12

PHILIPPINE POLITICS
AND GOVERNANCE
2nd Quarter: Module 4
Civil Society and Social Movements in Philippine Democracy

Mary Ann C. Doctor

Rogelio D. Burce
Module Writer

Department of Education • Republic of the Philippines

 12
Philippine Politics
and Governance
Quarter 2 – Module 4:
Civil Society and Social Movements in Philippine
Democracy

This instructional material was collaboratively developed and

reviewed by educators from public and private schools, colleges, and
or/universities. We encourage teachers and other education stakeholders to
email their feedback, comments, and recommendations to the Department of
Education at action@deped.gov.ph.

We value your feedback and recommendations.

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Content Standard
The learners demonstrate an understanding of elections and political parties and civil society
and social movements.

Performance Standard
The learners shall be able to analyze the interactions between state and society.

Most Essential Learning (Week 13)

Analyze the interactions between state and society.

Learning Competency
 Define civil society and social movements.
 Analyzed their interaction with the states.
 Enumerate the role and contribution of civil society and social movements.

EXPECTATION

 This module is intended to you learners of Grade 12 Social Science classes specifically
in your course subject Philippine Politics and Governance.
 The lessons included in your module teaches you to define the meaning and nature of
civil society.
 It also helps you understand the interactions of states and civil society and;
 Furthermore, it helps you analyze the different characteristics of civil society, civil
organizations and social movements.
Are you ready and excited? Let’s start…

PRE-TEST

True or False: Write T if the statement is TRUE and F if the statement is FALSE.
1.________Social movements typically comprise of young, better educated, and relatively
wealthy members.
2.________Gabriela is one the example of social movements.
3.________Civil society pertains to the arena, space or sector situated between the states and
the market.
4.________NGO’s is one of the example of civil society organizations.
5.________New social movements include the women, green/environment and peace
movements.

LOOKING BACK:

On the trunk of the tree, write the different theories of suffrage with brief
explanation in each category.

https://www.google.com/search?q=graphic+organizer+hierarchy&safe=active&rlz=1C1RLNS

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 INTRODUCTION OF THE LESSON

Empower Yourself

(https://www.google.com/search?q=civil+society+&tbm=isch&ve

What does the two picture depicts? Where can we see this kind of scenario? Why does this happen?
What do you call the group/s that organized this kind of activity?

BRIEF INTRODUCTION
A. Definition and Nature of Civil Society and Social Movements

Civil society is the “third sector” of society, along with government and business. It comprises
civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations as define by the United
Nations. The UN recognizes the importance of collaborating with civil society, because it
advances the organization’s ideals, and helps support its work.

Civil society organizations known as non-government members of society that promote the
interest of the public and a champion to promote the issues on human rights, labor rights,
environmental protection, poverty and many more. They are independent, can operate outside
the state and the market. Despite their independency, CSO’s frequently interact with the
state and the market. The most fundamental attributes of CSO’s are (1)they are voluntary,
(2)non-governmental, and (3) they are non-profit.

According to the World Bank: “Civil society”, refers to a wide array of organizations:
community groups, non-governmental organizations [NGOs], labor unions, indigenous
groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, and
foundations.

Lederach(2001), defined civil society as, “a web of human relationships made of individual
people, their networks, organizations, and in situations around which social and community
life is built”. In other words for Lederach, the only thing that is outside the definition of civil
society is the national and formal structures of official governance.

Kaldor (2003) as mentioned by Pluma and Tabajen (2016), gives examples of civil society such
as but not limited to social movements, NGO’s, and non-profit organizations, advocacy
networks, public policy networks and religious organizations. The term “NGOs” is used to
describe non-profit making, non-violent organizations that seek to influence the policy of the
governments and international organizations and to complement government services such
as health and education. They may vary in size, scope of activity and goals. They may operate
nationally or internationally.

The term civil society became popular in political and economic discussions in the 1980s,
when it started to be identified with non-state movements that were defying authoritarian
regimes, especially in Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America.

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On the other hand, social movement is an organization of many groups or individuals that
serves to protect their interest against any other groups. The characteristics of social
movements are; (1). Organized; (2). Militant and (3). Fighting for their rights and
interests.(Valenzuela 2016)

What is it

The Philippines is indeed a showcase of civil society. According to Abao (2011) and as
mentioned by Ramos (2016), “the country has always been characterized as a democracy with
very dynamic and active civil society. Years after the dismantling of Marcos dictatorship, the
civil society sector has expaded and continued to participate in the development processes of
the country”. It is the crucial factor in development and shaping the events in a country. Civil
society can influene both government and economy. This is why dictators never fail to
attempt to court the support of civil society because it can weaken, twist or abolish
governments and state structures.

