Economic Political Spiritual Self
Economic Political Spiritual Self
In this age of digital technology, everything in our society is based upon the
idea that consumption should be as easy as possible.
We say, “Money makes the world go round”.
The issue is about what we buy and what we choose to invest in.
Consumption and Production
“Consume” is defined as “use up, to spend wastefully, to destroy” (Gusdorf,
1978). The definition shows that consumption has a negative connotation.
There is however positive side to consumption that is often neglected. Behind
consumption, there is production.
Conscious Consumption
Consumers are often portrayed as “victims,” exploited by greedy companies.
However, you should take note that every person has “free will.” Therefore
choices are important. As a consumer free will comes with responsibility and
obligation. Conscious consumption is about practicing responsible buying
habit.
Psychological / Sociological Consumption
Happiness seems attached to buying something. Consumption has been an
addiction.
*answer page 92 - 93
Me and My Faith
Spiritual versus Religious
• Spiritual is defined as “relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as
opposed to material or physical things.”
• Religion and spirituality are both paths to God.
• A religious person is someone who believes in a god or groups of gods and
consciously adheres to the beliefs of his/her religion.
• A spiritual person, on the other hand, places little importance on beliefs
and traditions and is more concerned with growing and experiencing the
Devine.
Christianity
An Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ,
who serves as the focal point of Christian faith. For Christians, the word of God is
written in the Bible.
Islam
Religious faith of Muslims who worship Allah as the sole deity and believes
Muhammad is His prophet. The holy scripture of Islam is the Koran.
Hinduism
Considered the world’s oldest religion, is still commonly practiced. Hinduism
combines the beliefs, philosophy, and cultural practice of India. Hindu
practitioners are guided by Vedic scriptures and believe in righteousness, the law
of cause and effect, and the cycle of birth and death.
Buddhism
Refers to the teaching of Gautama Buddha, (originally a follower of Hindu faith)
experienced enlightenment, or Bodhi.
Developing a Filipino Identity: Values,
Traits, Community and Institutional Factors
The Filipino culture is a mix of both eastern and western cultures. The beliefs and
traditions of pre-colonial Philippines were mainly an indigenous Malay heritage
(Baringer, 2006)
The Malays made a large contribution to the Philippine history. The Malay
temperament is a basic factor of a Filipino personality. It can best be described as
“being nice and pleasant to others.”
The important role of family in Filipino culture stemmed from the strength of
Malay family clan that served as a strong security unit.
When the Spaniards colonized the islands, the Hispanic culture influenced the
natives.
The American shaped the modern Filipino culture, and this is primarily
manifested by the widespread use of English language in the Philippines today. It
was from these influences that formed the Filipino characters.
The brief occupation of the British (1762 – 1764) and the Japanese (1942 –
1945), however, had no cultural influence in the Philippines at all.
Psychologist, educator and (former) chairperson of the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, wrote that the strengths and
weaknesses of the Filipino character are rooted in factors, such as:
Economic environment – the hard life drove Filipinos to work hard and take
risks, such as living our families to work abroad. This is further develop our
ability to survive.
Leaders and role models – any person with authority is looked up to. Thus,
when our leaders violate the law and when there is lack of accountability for
leaders who break the law, the Filipino mindset is hugely affected in a
negative way (Licuanan, 1994).
Joy and Humor – Filipinos love of fiestas and social gatherings. Filipinos always
find a reason to smile and laugh.
Hard work and industry – most noticeable trait. Willingness to take risks and
work in other countries.
Faith and religiosity – can be related to bahala na mindset. Bahala na
attitude could serve as a “kickstarter” or “pampalakas ng loob” to move him
or her into action.
Ability to survive – Filipino can endure, make do, and get by on so little while
looking forward to the coming better days.
“matutong mamaluktot habang maikli ang kumot” a proverb aptly depicts
our survival instinct.
Sincerity refers to the exposure in public of what one feels privately. On the other
hand, an authentic person is one who takes action based on some internal
standards and takes responsibility for this freely chosen action.
The social world of a western-influenced society, like the Philippines, typically
consists of three domains:
• Family,
• School, and
• Neighborhood.
The emergence of the internet, however, adds the fourth domain the online life
– to the social world. The online life has definitely altered the dynamics of self-
identity specially for adolescents.
Impression-management Strategies
• Self-Promotion • Intimidation
• Ingratiation • Supplication
• Exemplification
Hyperpersonal Model – this theory suggested that the advantage of
computer-mediated communication is that a person can edit his or her self-
presentation, which in turn positively impacts impressions on the self; thus,
greater intimacy is possible (Gonzales & Hancock, 2011).
PRIVATE PUBLIC
Phenomenological experience Observable behavior
Acting only for self Acting as agent for others
Actors control access to Information about self is not
information regarding self controlled by others
Acting in the interest of limited Acting in the interest of the
number of people community
Individual vs. Social Identity
Personal (individual) Identity – is the concept you develop about yourself that
evolves over the course of your life. This may include aspects of your life that you
have no control over, such as where you grew up or the color of your skin, as well
as choices you make in life, such as how you spend your time and what you
believe in.