledge, and talents, or lack thereof. Although these characteristics do not promote upward mobility in
caste or slave systems, they frequently do so in class societies.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND

An individual’s social and cultural background significantly influences their socialization process and their position
within the stratification system.
• Family: The family is the major agent of socialization; it transmits cultural values, customs, and social
expectations. Family background has a significant impact on one's social position, educational options,
and professional chances. Children from wealthier households, for example, frequently have access to
superior educational resources and extracurricular activities, which can help them develop social and
academic skills.
• Education: Schools play an important role in socialization by imparting not only academic skills but also
social norms and values. The level of education and resources available can vary greatly depending on
one's social and economic circumstances, influencing social mobility. Higher-quality education can give
individuals with the information and skills needed for upward mobility, whereas lower-quality education
can perpetuate social inequities.
• Peer Groups: Peer interactions help people acquire social skills and form their sense of self. Peer groups
can either support or question societal norms and expectations. Peer groups, for example, can have an
impact on behaviors and attitudes regarding academic accomplishment, professional goals, and social
expectations.
• Media: The media is a potent socialization tool that spreads cultural norms, beliefs, and ideologies. It
shapes people's ideas of their social standing, achievement, and acceptable behavior. Media depictions
can influence societal views toward various social groups, propagate stereotypes, and alter people's self-
perceptions and goals.

UNIT 3: COMPONENTS OF CULTURE FILIPINO VALUES

FILIPINO CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Pagmamano. First on the list is Mano Po. When children or young people greet or say goodbye to their elders they
typically do so by taking the right hand of the elder with their right hand and touch the back the elder's hand lightly
on their forehead.
Religion. The Philippines is one of two largely Roman Catholic countries in Asia-Pacific. Their practice of attending
church and frequently praying illustrates Filipinos' strong faith and belief in religion.
Superstition. In the Philippines, superstitious beliefs have become widespread. These beliefs are derived from our
ancestors' many sayings and ideas, which try to prevent danger or to persuade others not to do something specific.
Bayanihan. It is the spirit of social solidarity or the struggle to attain a specific goal. A well-known example of this is
when neighbors transport a hut or house to a new place. People presently use it to express an outpouring of
community spirit, in which people give their all to the greater good without expecting acclaim or personal gain.
Cuisine. The Philippines is called Asia's melting pot. Philippine cuisine combines Chinese, Malay, Spanish,
Mexican, American, and Indian cooking styles. Eating out is a favorite Filipino pastime. A normal Filipino diet
consists of six meals each day: breakfast, snacks, lunch, snacks, dinner, and a midnight snack before bedtime.
Rice is a cornerstone in the Filipino diet, and it is typically consumed with other meals.
Courtship. We Filipinos are quite romantic when it comes to love affairs. Serenading, or Harana in Tagalog, is one of
the most common ways of wooing to demonstrate a man's serious intentions for a lady. A serenade would need the
young man to perform a love song in front of the young lady's home.
Death. In the Philippines, death is regarded as one of the most significant events in family life. Many Filipinos view
the loss of a relative as an opportunity to deepen family bonds. To show respect and honor the deceased's
memory, long-lost relatives, friends, and even relatives working overseas are reunited.
Fiestas. Every town and city in the Philippines has its own fiesta; regardless of the time of year, there is always a
fiesta going on someplace. Fiestas in the Philippines honor a patron saint. It is an integral aspect of Filipino culture,
and it must continue in both good and terrible times.
Living with Parents. Filipinos place the most priority on the presence of their family. Adult children staying with their
parents is another Filipino habit that sets them apart. Unlike in the United States, when children leave home after
high school or college, many Filipinos stay with their parents until they marry.
Eating with a Fork and Spoon. One Filipinos identity is that they are eat using a fork and a spoon. The fork is held in
the left hand and the spoon in the right hand. The fork is used to transfer or force food into the spoon, which is held
in the right hand. The fork and spoon method is ideal because rice is a mainstay in practically every Filipino meal. It
is believed that using a spoon and a fork is ideal for the way Southeast Asians prepare and cook their meals.
Eating with Hands (Kamayan). In addition to forks and spoons, eating with your hands, or kamayan, is a traditional
Filipino habit. Many Filipinos prefer kamayan to cutlery because it allows them to fully enjoy their food. Place a
small quantity of meat or fish and a bite-sized portion of rice on your dish. Then use all of your fingers to gather the
food into a tiny mountain or mound. Pick up the small mound and place it in your mouth, using your thumb to
gently push the food inside.

FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES

“Balikatan” System - When an individual has a challenge or hardship, everyone bears the responsibility of
assisting the person in need. Examples include sharing expenditures during an emergency or in times of need,
pooling a common fund from which members can borrow for their needs, and providing relief in the form of cash or
in kind to those affected by disasters.
Cultural Relativism - Culture is how we live as humans. It includes ideas, practices, values, attitudes, rules,
conventions, artifacts, symbols, information, and everything a person learns and shares as a member of society.
Cultural relativism is the suspension of one's cultural roots in order to comprehend another culture based on its
norms.
Philippines - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Despite being the official language, around 55% of
Filipinos speak it. In addition to Filipino, there are around 111 unique indigenous languages and dialects, with just
about ten being regionally prominent. English is commonly used for educational, governmental, and commercial
reasons, and it is widely known since it is the language of teaching in schools.
Filipino Family Values. The nuclear family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and honorary ties such as
godparents, sponsors, and close family friends make up the social structure's core. People gain strength and
stability from their families. As a result, many children have many godparents. Concern for the extended family is
shown in the patronage shown to family members seeking jobs.
Filipino Concept of Shame Hiya means shame and is a driving motivator for behavior. It is a sense of social
propriety and compliance with society rules of behavior. Filipinos feel that they must uphold recognized behavioral
norms, and that failure to do so brings disgrace not just upon oneself but also upon their families.
Filipino Meeting Etiquette Initial welcomes are formal and follow a predetermined pattern of greeting the eldest or
most significant person first. The usual greeting is a handshake followed by a friendly grin. Close female friends
may embrace and kiss when they meet. Use academic, professional, or honorary titles together with the person's
surname until you are requested to use their first name, or, more commonly, their nickname.
Filipino Gift Giving Etiquette If you are invited to a Filipino house for dinner, bring sweets or flowers for the hosts.
When giving flowers, avoid chrysanthemums and white lilies. You may send a fruit basket as a thank you after the
event, but not before or during the event, as this might be read as indicating that you do not believe the host will
give adequate hospitality. Wrap gifts neatly since appearance is crucial. There are no color limits for wrapping
paper. When you get a gift, it is not opened.
Filipino Dining Etiquette
If you have been invited to a Filipino's home:
• For a large gathering, it is preferable to attend 15 to 30 minutes after the invitation.
• Never address your host's wife as the hostess. This has a distinct interpretation in the Philippines.
• Dress properly. Appearances are important, and you will be assessed on how you dress.
• Compliment the hostess on the home.
• Send a handwritten thank-you message to the hosts the week after the dinner or party. It demonstrates that
you have class.
Filipino Table Manners
• Wait to be asked numerous times before entering the dining area or serving yourself to food.
• Wait to be informed where to sit. There may be a seating layout.
• Do not begin eating until the host encourages you to do so.
• Meals are frequently provided family-style or as buffets that you may serve yourself.
• A fork and spoon are common dining utensils.
• Hold the fork in your left hand and direct food to the spoon with your right.
• Whether you should leave some food on your plate or eat everything is a question of personal taste rather
than cultural norms.
Filipino Society and Culture
Socially, Filipinos place a greater focus on social relationships. This may be observed in the hospitality they extend
to their guests and friends. They like socializing with others, particularly their friends and relatives. They participate
in reciprocal collaboration, as shown by the "bayanihan".

COLONIAL MENTALITY
Colonial mindset is a sort of internalized oppression in which Filipinos choose and prioritize Western ideals,
customs, and products over their own. This mentality is the result of centuries of colonization by Spain and later
the United States. It presents itself in a variety of ways, including a preference for pale complexion, Western beauty
standards, and foreign brands, which frequently overshadow local culture and products.