Leyte Normal University

College of Education

Tacloban City

POLITICAL SELF

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Presented to:

Ms. Allianah Jane A. Mariaca, LPT

Faculty, Secondary Education Department

Presented by:

GROUP 5

Schedule: 10/28/2024
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Finding ourselves in any circumstance and comprehending the underlying causes

that affect us is a very important lesson to acquire. Based on a person’s social and cultural
upbringing, one may be able to describe himself quickly, but because the self is
multifaceted, it is not enough to see oneself at a glance. So, in order to fully see oneself, one
must gradually unpack or unfold even the tiniest component of his or her entire existence,
starting with the roots and including both of his or her internal and external influences.
Thus, there are three “self” we can learn in unpacking ourselves.

POLITICAL SELF

Objectives

• To describe the nature, functions and origin of the political self.

• Discuss the role of the family, school, church in the development of the political self;

• Determine the importance of the Social Interaction in developing of Political Self –

Identify

Describe the perspectives in the development of Political Self

POLITICAL SELF

• Refers to a representation of oneself about him/herself.

• Political position based on the interest and perspective of one social organizations.

• The Political Self is that the conceptually discrete categories of ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ in
reality constantly interact, shape, and inform each other.

Brief History:

After being colonized by the Spaniards for more than three centuries, the
Philippines as we know had only came into being in the 1890s. The last conquerors, the
Japanese, were only finally driven out in 1946. By laying the groundwork for the modern
Filipino identity and culture, foreign culture, beliefs, languages, and religion have made a
significant impact on our nations.

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Colonial attitude is still a problem today. Is it safe to argue that Filipinos have
actually created their own identity given the stark difference between the independence
era and the present? Or are we still surrounded by our pals from the colonial era?

Kendall (1998)

Defines politics as a social institution through which power is acquired and exercised by
people in the groups “man in nature is a political animal”. It serves as a mechanism by
which individuals develop power and understand proper functioning of a democratic.

Stevens, Anglin, and Jussim (2015) defines politics is a central component of their identity.
Organizes one’s beliefs, attitudes, and affiliations and aids the processing of politically
relevant information. It constitutes knowledge about the Constitution, government and
governance. Exemplifies the ideals and aspirations of the people, embodies the rules and
principle of the States, and determines the status and power of the people, often defined by
Citizenship.

Ma. Serena Diokno (1997) defines Political self and identity are developed through
socialization, through the ways of people learn the knowledge, norms, values, motives, and
roles appropriate to their positions in a group or community. Through social interaction,
people learn the status, duties, rights and power necessary to interact successfully with
other people in the group and community. The political self is influenced and modified by
the opinions, comments and suggestions of other people.

POLITICAL SELF THEORIES

Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura)

• A person can acquire learning through observation and imitation

• Observation and imitation are important in a process known political socialization,

• Political socialization is the lifelong process by which individuals gain knowledge

about politics.

Cognitive Theory

• Suggest that mental activities (e.g., knowledge, perceptions, ideas) of individuals are
important determinants of behavior (e.g., political attitude)

• Example: individuals interpret meaning of politics and then choose and decide the
actions they will make.

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Theory of Symbolic Interaction

• Suggests that behaviors are products of communication, meaning, and symbols.

• People give meanings to symbols and they express these meanings through
language communication.

• Example: children develop their political attitudes according to the symbols and
meanings that their parents communicate to them."

Theory of Political Participation

• Defined as the citizen’s action or activities anchored in politics.

• The extent and scope of political participation may be an important criterion for
assessing value or quality symbols and meanings that the people ascribe to politics.

• Example: An ordinary Filipino citizen must be allowed to take part in the policy and
decision making process regarding the administrations of the country which is in
accordance to the democratic nature of the Philippine society.

ORIGIN OF POLITICAL SELF

Family

• The family has a hierarchical structure through hierarchy of positions, status and
power. Example: Father acts as a leader and establishes rules to maintain order in
the family This shows that authority is necessary in the development of political self
and identity.

School

• The school's responsibility is to teach moral, spiritual, and political values that will
help the students to become patriotic and morally upright citizen

• Example: UTS subject, GMRC, ROTC The school is similar to family, where the
teacher acts as the leader in classroom that sets the rules and regulation to maintain
order in class.