A. CHARACTERISTICS OF CIVIL SOCIETY

1. Likeness
Likeness of members in a social group is the primary basis of their mutuality. It might
be real common lineage, tribal affinity, family benefit or the compactness due to a common to
time inculcated between and among the members in the group the feeling of likeness.
Likeness means mutuality, and that means society.
2. Reciprocity
Occurs when people work together, exchanging ideas and resources, and collaborate
on conflict resolution that is peaceful and nonviolent. For reciprocity to work, it needs all
sides to work equally; if one side is reluctant to give as much as it takes in this relationship,
then problems can arise. Reciprocity is not a one-way street.
3. Commonwealth
It is an economic characteristic that reflects civil society's ability to produce, share,
and exchange goods and resources. As stated by the ICNL, ''as citizens participate in the open
exchange of commonwealth resources, they can form and strengthen social connections and
networks with others.'
4. Participatory
Civil societies are participatory. They are active and have the freedom to make
decisions in their communities in general. The participation brings community members
closer together as they work towards a common purpose which is the good of society.
5. Justice
The characteristic of justice in a civil society means that people follow the rule of law
and advocate, not only for their own rights but that of others. In a civil society, when laws are
unjustly applied or members of that society and are left out of the political process, it is the
responsibility of members unaffected by this injustice to stand up for those who are.
(https://study.com/academy/lesson/characteristics-of-civil-society)

Types of Social Movements

1.Alterative Movements
An alterative movement is after partial individual change. Its goal is partial change in
individuals’ behavior. Example of this would be efforts to promote recycling. They’re merely
trying to get individuals to recycle their waste.
2. Redemptive Movements
Redemptive seek total individual change. These are most often religious movements
promoting a total change in a person. For example, a religious movement that promises
salvation through a complete personal transformation.

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3. Reformative Movements
Reformative Movements seek partial social change in social systems. An example
would be the Women’s Suffrage Movement, the movement for women to gain the right to vote.
They merely wanted to change a part of the system,to have equal voting rights, the same as
men.
4. Transformative Movements
Transformative Movements seek total social change in social systems. Revolutions
fall into the category of transformative social movements.
(https://medium.com/@nicklee3/the-four-types-of-social-movements-8db910192573)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-uYfZkq5SA&feature=youtu.be
Functions of Civil Organizations and Social Movements
Societies are always changing. They're shaped by world events, struggles, and creative,
technological and economic advances. Civil society provides a way to engage productively in
this process to keep tabs on new developments and partner with other organizations working
for the common good.
Some of the most their functions are;
1. Social accountability
Hold corporations, faith-based and other organizations accountable for their actions (or
inactions). Social accountability prizes transparency and honesty and makes sure everyone —
from government officials to local school children follows the same rules.
2. Empowering communities
Civil society organizations give voice to the disorganized, voiceless segments of
society. They raise awareness of social issues and advocate for change, empowering local
communities to develop new programs to meet their own needs.
3. Ensuring good governance
Civil society works hand-in-hand with the government, striving to develop policy and
implement new strategies. Beyond that, civil society builds so-called social capital by
providing a way for participants to build relationships and make connections based on their
values, behaviors and beliefs.
4. Social cohesion
According to Paffenholz and Spurk (2010), this function “is to help groups learn how to
live together in peaceful coexistence “since conflicts normally involve the destruction of
relationships and trust between parties in the conflict”. The civil society organizations have
an advantage in supporting this function due to the trust the public tend to have in them
mainly due to their impartiality and neutrality in conflict.
5. In-group socialization
In the context of peacebuilding, Paffenholz and Spurk (2010) define in-group
socialization as “inculcating a culture of peace, especially within divided societies. The
objective is to promote attitude changes within society by developing peaceful conflict
resolution and reconciliation.
(https://www.missionbox-social-change-whats-the-role-of-civil-society)

What’s More!

Activity 1: Take a Look! Relate each picture in the types of social movements and explain
your answer.

