MODULE 9: THE POLITICAL SELF

POLITICS is defined as a social institution through which power is acquired and exercised by some
people and groups (Kendall, 1998). The concept of influence, elites, legitimacy, and authority are related
to politics. It is an important part of human development because it promotes ideologies about democracy,
citizenship, human rights, freedom, family, health, and other issues.
THE POLITICAL SELF then organizes self-relevant information about politics, including one’s beliefs,
attitudes, and affiliations. How people socialize and function as members of the society also characterizes
the political self. Views and beliefs about leadership, one’s leadership style, and how one submits to
leadership are few examples of the political self.
POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION describes the process by which citizens crystallize political identities,
values, and behavior that remain relatively permanent throughout later life (Neundorf & Smets, 2017). It
refers to a learning process by which political norms and behavior are transmitted from one generation to
another.
A. THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL SELF
Family - The family’s central role in developing one’s political personality derives from its role as
primary source of all the basic and innate needs of a person. There is a high tendency that a child
identifies with his parents and then adopts their outlook in politics. Easton and Hess mentioned that
politicizing process starts at the age of three and is completed by the age of 13 (Davies, 1965).
Furthermore, parents seldom talk about politics with their young children directly, but occasional remarks
made around the dinner table or while watching news can have an impact.
School/Education - Education has been regarded as the main agent for the political socialization of the
young into the national political culture. It also helps children to be morally upright citizens and
emphasizes one’s respective roles in the society. The school expands and enhances career and life choices
and chances of individuals. Children are also introduced to elections and voting when they choose
classroom officers. Political facts are learned through various classroom discussions and courses. Lastly,
school themselves are involved in politics; such as issues in curriculum reform, tuition fee increase, and
government funding can spark a debate involving students, teachers, parents, and the society.
Church - The teachings, services, and activities of the church can contribute in the ideals of politics.
Mass Media - Old researches argue that while the media is often listed as socialization agents apace with
family, school, and peers, there has been insufficient indication for mass media as a casual element in a
child’s development of political cognition and behavior (Chaffee, Ward, Tipton, 1970). Recent studies,
however, argue that the political influence extends far beyond newspaper reports or television programs
connected with current affairs. In a much more subtle way, they can change people’s thought patterns
through exhilarating stories, entertainment with popular culture, and the like. Most of the political
information comes from the mass media. The average time spent on watching TV makes it the most
dominant information source (Nguyen, 2013). The growth of internet is also a significant source of the
development of political self. People are developing their political self online as they learn about the
distinctions between candidates and political parties and gain knowledge about concerns and political
events.
Other people - The traits and values of the individuals in the society greatly affect the attitudes and beliefs
of an individual.
B. THE POLITICAL SELF AND BEING A FILIPINO
The Philippines today has only appeared in the 1980s after over three centuries of colonization. Foreign
culture beliefs, language, and religion have made an enormous indentation on our own by setting a
groundwork to the contemporary Filipino identity and culture. The individual’s race, ethnicity, and
physical characteristics are not the sole factors that make one’s national identity. The important values
and traits can also contribute to one’s national identity.
An excerpt from “A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People--Building a Nation” by Patricia
Licuanan (2016)
A. STRENGTHS OF THE FILIPINO CHARACTER
1. Pakikipagkapwa-Tao (Regard for Others)
Pakikipagkapwa-tao is manifested in a basic sense of justice and fairness, and in concern for others
Demonstrated in the Filipinos’ ability to empathize with others, in helpfulness and generosity in times of
need (pakikiramay), in the practice of mutual assistance (bayanihan), and in the famous Filipino
hospitality
Filipinos also possess a sensitivity to people’s feelings (pakikiramdam), trust (pagtitiwala), and a sense of
gratitude (utang-na-loob)
Pakikipagkapwa-tao makes Filipinos very sensitive to the quality of interpersonal relationships and are
very dependent on them
2. Family Orientation
Filipinos possess a genuine and deep love for the family, not only to parents but also to the “extended
family”
One’s family is the source of personal identity, the source of emotional and material supports, and the
person’s main commitment and responsibility
Manifestations: the honor and respect given to parents and elders; the care given to children; the
generosity towards kin in need; and in the great sacrifices one endures for the welfare of the family
Results: feeling of belonging or rootedness in a basic sense of security