Church

• Helps the shape ideals of citizenship and democracy through the religious teachings,
values and tradition.

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Peers

• Interaction with the peers encompasses and emphasizes the equal distribution of
power, rights, and privileges among members of the group.

Mass Media

• Key to the source of information on politics Family, School, Church, Peers and moral
behaviors ‘that influence political behavior and Political self.

Democracy

• A government in which the supreme is vested in and exercised by the people

directly or indirectly through a system of presentation, usually involving periodical
held free elections. Although democracy has several flaws it also uniquely possess a
number of features that most people — whatever their basic political beliefs- would
consider desirable.

• Examples:

1. Democracy helps prevent cruel and vicious autocrats from ruling

2. It fosters human development i.e., health education, personal income and any
other indicators more fully than do other forms of government

3. Democracy helps protect fundamental individual rights and interest

4. Democratic societies provide people the maximum opportunity to take moral

responsibility for their choices and decisions.

5. Democratic societies offer a relatively high chance of political equality Three

Major Concerns in Building an Identity.

DEVELOPING A FILIPINO IDENTITY

Values, Traits, Community and Institutional Factors Collective action, shared

vision, means of sustainable future and the link to generation has been crucial in the
construction of identity and sense of belonging in the democratic standpoint. On the
other hand, in the socio psychological perspective, citizenship or being a Filipino
serve as a cognitive and motivational basis for ones beliefs and behavior. Thus,
enhancing the practice of citizenship and democracy is crucial to the awareness and
understanding of self and community.

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The level of individual, community and institution are primary factors that
come into playing the building an identity. At the same time, it is essential to
consider the following concerns in building an identity:

1. Instrumental - An individual act in accordance with rules and

identities consistent with supportive of democratic processes.

2. Morals - Values and beliefs embody and reinforce democratic

principles.3. Transformative - Includes process of self-reflection and
redefinition of individuals, institutions and communities

FILIPINO CULTURE

The Filipino culture is a mix of both eastern and western cultures. The beliefs and
traditions of pre-colonial Philippines were mainly an indigenous Malay heritage. The Malay
temperament is a basic factor of a Filipino personality. It can best describe as "being nice
and pleasant to others". The important role family in Filipino culture stemmed from the
strength of the Malay family clan that serves as a strong security unit. When Spaniards
colonized the Islands, Hispanic culture influenced the natives. Christianity became
dominant religion and a western-based social and political organization was established in
the Philippines. The Americans shaped the modern Filipino culture and this is primarily
manifested by the widespread use of the English language in the Philippines today. It was
from this influence that forms the Filipino character.

FILIPINO TRAITS AND VALUES

• The Filipino Hospitality

A Filipino trait that is known everywhere if the Filipino's brand of hospitality

Respect for Elders Example: "Mano PO" Constantly using "PO" and "opo" Wide array
of references; Kuya, Ate, Tita, Tito, Lolo, Lola, Manong, Aling Close Family Ties
Example Fond of reunions; Holidays, Birthdays and Fiestas

• Cheerful Personality

Filipinos have a habit of smiling and laughing a lot. Smiling has been a coping
strategy for many Filipinos.

Example: Maintaining positive outlook after calamities.

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• Self - Sacrifice

Self-sacrificing attitude of Filipinos can be seen as an extension of the Filipino

hospitality Example: OFW - modern day Filipino heroes

• Bayanihan

The spirit of communal unity and cooperation of Filipinos

Example: Cleaning the Manila Bay

• "Bahala na" Attitude

Filipino version of ' Hakuna Matata," a phrase originated from the "Bathala na,"
meaning leavingeverything into God's hand

• Colonial Mentality

Regarded as the lack of patriotism and attitude where Filipinos favor foreign
product more than their own. Attributed to the centuries of colonization of Filipinos
had experience

Example: Patronizing Hollywood films than Local Films Food products or Korean
language thanFilipino Language

• Mañiana Habit Filipino term for procrastination derive from the phrase called
"mamaya na" Example: Delaying of doing school works

