GE ELECTIVE 2 – Gender and Society

UNIT 1: Introduction to Gender and Society in the Philippines

Introduction:

Gender and society in the Philippines is shaped by the country's history and culture,
as well as its colonial experience. The concept of gender in the Philippines is a complex one,
with a diverse range of ideas, experiences, and expressions that vary across the
archipelago. There are many different gender identities and roles, and these are constantly
in flux.

Gender roles in the Philippines are highly influenced by traditional Filipino values and
beliefs, which emphasize the importance of family, respect for elders, and a strong sense of
community. Women are expected to embody particular roles in the home and community,
such as being the primary caregivers and homemakers, while men are expected to be the
breadwinners and leaders. This division of labor has been reinforced by the Catholic Church,
which has a strong presence in the country.

Gender inequality is also a major issue in the Philippines. Women are more likely to
be victims of violence, more likely to experience poverty, and more likely to be
underrepresented in decision-making roles. The country also has a high rate of teenage
pregnancy, and access to reproductive health services is limited. Although the current
situation is far from ideal, there are signs of progress towards gender equality in the
Philippines. A number of laws have been passed that seek to protect women from gender-
based discrimination, and there is an increasing awareness of the importance of gender
equality. There are also a growing number of organizations and individuals who are actively
working to promote gender equality in the country.

Gender and Society: Importance to Filipino Society

Gender and society is highly important to Filipinos, as it is closely linked with the
country’s social and cultural values. According to researcher Stephanie de Vera, "gender and
society in the Philippines are closely intertwined with its history, culture and colonial
experience, and are deeply embedded in Filipino values, beliefs, and traditions." De Vera
notes that traditional Filipino values emphasize the importance of family, respect for elders,
and a strong sense of community. These values have contributed to the development of
gender roles, which have been reinforced by the Catholic Church. As a result, gender and
society in the Philippines are highly influential in shaping Filipino lives.

Gender and Society: Status Quo

Gender and society in the Philippines are characterized by male dominance in

economic and political roles, while women are largely relegated to the private sphere of the
home. Women in the Philippines have fewer economic opportunities than men and are
subject to discrimination in the workplace. Women are also less likely than men to be
involved in decision-making processes. The country's culture is largely patriarchal, and as a
result, there are gender disparities in education, health care, and access to resources.
Despite the fact that women are now more likely to pursue higher education and participate
in the labor force, they are still underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles.
There has been some progress in recent years toward improving the status of women in the
Philippines, but overall, the country still has a long way to go in achieving gender equality.
Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation

Gender is a social construct that is used to distinguish between people based on their
perceived or assigned sex. It is a way of labeling people based on their physical
characteristics and perceived roles in society. Gender roles are often based on cultural
norms and expectations.

Sex is a biological distinction based on reproductive organs and hormones. Sex is typically
divided into two categories: male and female. Sex is determined at birth and is not a choice.

Sexual orientation is an individual’s emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to another

person.

Sexual orientation can be fluid and can change over time. It is not directly related to gender
or sex.

Gender, sex, and sexual orientation are all interrelated but are distinct concepts. They are
often conflated, but it is important to recognize the differences between them. Gender, sex,
and sexual orientation can intersect and influence each other, but they are not the same. It
is important to respect and recognize everyone’s gender, sex, and sexual orientation.

LGBTQIA+

LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex,

Asexual/Aromantic/Agender, and/or Plus, representing a broader range of genders, sexual
orientations, and identities than traditional definitions of sexuality and gender. Examples of
different genders included in this acronym are non-binary, genderfluid, genderqueer, and
gender non-conforming.

1. Lesbian: a female-identified person who is physically, emotionally, and/or romantically

attracted to other female-identified people. Example: Two women in a committed
relationship.

2. Gay: a male-identified person who is physically, emotionally, and/or romantically

attracted to other male-identified people. Example: Two men in a committed relationship.

3. Bisexual: a person who is physically, emotionally, and/or romantically attracted to people

of more than one gender. Example: A man in a relationship with a man and a woman.

4. Transgender: a person whose gender identity and/or expression is different from the
gender they were assigned at birth. Example: A person born female but identifies as male.

5. Queer/Questioning: an umbrella term used to refer to individuals with non-normative

gender identities and/or sexual orientations. This can include people who identify as lesbian,
gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, genderqueer, genderfluid, and/or intersex. Example: A
person who is still exploring their own gender identity and sexual orientation.

6. Intersex: a person whose reproductive or sexual anatomy does not fit the typical
definitions of male or female. Example: A person born with both male and female genitalia.
7. Asexual/Aromantic/Agender: a person who does not experience sexual attraction or
romantic attraction, or who does not identify with any gender.

