UTS-REPORTING

Political Self and Identity

Understanding Politics

• Politics is defined as a social institution where power is acquired and exercised by people and groups (Kendall, 1998).

Political Self

• The political self organizes self-relevant information about politics, which includes knowledge about the constitution, government, and governance.

Political Identity

• Political identity pertains to how individuals define themselves concerning political concepts, groups, and systems, influencing political attitudes, voting choices, and participation in political activities.

Relationship between Political Self and Identity

• Political self and identity are intertwined; political identity constructs a core component of political self through formation, expression, and influence.

The Origins of Political Self

Influencing Factors

• Family: The family’s power structure impacts individual political thoughts and actions.

• School: Education provides ethical, religious, and governmental knowledge necessary for citizenship, akin to familial influence through organized structures.

• Church: Religious beliefs inform ideas about citizenship and governance.

• Peers: Interactions shape values like equal rights within groups.

• Mass Media: A primary political information source influencing thoughts and moral values.

Theories of Political Self

Social Learning Theory

• Individuals learn through observation and imitation, essential in political socialization, which shapes political knowledge over a lifetime.

Cognitive Theory

• This theory emphasizes that mental activities determine behavior, influencing political attitudes and choices.

Symbolic Interaction Theory

• Behavior is shaped by communication, meaning, and symbols, which are critical for understanding political participation.

Filipino Values (Timberza, 1982)

Core Values

• Pakikipagkapwa-tao: Shared identity and consciousness of others, promoting dignity.

• Family Orientation: The family as the fundamental unit in Filipino life.

• Joy and Humor: Filipinos’ ability to maintain optimism through humor.

• Flexibility and Creativity: Adapting to situations, guided by personal timing.

• Faith and Religiosity: Strong spiritual beliefs manifest in various practices.

Positive Traits

• Hospitality: Offers food and warmth to guests.

• Respect: A cultural norm across ages.

• Strong Family Ties: Filipinos prioritize family cohesion.

• Generosity and Helpfulness: Readiness to share despite limited resources.

• Strong Work Ethic: Commitment to hard work for family sustenance.

Systems of Support

• Balikatan: Collective burden-sharing in difficulties.

• Bayanihan: Teamwork to achieve common goals.

• Pakikisama: Group conformity to maintain unity.

• Smooth Interpersonal Relationships: Emphasizing good relationships with diplomacy.

Negative Traits

• Mañana Habit: Procrastination affecting productivity.

• Pride: Possible standards impacting dignity.

• Crab Mentality: Resentment towards others’ successes.

• Filipino Time: Tendency to arrive late to engagements.

Digital Self

Definition and Elements

• Digital Self: Represents oneself online, comprised of interactions, data, and content shared digitally.

• Online Identity: Encompasses usernames, profiles, and shared information.

• Digital Footprint: The trail of data entity leaves on the internet.

• Social Media Presence: The portrayal of oneself on platforms like Facebook, Instagram.

• Online Communication: Includes emails, texts, and other forms of digital interaction.

• Data and Privacy: Protection of personal information against misuse.

• Online Reputation: Impression based on online activities.

Self-Presentation and Impression Management

• Involves efforts to shape perceptions of oneself online through profiles, posts, and interactions, integrating strategies to control information for specific objectives.

Expression of Gender and Sexuality Online

• Includes identity exploration, community formation, and representation, while facing risks like harassment and misinformation.

Importance of Digital Technology

• Transforms communication, democratizes information, drives growth, enhances education, and facilitates participation in societal matters, underpinning online identities and reputations.

Impact of Online Interactions on the Self

• Online interactions offer benefits like social connection and identity exploration but also present risks such as cyberbullying and misinformation, necessitating mindful engagement.

Data Privacy Act

• Republic Act 10173 aims to safeguard privacy while ensuring free information flow. It establishes the importance of securing personal information within public and private sectors.