• Ningas Kugon

Ningas means flame and kugon means cogon grass refers to the attitude of eagerly
starting thingsbut quickly losing eagerness soon after experiencing difficulty

Example: Engineering students losing interest to study more in O the difficult

subject like calculus or physics

• Pride Most

Filipino hold their pride as if they are precious than keeping a good relationship
with family and loved ones

• Crab Mentality

Toxic trait of Filipinos where one resents achievement of another, instead of feeling
happy for that person

• Filipino time

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Filipinos attitude of arriving late at commitments, dinner or parties especially if they

are meeting someone close to them

Political Engagement

Overview

The role of citizens in influencing governance is the central theme of this report.
Citizen engagement in government comes in many varieties, including non-political
ways in which citizens can participate in service delivery, provide inputs and
feedback at the invitation of government officials, and play a role in monitoring the
performance of government agencies. This report emphasizes the crucial role of
citizens’ political engagement, distinguishing it from other non-political forms of
citizen engagement.

Political engagement is the participation of citizens in selecting and sanctioning the

leaders who wield power in government, including by entering themselves as
contenders for leadership. Political engagement includes citizen actions as voters, as
actual and potential challengers for leadership positions in government, and in
organized groups that pressure elected politicians and appointed public officials
through civil society action and public protests.

The leaders who are selected through political engagement, in turn, del- egate to
public officials and frontline providers the many tasks of delivering public goods
and services. These leaders also choose policies for citizen engagement in the
business of government.

Some forms engage citizens as “co-producers” of public goods, such as by managing

and allocating budgets and delivering services, while other forms try to make public
officials and frontline providers more account- able for good performance by
engaging citizens to monitor their delivery of public goods. The assumption is that,
even without formal powers to select and sanction officials, citizens will be able to
exact accountability through social pressure. Reviews of research on the impact of
social accountability initiatives conclude that their benefits are limited in the face of
funda- mental failures in the political process and low incentives for leaders to
respond to citizens (Grandvoinnet, Aslam, and Raha 2015; Mansuri and Rao 2013).
Effectiveness of social accountability initiatives will depend on the incentives of
leaders to take citizen monitoring, feedback, and complaints seriously and use their
formal powers over public officials to ultimately hold them accountable. This point
will be supported by the research reviews contained in the latter chapters of this
report.

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This chapter presents evidence of growing trends in political engagement across

and within countries, through electoral institutions, public protests, and civil society
organizations.

Political Engagement through elections

Political engagement happens in every institutional context, from democracies to

autocracies, albeit in different ways. A variety of formal political institutions are
found around the world that structure the degree to which the power to select and
sanction leaders is diffused across many citizens acting as individual voters versus
concentrated among elites or organized groups such as political parties. Even when
formal institutions restrict the power of “ordinary” citizens, who hold no public
office and are not organized into influential groups, research suggests that leaders
are nevertheless constrained by the informal powers of non-elite citizens to engage
in pro- tests or revolts. At the same time, formal electoral institutions have spread
across and within countries, expanding the power of individuals to select and
sanction leaders as voters. Citizen responses to public opinion surveys provide
evidence of citizens’ perceptions of and participation in elections. Citizens,
especially the poor and less educated, report active participation in elections across
a variety of institutional contexts. Even where electoral violence and fraud, vote
buying, and ethnic conflict are common, citizens nevertheless express their beliefs
that elections matter for beneficial change and that through their vote, they can
improve their lives.

Political participation is all about how individuals engage with the political process
and contribute to shaping their society. It's not just about voting, though that’s a
crucial part. It's about taking an active role in making decisions that affect your
community, your country, and even the world.

Three forms of political participation:

1. Voting:

• Definition: Voting is the most fundamental form of political participation in

a democracy. It allows citizens to choose their leaders and express their
preferences on various policies.

• Types: Voting can include casting ballots in elections for local, regional, or
national offices, participating in referendums or plebiscites on specific issues,
and engaging in party primaries or caucuses to select candidates.

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• Importance: Voting ensures citizen representation, holds elected officials

accountable, and legitimizes the government's authority. It's the foundation
of a democratic system, allowing citizens to have a say in shaping their
future.

