Module 4 Topic 6 - Normative Dimension of the Cordillera IP Worldview

Definition of Norms: General standards of behavior shared within a society, dictating expected actions in specific situations (Panopio & Rolda, 2000).
- Shared rules or patterns that inform members about what to do or avoid.
- Facilitate group activities and cooperation through automatic adherence from habit.
Categories of Norms:
- Folkways: Repetitive ways of doing things, often informal.
- Laws: Formalized rules established by the government.
- Mores: Strong moral and ethical standards that reflect taboos.
Filipino Mores: Key components of the Filipino worldview, illustrating moral and ethical dimensions.

Core Values: Basic assumptions that form individual and collective consciousness within a social group (Jocano, 2001).
- Influence local perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Expressed through traditional beliefs, codes of conduct, and moral standards.
- Closest native term for core value is pamantayan (standard).
Dominant Elements of Filipino Pamantayan System:
- Halaga: Evaluates worth, merit, and quality of relations and objects.
- Diwa: Provides emotional energy and motive force behind actions.
- Asal: Refers to moral, ethical, and emotional codes governing behavior (essential part of the Filipino worldview).

Asal Definition: Core conduct standards determining what is right, wrong, and appropriate in Filipino culture.
- Pagkamaramdamin (Subjectivism): Emphasizes emotions and relationships.
- Pakikipagkapwa (Personalism): Preference for direct, face-to-face interactions over impersonal communication.
- Pagkakamag-anak (Familism): Promotes family interests over community interests, where the family decides important issues.

Emotionalism is significant in Filipino interactions, sometimes overshadowing rational thought.
Reflects in everyday behavior, interactions, and even arts, such as music and films.
Subjectivism leads to Personalism, highlighting emotional responses in relationships.
- Interpersonal relationships deeply valued; common greetings inquire into personal matters.

Normative values guide behavior, shape social interactions, and inform decisions.
- Cultural practices, like tagnawa (gathering for collective work) and ammuto (reciprocal labor), demonstrate the cooperative nature of Filipinos.
Emphasis on good interpersonal relationships as essential to community living.

Understanding the hierarchy of Filipino workers’ aspirations:
1. Happy family
2. Owning a house
3. Financial security
4. Successful children
5. Fulfilling work
Prioritize social over physiological needs, reflecting community-oriented values.

Five clusters of evaluative and emotive standards:
- Pakikipagkapwa: Standards for interpersonal relations; emphasizes empathy and avoidance of embarrassment.
- Karangalan: Moral codes emphasizing public and private honor.
- Kawanggawa: Values promoting humanitarian acts and community sharing.
- Kaunlaran: Progress-oriented mindset; willingness to work for betterment.
- Kinabukasan: Future-oriented view emphasizes education and preparation for upcoming challenges.

Concepts of Political Leadership in Cordillera:
- Decision-makers often councils of elders, with status determined by experience and wealth.
Importance of Tongtong Council for dispute resolution among various tribes (e.g., Ibaloy, Kankanaey, Bontok).
Distinct notion of justice involving local norms over national legal systems.

Traditional decision-making processes primarily involve the elders as collective bodies.
- Intervillage conflict resolution structures, like Bontok Pechen and Kalinga Bodong, emphasize local consensus.
- Community members, families, and kinships play a significant role in mediating offenses.