The Political Self

Political self is understanding the concept

of politics. Concepts of political community,
socialization, social interaction, and
citizenship are discussed in this chapter. It
also defines the political self and describes
the influence of family, school, church,
peers, and the media on the development of
the political self.
Understanding politics
Kendall(1998)
defines politics as a social institution through
which power is acquired and exercised by people
and groups. Politics is an important part of human
development because it promotes ideologies about
democracy, citizenship, human rights, freedom,
family, health, and other social issues. It serves as
the mechanism by which individuals develop
power and understand proper functioning of a
democratic society as a citizen.
Aristotle
the ancient Greek philosopher and founder
of modern political philosophy, wrote that
“man is by nature a political animal” and that
politics must play an important role in
bringing about virtuous life in the citizenry.
In Aristotle’s work, Politics, he describes the
role that politics and the political community
must play in promoting virtue in society.
Citizenship
is the most basic identification with the
nation. The term denotes the membership
of a citizen in a political society. As a citizen,
a person enjoys full civil and political rights,
including protection inside and outside the
territory of the state.
Stevens, Anglin, and Jussim(2015)
cite that in some people, politics is a central
component of their identity. For others,
politics may be a more peripheral concern
but temporarily becomes a central one in
certain situations. The political self
organizes one’s beliefs, attitudes, and
affiliations and aids in the processing of
politically relevant information.
Political Self and
Identity
As an essential part of the self, the political
self organizes self-relevant information about
politics. It constitutes knowledge about the
constitution, government, and governance.
The political self helps in defining the
structure and functions of the government. It
embodies the rules and principles of the
State, and determines the status and power of
the people.
Ma Serena Diokno (1997)
mentions that citizenship is the most basic
identification with the nation. The institutions
which influence the values citizenship are the
family, church, school, media, government, and
non-governmental organizations. From the social
and psychological perspectives, the individual’s
claim to citizenship means that the person relates
himself or herself to a group of others who also see
themselves as Citizens of a larger polity.
The value component of identity construction is shaped by
societal agencies that enter the life of the individual from
childhood all the way through adulthood (Diokno, 1997).
The political self and identity are developed through
socialization. People learn the knowledge, norms,
values, motives, and roles appropriate to their positions in
a group or community.
 Social interaction may significantly influence a
person’s understanding of politics. Through social
interaction, people learn the status, duties, rights, and
power necessary to interact successfully with others.
Individuals internalize the political attitudes, values and
views of others and incorporate them into their political
self.
Origin of political self
Aristotle says that Authority is necessary
in the development of the political self and
identity, which is established by the father
and the mother. Children must be governed;
thus, there must be some form of
established status and power in the family.
Aristotle considers the state as a natural
union of families, established for the
common good under a definite government.
The Family

The family consists of members who differ

in status, obligations, influence, or power.
Traditionally, the father is the most
influential member of the family. His role as
the leader entails power and authority. From
an early age, individuals are taught to treat
parents with respect and conform to their
rules.
The School

The Philippine Constitution recognizes the vital

role of schools in inculcating among the youth the
value of patriotism and nationalism. One of the
responsibilities of schools is to teach moral,
spiritual, and political values that will help the
students to become patriotic and morally upright
citizens. The school has a similar structure to the
family, with the teacher acting as the leader of the
group.
The Church

The church also helps shape the ideals

of citizenship and democracy through
their religious teachings, values, and
traditions.
Peers

Peers are also important in influencing

the political self. In peer groups, the
members are equal in status. Thus,
interaction with peers encompasses
and emphasize the equal distribution
of power, rights, and privileges among
members of the group.
Mass media

Mass media could also be a key source

of information on politics, and thus
may influence an individual’s political
values and beliefs.
Theories of Political Self
Social learning theory
a person can acquire learning through
observation and imitation. In
imitation, the learner watches the
behavior of another person (model)
and then perform the behavior in a
similar way. Observation and Imitation
are important in a process known as
political socialization.
Political socialization - is the
lifelong process by which
individuals gain knowledge about
politics. Through process of
identification, individuals
(especially children and
adolescents )incorporate the
characteristics or traits of the
models (parents or significant
people )they look up to.
Cognitive Theory
suggests that the mental activities
of individuals are important
determinants of behavior (e.g
political attitudes). For example,
individuals interpret the meaning
of politics and then choose and
decide the actions they will make.
Theory of symbolic interaction
suggests that behaviors are products of
communication, meaning, and symbols. For
example, children develop their political
attitudes according to the symbols and
meanings their parents communicate to
them. People can formulate plans of actions,
such as politics, human rights, freedom,
election, demonstrations, and rally based on
these meanings.
Theory of Political Participation
can be defined as citizens actions or
activities anchored in politics. The extent
and scope of political participation may be
an important criteria for assessing the value
or quality of symbols and meanings that
people ascribe to politics. For instance,
ordinary Filipino citizens must be allowed to
take part in the policy and decision-making
process regarding the administration of the
country which is in accordance to the
democratic nature of the Philippine society.