2. Activism:

• Definition: Activism involves taking a more proactive and often organized

approach to influencing political change. It encompasses a wide range of
actions, from peaceful protests to lobbying efforts.

• Types: Activism can include participating in demonstrations, organizing

boycotts, raising awareness through public campaigns, lobbying government
officials, and engaging in direct action to challenge existing policies or
practices.

• Importance: Activism plays a vital role in pushing for social change,

highlighting issues that may not be addressed through traditional political
channels, and mobilizing public opinion around important causes.

3. Civic Involvement:

• Definition: Civic involvement encompasses a broad range of activities that

contribute to the well-being of a community. It goes beyond traditional
political engagement and focuses on building a better society.

• Types: Civic involvement can include volunteering for local organizations,

participating in community groups, attending town hall meetings, engaging
in neighborhood initiatives, and supporting local businesses.

• Importance: Civic involvement fosters community cohesion, strengthens

social bonds, and addresses local issues that may not receive attention from
larger political institutions. It builds a sense of shared responsibility and
empowers individuals to make a difference in their communities.

Political Self-Expression as a Catalyst for Self-Empowerment:

●Voice and Agency: When individuals express their political views, they assert
their agency and claim a stake in the political process. They are no longer passive
observers but active participants, shaping the discourse and contributing to

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decision-making. This act of voicing their opinions, even if they are dissenting,
empowers them to feel heard and valued.

●Building Confidence: Expressing oneself politically, whether through writing,

speaking, or participating in protests, can boost self-confidence. It allows
individuals to articulate their beliefs, challenge assumptions, and engage in
critical thinking. This process of articulating and defending one's views can lead
to a greater sense of self-assurance and a willingness to stand up for what they
believe in.

●Collective Action: Political self-expression often leads to collective action.

When individuals find others who share their views, they can join forces to
advocate for change. This collective effort can be incredibly empowering, as
individuals realize they are not alone in their beliefs and that their voices can
make a real difference.

Self-Empowerment as a Foundation for Political Self-Expression:

●Internal Belief: Self-empowerment, the feeling of being in control of one's life

and having the ability to make choices, is essential for political self-expression.
Individuals who feel empowered are more likely to speak up, challenge
authority, and advocate for their beliefs. They are less likely to be silenced by
fear or apathy.

●Taking Ownership: Self-empowerment encourages individuals to take

ownership of their political beliefs and to see themselves as agents of change.
They are less likely to be swayed by external pressures or to feel powerless in the
face of political challenges. This sense of ownership fuels their desire to express
their views and to work towards a better future.

●Breaking Barriers: Self-empowerment can help individuals overcome barriers

to political self-expression, such as fear of reprisal, social stigma, or a lack of
confidence. By believing in their own abilities and the importance of their voices,
they are more likely to step outside their comfort zones and engage in political
discourse.

The Cycle of Empowerment:

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The connection between political self-expression and self-empowerment is

cyclical. Political self-expression can lead to self-empowerment, which in turn
encourages more political self-expression. This positive feedback loop can create a more
engaged and active citizenry, leading to a more vibrant and responsive democracy.

Balancing political beliefs with other aspects of the self is a crucial aspect of a fulfilling life. It's
about finding harmony between your political convictions and other important dimensions of
your identity, like your personal values, relationships, and aspirations.

1. Recognize the Interconnectedness:

• Holistic View: Your political beliefs are part of a larger tapestry of your
identity. They are influenced by your upbringing, experiences, values, and
personal goals. Recognizing this interconnectedness helps you see your political
views as part of a broader self-understanding.

• Avoid Isolation: Don't allow your political beliefs to isolate you from other
aspects of your life. Engage in diverse conversations, cultivate relationships with
people who hold different views, and explore topics beyond the political sphere.

2. Cultivate Openness and Critical Thinking:

• Challenge Assumptions: Be willing to question your own beliefs and examine

them critically. Ask yourself: "Why do I hold these views? Are they based on
evidence, emotion, or a combination of both? Are there other perspectives I
haven't considered?"

