UNIT 4: THE POLITICAL SELF

In this unit, we will discuss the nature of politics, elements of active citizenship, and how
they shape one’s political self. It details how one can become actively involved in political
and communal affairs, and how they are significant to the shaping of the self.

ENGAGE

POLITICS, CITIZENSHIP AND THE SELF

· As members of the society, people are naturally obligated to participate in a political

system as social citizens. Politics refers to the actions or activities concerned with
achieving and using power in a nation or society. It is also defined as the ways that
power is shared in an organization and the ways it is affected by personal relationships
between people who work together.
· As Aristotle stated, “man is, by nature, a political animal.” This is because man is a
social being and that people naturally drawn to various political involvements in order
to satisfy their social needs.

EXPLORE

Here are some facts about “Politics”. Read and understand each of them.

 Politics as imbibed by man implies several things:

 Politics is concerned with power. Power inequalities can be observed within societies.
The one who holds power holds influence.
 Politics functions based on a particular social economic and cultural context. The
nature of politics and political systems is dependent on the culture of the state. Political
claims made by advocates are influenced by their geographical location and
ideology.
 The political self is also personal. One’s personal choices reflect his/her personal
politics; both are indistinguishable.
 Politics goes hand in hand with the society. Politics pervades the structure of society,
and thus influences inhabitants in their beliefs, ethics, and behavior.
 However, the political self is not only shaped by one’s political affiliation or beliefs.
One’s sense of accountability should be manifested in promoting certain advocacies
through healthy political engagement. This is aligned with the concept of active
citizenship.

EXPLAIN

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 ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP
· Active citizenship refers to the structured forms of engagement with political processes
and everyday forms of participation in society. It is also defined as the process of
sharing decisions which affect one’s life and the life of a community in which one lives.
Participation is the fundamental right of citizenship.
· Active citizenship is anchored on one’s cognitive and behavioral engagement to
participate in formal and informal political activities. Different people manifest
different levels of active citizenship; some they take a more active approach in
making their voices heard.
· Active citizenship is a practice of democracy. Democracy should not only be thought
of as a form of government. It is a communal system that allows volitional freedom of
citizens to make informed choices that allow them to be heard.
· Active citizenship is a social construct. It fosters social relatedness and belongingness.
· The most important goal of active citizenship is to instill change and influence society
at large.
· Active citizenship is also associated with the “sense of community.” People, including
adolescents, participate in communal activities because it gives a sense of belonging
in a particular group. Active citizenship may facilitate ethnic pride and provide a voice
to the woes of their social group.
· For the younger generation, active citizenship can contribute to their social
development. Engaging in such activities can also enhance efficacy and
competence of the younger generation, as they are considered to be the “future
leaders” of the society. The participation of the youth in nation building activities
enhances their value orientation and fosters integrity, compassion, and the sense of
justice, which are crucial to the holistic development of a citizen of a nation.
· Active citizenship helps an individual embrace their individuality through the choices
they make and the behavior they manifest. The political self is a result of various
personal and environmental factors that impact the individual. The participation of
the youth in political discourse and social activities can result in cultural and political
paradigm shifts that may be felt even by future generations.

ELABORATE

As the pandemic worsens, people become even more involved in the issues. In fact,
they might have started to raise their voice through many ways. The social media is
the most accessible and practical form for people to express their stand on these
issues. How did you express your position on the issues that have affected you?

Such positions are inherent among all people because we put importance to our own
values. We will certainly defend our positions because these are based on our values
that we hold dear. These values are dear to us because they could have been passed
on from our elders and which we will be passing on to the future generations.

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transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document,
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 We have a set of values that we learn from our interactions with our families and the
society we live in. We use these values to understand and rationalize the various issues
that affect us. In so doing, we get to demonstrate our Political Self.

References:

Chafee, J. (2013) Who are you? Consciousness, Identity and the Self. In the Philosopher's Way:
Thinking Critically about Profound Ideas. Pearson. 106 — 169.
Diokno, MS (1997). Becoming a Filipino Citizen. In Perspectives on Citizenship and
Democracy. UP Third World Studies Center. 17 — 38 (For the topic, Unpacking the Self - The
Political Self)
Neudorf, A. Smets, K. Political Socialization and the Making of Citizens
https://www.oxfordhandbooks.com 2017
Salvacion, V., Quillope, A., Tunac R., and Borja, E. (2018). Understanding the Self. Nieme
Publishing House Co. Ltd., Rm. 413 Villasi Mansion, N. Domingo St., Brgy. Kunlaran, Cubao,
Quezon City, Philippines.
Ziatcita, F. (1997). Barriers and Bridges to a Democratic Culture. In Perspectives on
Citizenship and Democracy. UP TWSC. 39 — 68 (For the topic, Unpacking the Self - The
Political Self)
https://utsged101portfolio.wordpress.com/section-1-the-political-
selfdevelopingactivecitizenship/

Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or
transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document,
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the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited.