The

Political
Self
Politics, Citizenship and The Self
Politics refers to the actions or activities
concerned with achieving and using power in
a nation or society.
a. It is also defined as the ways that power
is shared in an organization and the
ways it is affected by personal
relationships between people who work
together.
Politics, Citizenship and The Self

As Aristotle stated, “man is, by

nature, a political animal.” This is
because man is a social being
and that people are naturally
drawn to various political
involvements in order to satisfy
their social needs.
 Politics as imbibed by man implies
several things:
1. Politics is concerned with
power. Power inequalities
can be observed within
societies. The one who holds
power holds influence.
Politics as imbibed by man implies
several things:
2. Politics functions based on a
particular social economic and
cultural context. The nature of
politics and political systems is
dependent on the culture of the state.
Political claims made by advocates
are influenced by their geographical
location and ideology.
Politics as imbibed by man implies
several things:

The political is also personal.

One’s personal choices
reflect his/her personal
politics; both are
indistinguishable.
Politics as imbibed by man implies
several things:

Politics goes hand in hand

with the society. Politics
pervades the structure of
society, and thus
influences inhabitants in
their beliefs, ethics, and
behavior.
Politics as imbibed by man implies
several things:
Important Note

The political self is not only shaped by

one’s political affiliation or beliefs.
One’s sense of accountability should
be manifested in promoting certain
advocacies through healthy political
engagement. This is aligned with the
concept of active citizenship.
 Active
Citizenship
Active Citizenship
Active citizenship refers to the
structured forms of engagement with
political processes and everyday forms
of participation in society. It is also
defined as the process of sharing
decisions which affect one’s life and the
life of a community in which one lives.
Participation is the fundamental right of
citizenship.
Active Citizenship

Active citizenship is anchored on one’s cognitive and behavioral

engagement to participate in formal and informal political
activities. Different people manifest different levels of active
citizenship; some they take a more active approach in making
their voices heard.

Active citizenship is a practice of democracy. Democracy

should not only be thought of as a form of government. It is a
communal system that allows volitional freedom of citizens to
make informed choices that allow them to be heard.
 Active Citizenship

Active citizenship is also associated with the

“sense of community.” People, including
adolescents, participate in communal
activities because it gives a sense of
belonging in a particular group. Active
citizenship may facilitate ethnic pride and
provide a voice to the woes of their social
group.
Active Citizenship

For the younger generation, active citizenship

can contribute to their social development.
Active Citizenship

Active citizenship helps an individual embrace their

individuality through the choices they make and
the behavior they manifest
 Active Citizenship
People have become even more involved in the
issues. In fact, they might have started to raise
their voice through many ways. The social media
is the most accessible and practical form for
people to express their stand on these issues.

We will certainly defend our positions because

these are based on our values that we hold dear.
These values are dear to us because they could
have been passed on from our elders and which
we will be passing on to the future generations