CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN IFUGAO

UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY AND POLITICS

2nd Semester Finals, AY 2021-2022
WEEK 1: ECONOMICS INSTITUTION
A. Reciprocity – is a social norm that involves in-kind exchanges between people responding to others’ action with
another equivalent action.it is usually positive (returning a favor), but sometimes it can become negative (punishment for
a negative action).
Type of reciprocity according to American cultural anthropologist Marshall Sahlins (1972)
1. Generalized – is similar to virtually uninhibited sharing or giving. This happens when a person shares goods, labor or
expertise with other members of the community without expecting anything in return.
2. Balanced/symmetrical reciprocity – this occurs when a person gives another his/her goods or services, however,
expecting a fair and tangible benefit at an indefinite time in the future. This can be considered as an informal system of
exchange. The expectation that the giver will be compensated is anchored on social trust and consequences. In Filipino
term, it is referred to as “utang na loob”. If someone has aided you with something, you instantly feel a debt of gratitude
to that person. Because of “utang na loob”, you cannot say no to that person when he/she seeks assistance from you in
the future. If you will not be able to return the favor to the person who has helped you, then you will be branded by the
society as “walang utang na loob”, or someone who has no sense of gratitude. This mentality can cause a social
repercussion on someone to isolate himself/herself for fear of having a debt of gratitude or being branded as ungrateful.
3. Negative reciprocity – this is what people call barter. When a person gives a service or goods to another person,
he/she expects to be compensated at once with same amount of goods or services. The giver expects something of
greater value in return – that is he/she plans to profit from the transaction. Often, payment has to be immediate, for
there is little or no trust at all between the parties exchanging goods; each is trying to get the better from the other, even
if there is a lack of trust between two parties, is still operational.
B. TRANSFERS – transfer payment is used by governments as a way to redistribute money through programs such as but
not limited to, old age-linked pensions, medical and health insurance, scholarships and student grants or vouchers. These
payments are considered to be components of personal income. These can be made at the national level and or the local
level. The example of this is the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino” (4Ps) spearheaded by the DZWD.
C. REDISTRIBUTION – it is a manner of giving back what employees have worked either yearly, end of contract or
retirement. It may include bonuses (Christmas) incentives (13thor14th month pays, unused sick leave, leave credits and
so on), benefits such as Phil health or medical insurance, pag-ibig contributions, social security service (SSS), PERAA and so
on.
D. MARKET TRANSACTION -are the exchange of goods and services through a market. The set of market transactions
taking place in the economy is most important in terms of measuring the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
E. MARKETS AND STATES – Market economy is dependent on state leadership. Administrative protocols, international
relations and priorities affect the economic status of the state.
NON-STATE INSTITUTION- refers to private organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering and promote the
interests of the poor. It refers to groups that are entirely independent from the government and characterized by
humanitarian and cooperative activities.
1. Bank – it is a financial institution that receives, collects, transfers, pays, exchanges, lends, invests, and safeguards
money for its customers
2. Corporation - organization created by the government charter that allows people to associate together for a common
purpose under a common name. It is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its owners. It can be used to operate
all kinds of business. As a stand-alone entity, it can enter into contracts, loans and borrow money, sue and be sued, hire
employees, own assets and pay taxes. The most important aspect of a corporation is its limited liability. This means that
shareholders have right to participate in the profits through dividends and or the appreciation of stocks but are not liable
for the corporation’s debts.
3. Cooperatives are business governed on the principle of one member, one vote. It is the aggregate of members
grouping together for a common purpose, and whose ideas are considered for the common interest . Cooperatives can be
typified according to owners and operators. It is also autonomous association of people who voluntarily cooperate for
their mutual benefit.
4. Trade union – is an organization whose membership consists of workers and union leaders, united to protect and
promote their common labor related interests. It is also Refers to an association of workers that seeks to improve the
economic and social well-being of its members through social action
The purposes of this organization are the following:
 a. Negotiate wages and working conditions.
b. Regulate relations between workers and the employer
c. Take collective action to enforce the terms of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA)
d. Raise new demands on behalf of its members
e. Help settle their grievances
ROLES OF TRADE UNIONS
A. Political- it can be powerful and influential in creating political impact. It can be in conflict with other partners due
to large number of members with common interests that are different from other union’s interest.
B. Market - Reactive because of preoccupied economic aims that concern employment salaries, wages and inflation
rates and rights (macro &micro economic policies)
C. Regulatory- Influential in determining and improving job qualities and standards to regulate employment functions
D. Democratizing- Promote rights to economic democracy and participation to industrial democracy
E. Service- Promote the welfare of members through various initiatives and partnerships with different organizations
that provide service to them
F. Enhancement- Concerned for potential development and member’s improvement.
G. Welfare- Multifunctional institutions, conforming more to the idea of the trade union as being part of a movement.
5. Transnational advocacy - Refers to groups that organize across national boundaries to pursue some political, social, or
cultural goals. It is also a group of networks which exist to promote principled causes, ideas and values are fluid open
relationships among knowledgeable, committed actors. Their goal is to give powerless constituencies a voice in domestic
and international arenas and law making. Their primary tool is information- quickly produced, accurately formulated and
effectively deployed. They exist to change international policies as well as make changes real in their lives of ordinary
people. One of the most common forms of this group is non-governmental organizations.
6. Development agencies - Refers to an agency whose goal is to help develop and support economic growth within a
specified city, region, or state by providing necessary resources and assistance.
7. International organizations -refers to membership groups that function across national borders for well-defined
purposes. It is also a Practical Organizations through which vital international issues are address. International linkages
and diplomatic ties are necessary for any state, private institution or government.