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_______________________________________ __________________________________________

_________________________________________ _____________________________________________
(https://www.google.com/search?q=lgbtq+civil+rights+in+the+philippines&tbm=isch&ved)

Guide Questions:
1. Explain the significance of social movements and civil society in the democratic
institutions.

____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the distinctions between social movements and civil society?

____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Activity 2: Complete the table: Enumerate fundamental attributes of CSO’s and
characteristics of social movements.

Attributes of CSO’s Characteristics of social movements

Guide Questions:
1. Why civil society considered as informal institutions?
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Based on the attributes of CSO’s and characteristics of social movements which of the two
groups displays the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. Explain your answer.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________

CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING: Define the following terms. Provide a

simple definition of the following concepts.

1. Civil Society_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Social Movements_______________________________________________________________________
3. NGO’s___________________________________________________________________________________
4. CSO’s___________________________________________________________________________________
5. Justice__________________________________________________________________________________
6. Social accountability_____________________________________________________________________
7. In-group socialization____________________________________________________________________
8. Social cohesion__________________________________________________________________________
9. Participatory____________________________________________________________________________
10. Reciprocity_____________________________________________________________________________

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 POST TEST

A. Modified True or False: Write TRUE if he statement is correct and False if its incorrect.
1._________ Civil society can influene both government and economy.
2._________Philippines is one of the active country that advocates and supports civil society
organizations and social organizations.
3._________Social movements do not standard the status quo.
4._________Civil society do not support government goals for better community.
5._________Social movements aims a radical change in society.
B. Fill in the Blanks: Write the correct answer on the space provided
6.__________ Movements seek partial social change in social systems.
7.___________A non-profit, non-violent organizations that seek to influence the policy of the
governments and to complement government services such as health and education.
8.__________The third sector of society, along with government and business.
9.__________It is an organization of many groups or individuals that serves to protect their
interest against any other groups.
10.________They are independent, can operate outside the state and the market.

Remember

 Civil society”, refers to a wide array of organizations: community groups, non-

governmental organizations [NGOs], labor unions, indigenous groups, charitable
organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, and foundations.
 Civil society organizations known as non-government members of society that promote
the interest of the public that promotes the issues on human rights, labor rights,
environmental protection, poverty.
 The most fundamental attributes of CSO’s are (1)they are voluntary, (2)non-
governmental, and (3) they are non-profit.
 Social movement is an organization of many groups or individuals that serves to
protect their interest against any other groups. The characteristics of social
movements are; (1). Organized; (2). Militant and (3). Fighting for their rights and
interests.

ENRICHMENT
Research Work! Choose one of the active NGO’s in the Philippines.
Indicate their advocacy. Support it with pictures and news articles or stories about
the group.

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Answer Sheet ( Q2-Module 4)

Pre-Test Looking Back Post-Test

1.______ 1.__________ 6.___________

2.______ 2.__________ 7.___________

3.______ 3.__________ 8.___________

4.______ 4.__________ 9.___________

5.______ 5.__________ 10.___________

Activity1: Take a Look!

1.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Guide Questions:

1. Explain the significance of social movements and civil society in the democratic institutions.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the distinctions between social movements and civil society?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Activity 2: Complete the table

Attributes of CSO’s Characteristics of social movements

Guide Questions:
1. Why civil society considered as informal institutions?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. . Based on the attributes of CSO’s and characteristics of social movements which of the two groups
displays the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. Explain your answer
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Check your Understanding
1. Civil Society_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Social
Movements________________________________________________________________________
3. NGO’s___________________________________________________________________________________
4. CSO’s___________________________________________________________________________________
5. Justice__________________________________________________________________________________
6. Social accountability_____________________________________________________________________
7. In-group socialization____________________________________________________________________
8. Social cohesion__________________________________________________________________________
9.
Participatory_____________________________________________________________________________
10. Reciprocity_____________________________________________________________________________

Note: You may write your answer in Enrichment at the back of this page

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Referrences:

Pawilen, Reidan M, Philippine Politics and Governance,Rex Book Store, 2018

Tabajen, Dr.Rheane C et.al, Philippine Politics and Governance, JFS Publishing Services, 2016

Valenzuela, Edwin E, Module in Philippine Politics and Governance,GBT Trading, 2017

https://www.beyondintractability.org/library/functions-civil-society-peacebuilding-and-available-opportunities-civil-society-perform-thes

https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-characteristics-social-movement

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