Philippines Social Structure in the 19th Century

Social Structure

• The Philippines during the 19th century was a colony of Spain, with a social hierarchy reflecting the colonial power's influence.
• The social structure was divided into:
  • Peninsulares (Spanish-born Spaniards): held highest positions in government and society
  • Insulares (Filipino-born Spaniards): held lower positions in government and society
  • Mestizos (mixed Spanish and Filipino ancestry): occupied middle-class positions
  • Indios (native Filipinos): formed the majority of the population, with limited social mobility

Role of the Catholic Church

• The Catholic Church played a significant role in Philippine society, with:
  • Friars and priests holding influential positions in government and education
  • The Church controlling a large portion of land and wealth
  • The Church influencing social norms and values

Economic Conditions

• The Philippine economy was primarily agrarian, with:
  • Agriculture and fishing as main sources of income
  • Limited industrial development
  • Foreign trade controlled by the Spanish colonial government

Education and Culture

• Education was limited, with:
  • Access to education restricted to the elite classes
  • Education focused on Christian doctrine and Spanish language
  • Little emphasis on Filipino culture and history
• Filipino culture was suppressed, with:
  • Spanish culture and language imposed on the population
  • Indigenous traditions and customs discouraged

Social Unrest and Reform

• The 19th century saw growing social unrest, with:
  • Increased demands for reform and independence
  • The emergence of the Propaganda Movement, which advocated for reforms and greater autonomy
  • The publication of "Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not) by José Rizal, which exposed the ills of Philippine society and sparked nationalist sentiment

Social Hierarchy

• Peninsulares (Spanish-born Spaniards) held the highest positions in government and society in the Philippines during the 19th century.
• Insulares (Filipino-born Spaniards) held lower positions in government and society.
• Mestizos (mixed Spanish and Filipino ancestry) occupied middle-class positions.
• Indios (native Filipinos) formed the majority of the population, but had limited social mobility.

Role of the Catholic Church

• The Catholic Church held significant influence in Philippine society.
• Friars and priests occupied influential positions in government and education.
• The Church controlled a large portion of land and wealth.
• The Church influenced social norms and values.

Economic Conditions

• The Philippine economy was primarily agrarian, with agriculture and fishing as main sources of income.
• Industrial development was limited.
• Foreign trade was controlled by the Spanish colonial government.

Education and Culture

• Education was restricted to the elite classes.
• Education focused on Christian doctrine and the Spanish language.
• There was little emphasis on Filipino culture and history.
• Filipino culture was suppressed, with Spanish culture and language imposed on the population.
• Indigenous traditions and customs were discouraged.

Social Unrest and Reform

• There was growing social unrest in the 19th century, with demands for reform and independence.
• The Propaganda Movement emerged, advocating for reforms and greater autonomy.
• José Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not) exposed the ills of Philippine society and sparked nationalist sentiment.