Decoding the Philippine Middle Class: Identity, Values, and Political Perspectives
- DAZEL DAYRIT
- Dec 17, 2023
- 6 min read
The Philippine Middle Class through the lens of Rivera (2001)
The middle class plays a vital role in shaping both the societal and political landscapes of a country, influencing the economy and democratic processes. In fact, they are frequently anticipated to instigate political transformations and foster democratization, owing to its reputation as a pragmatic and assertive social class (The Middle Class, 2023). This optimism is mirrored on a global scale as, in terms of politics, the middle and lower-middle classes are increasingly organizing themselves politically amid the spotlight of globalization (Antimo, 2023). This organizational shift involves forming alliances with various political parties and contributes significantly to the rising phenomenon of populism.
However, amidst these political dynamics, it's crucial to recognize that the understanding of the middle class is not static; rather, it evolves over time. Moreover, this evolution is intricately shaped by societal perceptions and deliberate efforts to influence how the middle class is perceived. Thus, examining the middle class to reveal its identity and growing impact on society and politics, emphasizing its dynamic role in shaping the trajectory of nations is paramount.
"Middle class. noun. : a social class that occupies a position between the upper class and the lower class and is composed mainly of business and professional people, government officials, farmers, and skilled workers. middle-class adjective." - Miriam Webster Dictionary
The middle class in the Philippines is delineated by individuals whose per capita incomes fall between two and twelve times the official poverty line (Albert, et, al, 2018). Predominantly concentrated in urban areas, this demographic boasts stable employment and places a strong emphasis on investing in human capital (Albert & Never, 2021). Tracing its roots back to the 1930s, the emergence of the Philippine middle class has been characterized by gradual progress intertwined with the expansion of tertiary industries and the informal sector (Albert & Never, 2021). With the potential to exert a substantial impact on the environment, the middle class's influence hinges on their attitudes and aspirations (Kimura, 2003), illustrating a dynamic dimension to their role in society.
Thus, this paper will explore the Philippine middle class using Rivera's perspective in his work "The middle classes and democratisation in the Philippines: From the Asian crisis to the ouster of Estrada" , aiming to deepen our comprehension of this social class. Additionally, a critical analysis of the aforementioned article will be undertaken.
According to Rivera (2001), the middle classes in the Philippines played pivotal roles in the democratization process, with their involvement bolstered by a decentralized mobilization approach. Leveraging modern communication tools, the middle classes actively engaged in mobilization efforts. Notably, Filipinos abroad also contributed to the movement against Estrada. The successful ouster of Estrada underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in existing political institutions, marking a critical turning point in the country's political landscape.
"A middle-income person is one who earns between ₱18,000 to ₱109,200 per month. About 45% of the families in the Philippines belong to this category." - Philippine Statistics Authority
Rivera's work critically investigates the pivotal role played by the middle class in the democratization process within the Philippines, delving into the ideas and attitudes prevalent among this social stratum. Despite constituting a smaller proportion of the population, the middle class is a focal point of analysis, and the paper further breaks down this demographic into three distinct fractions. The ousting of President Estrada serves as a poignant illustration, bringing to light the inherent weaknesses within the country's political institutions. Consequently, middle-class politics encounter challenges in effectively addressing this systemic problem. In response to such challenges, political movements led by the middle class actively seek strategic coalitions with other social classes, illustrating a concerted effort for collective political influence. Additionally, church-based movements have emerged as a response to perceived political threats, underscoring the multifaceted nature of societal responses to political dynamics. Notably, the paper concludes by highlighting the notable support within the middle class for government assistance to small businesses, shedding light on the economic perspectives that contribute to the social and political landscape in the Philippines.
Furthermore, this paper makes a multifaceted contribution by examining the crucial role of the middle classes in both the democratic transition and consolidation processes. Specifically, it delves into their impact on the ousting of President Estrada, providing a comprehensive analysis of the middle class's involvement in this significant political event. To deepen our understanding, the paper further classifies the middle class into three distinct fractions: new, old, and marginal, highlighting the nuanced dynamics within this social stratum. Additionally, the document explores the opposition faced by the Estrada administration and critiques its policies, providing a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and complexities of this period in Philippine political history.
However, the limitations of the paper are twofold. Firstly, the weak institutionalization of political parties poses a significant constraint on the extent of middle-class participation in the democratization processes discussed. Weakly institutionalized political parties often lack the robust organizational structures and clear policy platforms necessary to effectively engage and mobilize the middle class. This limitation hampers the depth and breadth of the paper's analysis, as it may not fully capture the nuanced ways in which the middle class interacts with and influences the political landscape.
Secondly, the reliance on survey data in the paper may prove inadequate in explaining instances of middle-class radicalization within the context of historical events. Surveys, by their nature, are limited in their ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors contributing to radicalization. Historical events often involve intricate socio-political dynamics, cultural shifts, and contextual nuances that may not be fully captured through survey responses alone. This limitation raises questions about the depth of insight the paper can offer into the motivations and catalysts behind middle-class radicalization during specific historical periods.
In acknowledging these limitations, it is important to recognize that the paper provides valuable insights within the confines of its scope, but there may be additional layers of complexity in middle-class political dynamics that go beyond the reach of weakly institutionalized political parties and survey-based analyses. Future research endeavors could consider alternative methodologies or supplementary sources to further enrich our understanding of these phenomena.
Overall, this proves how the middle class, a key player in societal and political dynamics, serves as an influential force shaping the trajectory of nations. Beyond their economic contributions, their role in democratization processes highlights their potential to drive political change. They are not merely passive observers but active participants, dynamically responding to societal shifts and shaping its identity over time. The lens provided by Rivera's work adds depth to our understanding, revealing the intricacies of middle-class mobilization during pivotal events. This perspective allows us to appreciate the nuanced ways in which the middle class actively engages with political processes and challenges existing institutional norms.
However, even as we explore these facets, it is crucial to acknowledge that the understanding of the middle class is not without its complexities. As we navigate this exploration, we encounter limitations in our ability to fully grasp the intricate dynamics, particularly in weakly institutionalized political environments. Hence, this calls for a broader consideration of alternative methodologies to capture the richness of middle-class engagement, acknowledging their agency in shaping political narratives beyond what traditional analyses might unveil. In exploring these aspects, we can go beyond the surface categories to deeply understand the middle class and further uncover the details that shape how the middle class contribute in shaping not just the Philippines, but the different countries around the world.
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References:
Albert, J. R., Santos, A.G., Vizvamanos, J.F. (2023). Profile and determinants of the middle-income class in the Philippines. (2023, December 16). Profile and determinants of the middle-income class in the Philippines. Research Papers in Economics.
Albert & Never (2021). Unmasking the Middle Class in the Philippines: Aspirations, Lifestyles and Prospects for Sustainable Consumption. 2021. Asian Studies Review (Informa UK Limited)-Vol. 45, Iss: 4, pp 594-614
Antimo, V. (2017). The Middle Class and Political Representation: The Risk of Globalization Slowing Down.
Kimura, M. (2003). The emergence of the middle classes and political change in the Philippines. The Developing Economies, 41(2), 264-284.
The Middle Class. (2023, December 16). Book Chapter: doi: 10.4018/978-1-7998-84095.ch007
Rivera, T. C. (2001). The middle classes and democratisation in the Philippines: From the Asian crisis to the ouster of Estrada. Southeast Asian middle classes: Prospects for social change and democratisation, 2001, 230-260.
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