Moral Politics in the Philippines: Inequality, Democracy and the Urban Poor

Kyoto-CSEAS Series on Asian Studies

by Wataru Kusaka

Moral Politics in the Philippines offers an in-depth examination of the political participation and discourse of the urban poor in Manila. After the ousting of Ferdinando Marcos in 1986, society in the Philippines fractured along socioeconomic lines. The educated middle class began to recognize themselves as moral citizens and political participants while condemning the poor as immoral “masses” who earn money illegally and support corrupt leaders. Conversely, the poor believe themselves to be morally upright and criticize the rich as arrogant oppressors. Wataru Kusaka looks at the dangers of this moralization of politics during the last several decades, and he analyzes the damaging effects it has had on democracy by excluding much of society and marginalizing the interests of those most in need of resources.
 
 

Genres: Sociology

358 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I was amazed by Wataru Kusaka's research methods, his depth of understanding and love for us Filipinos. I'm thankful to him for giving me valuable insights about the struggles of the urban poor, because those insights made it easier for me to appreciate and sympathize with them.

To my fellow Filipinos:

Naliwanagan talaga ako sa nangyari noong Edsa I, II, and III. Nagising ako sa katotohanan na sobrang kulang pa yung pagkakilala at pag-unawa ko sa masa noong mga panahong yun. Ganoon pala kalalim yung mga hugot nila, lalo na pagdating sa katiwalian sa gobyerno.

[Aries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! I learned so many things about socio-economic-political conditions of the Philippines and the different theories. Will write a review.


#LetLeniLead 😊

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard about this book, I really want to read this since I'm keen on Politics and this was my course in college presently. (plus, we needed to read this for our major subject)
The book justified how moral politics exist within the realms of spheres of politics in the Philippines. Additionally, the political activities and inquiry of fresh and various in the country encapsulate well.
I further realize how complex and fluctuating our politics are.

[aera · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book really helped me understand the deeper reasons why leni didn’t win. beyond the usual explanations like campaign issues or late decisions, the book showed how filipinos often see politics as a question of morality, like who's “tama” and who’s “mali.” (suddenly got reminded of the "tama nga kami" lmao).

he explained how there are two moral worlds in ph: the civic sphere (which values things like law, good governance, and accountability), and the mass sphere (which focuses more on malasakit, pakikisama, and leaders who show they care) even if they bend the rules.

leni’s campaign mostly appealed to the civic sphere. but for a lot of people in the mass sphere, that didn’t connect emotionally or morally in the same way. so it wasn’t just about being qualified—it was about which kind of “good” people believed in.

after reading this, it hit me. leni’s loss wasn’t just political or strategic, it was a clash of two moral worlds. ang lala pero ang galing. ang wild. andaming layers ng politics dito na hindi obvious at first.

thanks, sir ryan.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me understand the mentality of the people from both the civic sphere and the mass sphere, such as what they value most when it comes to choosing presidential candidates and more.

I learned a lot and enjoyed reading this research/book despite taking a long time to finish this.

[Nina Gliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨4/5✨
A fascinating read and take into the Philippine political system and the antagonisms that surround it. A close look into the inner workings of the machine, it provides the reader something to think about, something that lingers even as the book is finished.

[Germaine Guinto · Rating 5 out of 5]

super admirable dedication to his research!! i am thankful i got to know more of my fellow filipinos and how our society is formed and flawed. definitely made my perspective wider and i take notice of my privilege better because of it.