W5: Critical Analysis of SM (De Cadiz) PDF

W5 R1: Critical Analysis of SM (De Cadiz) A social movement is comprised of a group of people having similar principles and ideology trying to achieve a certain, definite goal. Philippine social movements are driven by principles, not weapons. THE ON-GOING PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION De Cadiz also emphas...

W5 R1: Critical Analysis of SM (De Cadiz) A social movement is comprised of a group of people having similar principles and ideology trying to achieve a certain, definite goal. Philippine social movements are driven by principles, not weapons. THE ON-GOING PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION De Cadiz also emphasizes the role of poverty and inequality as key drivers of social movements in the Philippines. He argues that poverty is not only an economic issue but also a political one, as it is often perpetuated by corrupt political systems and policies. Social movements thus emerge as a response to these systemic injustices, aiming to address poverty and inequality through collective action. Furthermore, De Cadiz examines how globalization has influenced social movements in the Philippines. He asserts that globalization has both positive and negative effects on society. On one hand, it has provided opportunities for economic growth and development; on the other hand, it has resulted in increased inequality and exploitation. After almost a decade of decline and division, the NPA’s support has led the military to discard the idea that the NPA is simply a "police problem" to be handled by the military police (Petras, 1999). The NDF regained some of its public recognition through its campaigns particularly in the anti-VFA movement, as well as its efforts to form multi-sectoral opposition to neoliberalism. Borras (1999) argues that the “bibingka strategy” helped for the successful implementation of land reform. It show that positive outcomes of the reform is determined not by state alone; but also by a wide range of state and non-state actors. The most significant emerging revolution forces are found in the KMU and the KMP, the urban trade union and peasant movement. Led by a peasant organizer, Rafael Mariano, the KMP has been in the forefront of the struggles fighting groups who are forcibly evicting peasant producers. The NDF like the NPA continues to recycle a Maoist view of Philippine society as "semi feudal" and "semi colonial" at a time when capitalist relations have reconverted landed estates into international tourist havens and landlord investors bankroll. Apart from the traditional left, the Catholic Church is deeply divided. The Vatican is in rigid opposition to birth control, nationalism, and social transformation while the rank and file nuns and priests are active in the barrios, schools, and in the countryside working with leftist social movements. THE RELIGIOUS ANGLE Nadea (2001) confirmed that grassroots efforts like the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) are more effective than abstract theories. Religion as an aspect of ideology calls for examination of its historic and structural relations to indigenous social life. SOCIAL MOVEMENT UNIONISM: REALITY CHECK AND PERSPECTIVE The Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) contends that social movement unionism is a strategy directed at recognizing, organizing and mobilizing all types of workers and unions for engagements in different arenas of struggle. Social movement unionism, then, seeks to protect the rights of all workers, not just the wage earners. TECHNOLOGY AS SOCIAL MOVEMENTS ENHANCER Technology analyst Howard Rheingold stresses the enthusiasm of Filipinos for Short Message Service (SMS). As compared with the 20th century, international actors all figure more prominently in recent social movements, especially in the richer and better-connected parts of the world. CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL OUTLOOK The major threat to democracy and economic development in the Philippines continues to be the inability to bridge the gap between formal political rights and social equity. As proposed by Bertelsmann (2009), there are four crucial challenges that the Philippines has to hurdle in 2010 and beyond. First, the country needs to put its political institutions in order. Second, given the global economic crisis, there is a need to navigate globalization. Third, efforts must be made to strengthen the congruence between governance structures and the requirements of economic and social development. Lastly, there should be an end to the disruptive and elitist politics of the past. W5 R2: Why SMs Occur (Anindya & Avoca) 1. Resource mobilization theory. This theory emphasizes the importance of resources for social movements to succeed. It argues that movements need financial, organizational, and human resources to effectively challenge existing power structures. 2. Political process theory focuses on how political opportunities shape social movements' emergence and success. It suggests that favorable political conditions such as open policy windows or supportive elites are crucial for movement mobilization. 3. New social movement (NSM) theory. Unlike traditional social movements that focused on economic issues like labor rights or class struggle, NSM theorists argue that contemporary movements are driven by post-materialist values such as identity politics or environmentalism. NSM theorists also emphasize cultural change as a goal rather than just material gains. 4. Deprivation theory posits that social movements arise due to perceived grievances or deprivations experienced by individuals or groups. According to this theory, when people feel deprived of certain resources, such as political rights or economic opportunities, they are more likely to mobilize and engage in collective action. For instance, the civil rights movement in the United States emerged because African Americans felt deprived of equal rights and opportunities. Relative vs. Absolute Deprivation: Absolute deprivation refers to the lack of basic necessities required for survival, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. It is an objective measure that focuses on the absence of essential resources. Relative deprivation refers to a perceived discrepancy between what individuals or groups have and what they believe they deserve compared to others. It is a subjective measure that focuses on the feeling of being disadvantaged relative to others within society. Absolute deprivation is primarily caused by systemic factors such as poverty, discrimination, unequal distribution of resources, or lack of access to essential services due to economic disparities. In contrast, relative deprivation is fueled by social comparisons and perceptions of unfairness within society. 5. On the other hand, structural strain theory focuses on the structural conditions within society that create tensions leading to social movements. This theory argues that when individuals perceive these strains as unjust or unattainable through conventional means, they may resort to collective action (Merton, 1938). An example is seen in labor strikes where workers perceive a strain between their desire for fair wages and working conditions compared to what employers offer.