Example: A person who does not experience sexual/romantic attraction and does not
identify with any gender.

8. Plus: an umbrella term for any gender identity and/or sexual orientation not listed above.
Example: A person who identifies as genderfluid or gender non-conforming.

9. Pansexual: A gender identity where a person is attracted to people of all gender

identities.

UNIT II: Historical Context and Gender Roles

The Filipino gender roles have been shaped by a long history of colonization, cultural
influences, and religious beliefs that have shaped the society for centuries. The Spanish
colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century brought with it new influences on gender
roles, with the Catholic Church playing a key role in institutionalizing the traditional gender
norms. The Spanish also introduced the concept of patriarchy, with men having the primary
role in decision-making and women being relegated to the home.

In the pre-colonial period, there was a greater degree of gender equality, with both
men and women having significant roles in decision-making and economic activities.
However, the Spanish colonial period and the introduction of Catholicism led to a shift in
gender roles, with women being confined to the home and men having greater authority.

The traditional Filipino gender roles were also shaped by the influence of Chinese and
Japanese cultures, which brought with them different understandings of gender roles.
Chinese and Japanese cultures tended to be more patriarchal than Filipino culture, with the
father being the head of the household and women having more limited roles in decision-
making and economic activities.

The American colonization of the Philippines in the late 19th century also played a
role in shaping Filipino gender roles. American concepts of gender equality, such as the right
to vote, were introduced, although the traditional Filipino gender roles still remained.

The Catholic Church also continued to play a key role in shaping Filipino gender
roles, particularly in rural areas. The Church continued to emphasize the importance of
traditional gender roles, with women being relegated to the home and men being the
primary decision-makers.

Today, Filipino gender roles are still largely influenced by these traditional norms and
values, although there is a greater degree of gender equality in urban areas and among the
younger generation. Women are now increasingly taking on roles outside of the home,
although there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving true gender equality in the
Philippines.

Important Concepts:

1. Colonization: The Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century brought with
it new influences on gender roles, with the Catholic Church playing a key role in
institutionalizing the traditional gender norms.
2. Cultural influences: The traditional Filipino gender roles were also shaped by the influence
of Chinese and Japanese cultures, which brought with them different understandings of
gender roles.

3. Religious beliefs: The Catholic Church also continued to play a key role in shaping Filipino
gender roles, particularly in rural areas. The Church continued to emphasize the importance
of traditional gender roles, with women being relegated to the home and men being the
primary decision-makers.

4. Patriarchy: The Spanish also introduced the concept of patriarchy, with men having the
primary role in decision-making and women being relegated to the home.

5. Gender equality: American concepts of gender equality, such as the right to vote, were
introduced, although the traditional Filipino gender roles still remained.

Gender Roles in the Philippines

Gender roles in the Philippines are generally accepted as a part of the culture. Men are
typically seen as the heads of households and the primary providers, while women are
expected to be the caretakers, taking care of the home and children.

This traditional division of labor is reinforced through social norms, expectations, and
religious beliefs. For example, the Catholic Church has long viewed marriage as a union
between a man and a woman, and the traditional roles of men and women within marriage
are seen as an integral part of the culture. Additionally, the gender roles of men and women
in the Philippines are seen as essential to the social and economic stability of the country;
because men are traditionally the primary breadwinners, they are seen as the foundation of
the family, and women are seen as the pillars of the family, providing emotional support
and care for the family.

How it changed overtime?

Throughout the history of the Philippines, the roles of women have changed
significantly. Prior to Spanish colonization, the Philippines was predominantly an agrarian
society and women had a prominent role in food production, trading, and other economic
activities. They also had a significant role in the religious and spiritual life of the community.
This changed drastically after the Spanish colonization in the 16th century. During this
period, the Catholic Church imposed patriarchal values and a gender binary that greatly
limited the roles of women in society. Women were largely relegated to the home and were
expected to focus on domestic tasks such as raising the children, cooking, and cleaning.

In the 20th century, the roles of women slowly began to change due to the influence
of the nationalist movement. Women started to become more involved in politics, labor
unions, and other social movements. They also began to challenge traditional gender roles
and demand more rights. In the late 1970s, the Philippine government began to pass
legislation that sought to improve the rights and opportunities for women. These acts
include the Magna Carta for Women, which provided greater protection for women against
discrimination, and the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, which provided
greater protection for victims of violence. As a result of these changes, women have been
able to gain greater access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

UNIT III: GLOBALIZATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE

 Globalization has had a significant impact on social change in the Philippines. It has
had an influence on the economic, political, and social aspects of the country. Globalization
has opened up opportunities for the Philippines to engage in more foreign trade and
investments, as well as facilitated the process of cultural exchange and the spread of ideas
and values across the world.