• Seek Diverse Information: Expose yourself to a wide range of viewpoints and

information sources. Avoid echo chambers and actively seek out perspectives
that challenge your own. This helps you develop a more nuanced understanding
of complex issues.

3. Prioritize Relationships and Empathy:

• Respect Differences: While you may hold strong political beliefs, remember
that others have their own perspectives that are equally valid. Treat everyone
with respect, even if you disagree with their views.

• Practice Empathy: Try to understand the perspectives of others, even if you

disagree with them. Ask yourself: "What experiences or values might have led

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them to hold these beliefs?" This fosters understanding and helps you build
bridges, even across political divides.

4. Find Common Ground:

• Focus on Shared Values: Even when you disagree on political issues, there are
likely shared values that can form a basis for common ground. For example, you
might share a commitment to justice, equality, or environmental protection,
despite differing views on how to achieve these goals.

• Bridge the Gap: Look for areas of agreement and focus on those points of
convergence. This helps to build relationships and create a more constructive
dialogue.

5. Maintain a Sense of Self:

• Beyond Politics: Your identity is not solely defined by your political beliefs.
Cultivate other interests, hobbies, and passions that bring you joy and
fulfillment. This helps you maintain a balanced perspective and prevents your
political views from consuming your entire life.

• Personal Growth: Use your political beliefs as a catalyst for personal growth.
Ask yourself: "How can I live a more ethical and meaningful life that aligns with
my values?" This approach can lead to positive changes both in your personal life
and in the wider community.

Navigating political differences in relationships can be challenging, especially in today's highly

polarized climate. While it's tempting to avoid the topic altogether, it's often more constructive
to find ways to respectfully discuss differences and build understanding.

1. Acknowledge the Sensitivity:

• Recognize the Stakes: Politics can be deeply personal and tied to core values.
Understand that disagreements can trigger strong emotions, and approach
conversations with empathy and respect.

• Avoid Judgment: Refrain from labeling or judging your partner's views. Focus
on understanding their perspective rather than trying to change their mind.

2. Set Boundaries and Expectations:

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• Open Communication: Have an honest conversation about how you both feel
about discussing politics. Agree on ground rules for respectful dialogue,
including avoiding personal attacks and listening actively.

• Limit Political Talk: Establish guidelines for how often and where you'll discuss
politics. It's okay to have designated times and spaces for these conversations.

3. Seek Common Ground:

• Focus on Shared Values: Even with divergent political views, you likely share
core values like compassion, justice, or environmental protection. Explore these
commonalities to build a foundation for understanding.

• Embrace Curiosity: Approach conversations with a genuine desire to

understand your partner's perspective. Ask open-ended questions about their
beliefs and experiences.

4. Practice Active Listening:

• Listen to Understand: Pay attention to your partner's words, tone, and body
language. Avoid interrupting or formulating your response while they're
speaking.

• Summarize and Reflect: After your partner has spoken, paraphrase their points
to ensure understanding. Reflect on their perspective and acknowledge its
validity, even if you disagree.

5. Recognize When to Step Back:

• De-escalate Tension: If conversations become heated, take a break and revisit

the topic when you're both calmer. Avoid making decisions or escalating
conflicts when emotions are running high.

• Seek Professional Help: If differences are deeply ingrained or causing

significant strain, consider seeking couples counseling. A therapist can provide
tools for navigating conflict and building stronger communication skills

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References

Kendall, R. J. (1989). Politics as a social institution, 94, 721–48.

Stevens, Anglin, . & Jussim. (2015). Politics as a central component of their identity.

Diokno, M. S. (1997). Political self and identity are developed through socialization, NJ:

Princeton University Press.

BANDURA, A. (1991). Political Self Theories (Eds.), The self-society dynamic: Cognition.

emotion and action (pp. 43–54).

Callero, P. L. (1994). From role-playing to role-using: Understanding role as resource. Social

Psychology Quarterly, 57, 228–243.

Callero, P.L. (2003). Filipino Culture. Filipino Traits and Values, 29, 115–133.

William A. Galston (2001). Political knowledge, political engagement, and civic education,217 -

234

Stoker, G. (2006). Why politics matter: Making democracy work. Palgrave.

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