Loberos, Jaya Mae S.

BSHM1101

Questions:
• Do you agree that the Philippines is a collectivist society? Give at least two (2) concrete
examples that would illustrate and support your argument.
• How does our cultural orientation shape/impact our idea of self, especially as a Filipino? Give at
least two (2) concrete examples that would illustrate and support your opinion.

Answer:
I . I believe Philippines is a collectivist society, why? Collectivism or collectivist society is a
cultural term that usually putting more effort to family or community than individuals.
Philippines can be considered as a collectivist family due to strong sense of pride towards
group or from family.

Example:
• In a barangay, there a league that usually clash between another barangays (communities) and
eventually celebrate their victory by having a feast or sharing stories to any another people or
place.
People that usually pledge to collectivism put more emphasis or effort for the greater good
through numbers. When it comes to families/clans/tribes especially to religion. Filipinos most
likely see themselves in the context of families.

Example:
• Filipino based their reputation from their family. They usually are the pillar of the strength for
Filipinos. Every move or everything that they might do will affect the reputation from the
family of person. They usually might be considered as a shame to the Filipino family if they did
something that will affect the name of the group.

2. When it come from our county, we have varieties of culture. We, Filipinos has many
cultures from each and every region. We have strong sense of family and community. We
grow with different beliefs and values to other people.

Example:
• In western world, when you tum 18 or in legal age. It is required to leave to parent's
house and should strive to work for their selves. Unlike here in Philippines, you're still
in the custody of the family even if you turn in your 20's. You have to strive not just for
yourself but also for your family and they will benefit from your works.

Catholicism greatly affect from most Filipino character. According to some researches,
Philippines considered one of the most religious countries in the world.
 Example:
• Filipinos tend to go to church every weekday and always follow Christian beliefs.
Religions is the foundation of the values of most Filipino, they encourage their families
or kids to go to church and a way to tighten the bonds of the families.

In conclusion, We Filipinos tend to be more in group and we are more likely a collectivist society such as
like the word "Kapwa". Philippines have a diversity and belief in every culture but we unite for the
benefits of religions and family ties.

References:

• Hays, J. (n. d.). FILIPINO CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY: HIYA, AMOR PROPIO,
EMOTION AND THE INFLUENCES OF CATHOLICISM, ASIA AND SPAIN. Retrieved October
15, 2020, from https://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-
3867.html

• Does culture shape our identity? (n. d.). Retrieved October 15, 2020, from
https://www.wya.net/op-ed/does-culture-shape-our-identity/

• Pier. (n. d.). Filipino Culture- Core Concepts. Retrieved October 15, 2020, from
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/filipino-culture/filipino-culture-core-concepts

• Iida. (2011, June 05). Are Filipino individualist, or just a bunch of moochers? Retrieved
October 15, 2020, from https://www.getrealphilippines.com/2011/06/are-filipinos-
individualist-collectivist-or-just-a-bunch-of-moochers/

• Collectivism in the Philippines and Japan. (2013, October 26). Retrieved October 15,
2020, from https://whenthenailsticksout.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/philippines-japan-
collectivism-and-i/