Module 7: Unfolding the

Emerging Facets of the

self
Section 1:
The Political Self;
Developing Active
Citizenship
PART REPORTER : RHEA VALLIE T. LANOSO
Politics, Citizenship, and the Self
 Politics refers to the action or activities concerned with
achieving and using power in a nation or society. It also
defined as the ways that power is shared in an
organization and the ways it is affected by personal
relationship between people who work together.
 Aristotle stated that “man is by nature a political animal”
 It is because man is a social being and that people are
naturally drawn to various political involvements in order
to satisfy their social needs.
First, politics is concerned with power.
 Power inequalities can be observed within societies. There are individuals
whose position ranks high in the social hierarchy, and thus wields much
power compared to those in the lower class. The one who holds power hold
influence.
Second, politics functions based on the particular social economics and
cultural context.
 The nature of politics and political system is dependent on the culture of the
state. The characteristic of people, their cultural traditions and value
orientations, economics, education, religion, and other similar institutions
shape the political landscape of any country.
Third, the political is also personal
 One’s personal choices reflect his or her personal politics; both are
undisguisable. A person is likely to make personal choices and beliefs that
are consistent with his or her personal politics.
Lastly, politics goes hand in hand with the society
 The society consist of people living together in organized communities with
shared laws, traditions, and values. Politics pervades the structure of society,
and thus influences inhibition in their beliefs, ethics, and behavior.

However, The political self is not only shaped by one’s political affiliation
or beliefs. Everyone is naturally inclined to have choices and reactions to
political events happening in their countries, but this is not enough. The
political self is anchored on the inclination to participate in political activities
that should serve the interest of all sectors of the society.