THE POLITICAL SELF

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the topic, you are able to:
1. Describe the nature, functions, and origins
of political self.
2. Discuss the role of family, school, church,
peer groups, and media in the
development of political self.
3. D e t e r m i n e t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f s o c i a l
interaction in political self.
4. Identify and describe the theoretical
perspectives in the development of
political self.
Political Self
• As an essential part of the self, the
political self organizes self-relevant
information about politics.
• The political self is an essential part
of the self because it constitutes
knowledge about the Constitution,
government, and governance.
• The political self helps in defining the
structure and functions of the government;
in telling the relationship between the
State and the citizens; and in describing
their rights, freedom, and obligations as
citizens.
• The political self exemplifies the ideals and
aspirations of the people; embodies the
rules and principles of the State; and
determines the status and power of the
people.
• One important component of political self
is identity, the person’s understanding of
who and what he is or she is.
• Thus, citizenship becomes a salient
basis for political self. The political self is
often defined by citizenship.
• The political self is also in part defined by
reference to other members in the
political group or community where one
belongs.
• The political self is developed through
socialization.
• Soci a l i n t e r a c t i o n ma y s i g n i f i c a n t l y
influence a person’s understanding of
politics, and perhaps a person’s political
actions in the future.
• Through social interaction, people learn
the status, duties, rights, and power
necessary to interact successfully with
other people in the group or community.
The Origins of Political Self
• The family has a hierarchical structure,
which requires that each member
performs their roles.
• From an early age, individuals are taught
to obey and treat parents with respect and
conform to their rules.
• This shows that authority is necessary in
the development of the political self and
identity, which is established by the father
and mother.
• Schools have the responsibility to teach
the moral, spiritual, and political values
that will develop the students to become
patriotic and morally upright citizens.
• The Church also helps shape the ideals of
citizenship and democracy through their
teachings, homily, and pastoral letters.
• Peers become increasingly important in
influencing the political self.
• Mass media could also be a key source of
information of politics
Suggested Activities

• The life of national heroes is a great source of inspiration.

Choose one national hero in the Philippines. Identify his
courageous and heroic acts, which made this day worthy
of respect and emulation. Like the national hero you
have chosen, identify your characteristics and the things
that you can do for the country.

• Watch the movie Dekada 70. Reflect on and make a

narrative essay on the three most important things you
learned from the movie. What are your insights and how
are you going to apply your insights in understanding
and developing your political self and identity as a
Filipino?