At the same time, globalization has also had a profound effect on gender dynamics in
the Philippines. This is especially true with the rise of the service sector, which has led to
more flexible and informal employment opportunities for women. This has enabled women
to gain more economic independence and autonomy, as well as increased their access to
education and professional opportunities.

On the other hand, globalization has also had a mixed effect on gender equality in
the Philippines. While it has opened up opportunities for women, it has also led to a rise in
gender-based violence and discrimination. This has been particularly evident in the
workplace, where women often face harassment and unequal pay.

Overall, it is clear that the effects of globalization on gender roles in the Philippines
are complex and far-reaching. To fully understand the implications of globalization on
gender roles and social change, it is important to consider a variety of perspectives,
including economic, political, and cultural. References such as

Gonzalez (2016), Kamid (2010), Kerkemeyer (2007), Mendoza (2009) and Villegas
(2009) provide valuable insights into the topic and can help us gain a better understanding
of the complexities of globalization and its effects on gender dynamics in the Philippines.

Filipino Views on Globalization and Social Change

Gonzalez (2016) analyzes the effects of globalization on gender roles in the Philippines,
arguing that it has enabled women to gain greater economic autonomy and participate more
actively in the workforce, while also perpetuating gender stereotypes and traditional gender
roles.

Kamid (2010) examines the intersection of gender and politics in the Philippines, looking at
the impact of globalization on women's political participation and leadership.

Kerkemeyer (2007) examines the role of gender in social movements in the Philippines,
exploring how globalization has shaped these movements and the ways in which women
have been able to participate in them.

Mendoza (2009) examines gender and Filipino culture, discussing how globalization has
impacted traditional gender roles and attitudes in the Philippines.

Villegas (2009) examines gender and development in the Philippines, looking at how
globalization has impacted women's social, economic, and political rights.

Examples of globalization that can create social change that affects gender and

society include:

1. The increasing interconnectedness of the world through technology and the internet. This
can have a significant impact on gender roles and norms, as it allows for more access to
information and resources, which can enable women to challenge traditional gender roles.
2. The spread of neoliberal policies and marketization of different sectors of society. This
can lead to increased economic opportunities for women, but can also lead to increased
vulnerability to exploitation and inequality.

3. The rise of global media, which can create a culture of images that reinforces gender
stereotypes and roles.

4. Globalization of labor markets, which can create new opportunities for women and shift
traditional gender roles and expectations.

5. Increased migration, which can lead to a more diverse and inclusive society, but can also
create tension and conflict.

Dilemma, Globalization, and Social Change

In today’s globalized world, there is no denying the fact that our societies are rapidly
changing. With the advent of technology, new opportunities and challenges are arising that
have the potential to significantly alter the way we live, work, and interact. However, the
process of globalization is not without its drawbacks and can have a profound impact on
certain sectors of society, particularly those that are already vulnerable or marginalized. For
example, in the Philippines, the rapid changes brought on by globalization have caused a
degree of tension between traditional gender roles and modern gender roles. This has
resulted in a dilemma for many Filipinos: how to balance the need for economic stability and
personal growth with the preservation of traditional gender norms and values.

On the one hand, Filipinos recognize the need for economic mobility and the
potential for personal growth that can be achieved through globalization. This has created a
desire among many Filipinos to pursue higher education and career opportunities that are
increasingly available to them. As such, the modern

Philippine society has seen a rise in the number of women entering the workforce,
with many women holding positions of power and influence. This has had a liberating effect
on many Filipinos, as access to opportunities previously denied to them has allowed them to
pursue their goals and dreams.

On the other hand, the process of globalization has also led to the erosion of
traditional gender roles in the Philippines. This has caused a great deal of stress and
confusion among many Filipinos, who are finding it difficult to reconcile their traditional
values with their need to pursue economic stability. Many Filipinos are struggling to find a
balance between the two, as they are uncertain of how to act and behave in order to both
honor their traditional values while also pursuing their aspirations.

This dilemma is a difficult one to grapple with, as it requires Filipinos to make

difficult decisions. In order to move forward, Filipinos must strive to find a way to balance
the need for economic stability and modern gender roles with the preservation of traditional
gender norms and values. Only through finding this balance can Filipinos truly benefit from
the opportunities that globalization presents.