3. Joy and Humor

Filipinos have a cheerful and fun-loving approach to life and its ups and downs
There is a pleasant disposition, a sense of humor, and a propensity for happiness that contribute not only
to the Filipino charm, but to the indomitability of the Filipino spirit
Manifestation: Filipino love for socials and celebrations, in our capacity to laugh even in the most trying
of times, and in the appeal of political satire
Results: a certain emotional balance and optimism, a healthy disrespect for power and office, and a
capacity to survive
4. Flexibility, Adaptability, and Creativity
Filipinos have a great capacity to adjust, and to adapt to circumstances and to the surrounding
environment, both physical and social
Unplanned or unanticipated events are never overly disturbing or disorienting as the flexible Filipino
adjusts to whatever happens
Filipinos possess a tolerance for ambiguity that enables us to remain unfaxed by uncertainty or lack of
information
Manifestation: ability to adapt life in any part of the world; in the ability to make new things out of scrap
and to keep old machines running; and in the creative talent manifested in the cultural sphere
Results: productivity, innovation, entrepreneurship, equanimity, and survival
5. Hard work and Industry
Given proper conditions, Filipinos have the capacity for hard work
The desire to raise one’s standard of living and to possess the essentials of a decent life for one’s family
combined with the right opportunities and incentives, stimulate the Filipino to work very hard
Manifestation: willingness to take risks with jobs abroad, and the work there at two or three jobs
Results: productivity and entrepreneurship for some, and survival despite poverty for others
6. Faith and Religiosity
Filipinos have a deep faith in God
Innate religiosity enables us to comprehend and genuinely accept reality in the context of God’s will and
plan
Filipinos live very intimately with religion
We ascribe human traits to a supernatural God whom we alternately threaten and thank, call upon for
mercy or forgiveness, and appease by pledges
7. Ability to Survive
Filipinos’ ability to survive is manifested in our capacity for endurance despite difficult times, and in our
ability to get by on so little
This survival instinct is related to the Filipinos who bravely carry on through the harshest economic and
social circumstances
Summing up all the other Filipino strengths results to the ability to survive
B. WEAKNESSES OF THE FILIPINO CHARACTER
1. Extreme Personalism
Filipinos view the world in terms of personal relationships and the extent to which one is able personally
to relate to things and people determines our recognition of their existence and the value
Oftentimes, there is no distinction between an objective task and emotional involvement
Manifestation: the tendency to give personal interpretations to actions and in the need to establish
personal relationships before any business or work relationship can be successful
2. Extreme Family-Centeredness
While concern for the family is one of the greatest strengths of the Filipinos, in the extreme, it becomes a
serious flaw
Excessive concern for the family creates an in-group to which the Filipino is fiercely loyal, to the
detriment of concern for the larger community of the common good
Manifestations: use of one’s office and power as a mean of promoting the interests of the family,
patronage, and political dynasties and in the protection of erring family members
Results: lack of concern for the common good and acts as a block to national consciousness

3. Lack of Discipline
Filipinos have a causal and relaxed attitude towards time and space
We have an aversion to following strictly a set of procedures
We are impatient and unable to delay gratification or reward
We are guilty of ningas cogon, starting out projects with full vigor and interest which abruptly die down,
leaving things unfinished
Manifestations: lack of self precision and impulsiveness; poor time management; and procastination
Results: lack of standardization and quality control; use of short cuts; palusot syndrome; foolhardiness;
inefficient and wasteful work systems; the violation of rules leading to more serious transgressions; and a
casual work ethic leading to carelessness and lack of follow-through
4. Passivity and Lack of Initiative
Filipinos tend to wait to be told what has to be done and there is a strong reliance on others
Filipinos also have a need for a string authority figure and feel safer and more secure in the presence of
such an authority
There is a rare sense of urgency about any problem
There is also a high tolerance for inefficiency, poor service, and even violations of one’s basic rights
In many ways, Filipinos are too patient and long-suffering (matiisin)
5. Colonial Mentality
Two dimensions of a Filipino colonial mentality are the lack of patriotism (active awareness,
appreciation, and love for the country) and an actual preference for foreign things
Filipino culture is characterized by an openness to the outside -- adapting and incorporating the foreign
elements into our image of ourselves
Manifestations: alienation of the elite from their roots and from the masses; and basic feeling of national
inferiority that makes it difficult for Filipinos to relate as equals to Westerners
Results: cultural vagueness or weakness that makes Filipinos extraordinarily susceptible to the
wholesome acceptance of modern mass culture
6. Kanya-Kanya Syndrome
Filipinos have a selfish, self-serving attitude that generates a feeling of envy and competitiveness towards
others who seem to have gained some status or prestige
Manifestations: crab mentality using the levelling instruments of tsismis, intriga, and unconstrictive
criticism to bring others down; personal ambition and drive for power and status that is completely
insensitive to the common good; and lack of a sense of service among people in the government
bureaucracy
7. Lack of Self-Analysis and Self-Reflection
There is a tendency in the Filipino to be superficial and even somewhat war freak
There is no felt need to validate our hypotheses or explanations of things
We are satisfied with superficial explanations for, and superficial solutions to, problems
Manifestations: emphasis on form (maporma) rather than substance; and satisfaction with rhetoric