CHAPTER 8

• Intergenerational solidarity is the degree of closeness and support between different generations in the family. The idea of solidarity helps us to understand how people of different generations relate to, help and depend on one another in their daily lives.
• Dimensions of Solidarity in Intergenerational Family Relations

  • Structural solidarity
  • Associational solidarity
  • Affectual solidarity
  • Consensual solidarity
  • Functional solidarity
  • Normative solidarity
• Structural solidarity: This means how factors like geographical distance can constrain or enhance interaction between family members. It is easier to give and receive help, care and support if family members live near one another, but new technologies, such as Skype, can aid communication between family members who live far from one another.
• Associational solidarity: This dimension refers to the frequency of social contact and shared activities between family members. Some adults visit their parents very frequently, others less often.
• Affectual solidarity: Solidarity can manifest itself in feelings of emotional closeness, affirmation, and intimacy between family members, also known as affectual solidarity. Some ageing parents and their adult children declare that they are very close to each other; others feel more distant.
• Consensual solidarity: Family members have different levels of actual or perceived agreement in opinions, values, and lifestyles. For instance, the family members might all vote for the same party or believe in a similar ideology. In other cases, parents and their children might have very different opinions on issues, for instance, same-sex marriage.
• Functional solidarity: Exchanges of practical and financial assistance and support between family members are examples of functional solidarity. Examples of functional solidarity are gifts of money but also very practical things such as buying groceries, preparing meals, allowing family members to move in with you, or looking after their care needs. Older family members can be both beneficiaries and sources of functional solidarity. For instance, some look after their grandchildren; others receive visits from their children to help with

  household tasks.
• Normative solidarity: Normative solidarity refers to the strength of obligation felt towards other family members. In some families, there is a strong belief in the need for and importance of family cohesion and assistance between family members; in others, family members consider that it is quite acceptable for them to feel and to be very independent of each other.
• The formation of many values is vital to the socialization of an individual. These are often developed and nurtured by one's family, in school, and through one's environment.
• Filipino Family Values


  • Communication
  • Helping others (Pakikisama) and Gratitude (Utang na loob)
  • Respect (Paggalang)
  • Independence
  • Service
  • Trust
• Verbal communication:


  • Indirect communication
  • Communication style
  • Refusals
  • Respect
• Indirect Communication: Filipinos often communicate indirectly in order to prevent a loss of face and evoking hiya on either side of an exchange. They tend to avoid interrupting others and are more attentive to posture, expression and tone of voice to draw meaning. Speech is often ambiguous and Filipinos may speak in the passive voice rather than the active to avoid being perceived as speaking harshly. To find the underlying meaning, it is common to check for clarification several times.
• Communication Style: Filipinos will try to express their opinions and ideas diplomatically and with humility to avoid appearing arrogant. The tone of voice varies widely by language, dialect and region.
• Refusals: Since many Filipinos try to save face and avoid hiya in their interactions, many will be overly polite and seldom give a flat ‘no’ or negative response.
• Respect: When speaking to those who are older or of higher status, Filipinos use the polite forms of speech. At the end of phrases, sentences or questions, they will say ‘po’ to demonstrate this respect for hierarchy. For example, when conversing with an elder or someone of higher status, one will say ‘salamat po’ (‘thank you po’).
• Non-verbal communication

  • Physical contact
  • Personal space
  • Laughter
  • Pointing
  • Gestures
  • Beckoning
• Physical Contact: Among relatives or friends of the same gender, it is common for Filipinos to walk hand in hand or arm in arm. This is generally done so as a sign of affection, friendship or if they are shy and would like someone to accompany them. Filipinos are modest and conservative in their interactions with their significant other, and public displays of affection among couples (such as kissing or hugging) are quite uncommon.
• Personal Space: When interacting with people they are familiar with, Filipinos prefer standing at an arm's length from one another. Around strangers this distance is farther. However, in public areas like a market or subway, personal space is often limited and pushing is common.
• Laughter: While Filipinos often laugh in conversations, the meaning of laughter tends to depend on the situation. At times, laughing may indicate happiness or pleasure, while other times it may be used to relieve tension. In some circumstances, laughter is used as an attempt to cover embarrassment.
• Gestures: Putting one’s hands on their hips is a sign of anger.
• Beckoning: The common way to beckon someone is by gesturing with the hand facing downwards and waving fingers towards oneself, the same gesture that would represent shooing’ in Australia. If a Filipino wants someone’s attention, it is common for them to make a sound like ‘pssst’.
• Pakikisama has the connotation of getting along with people in general while Utang na Loob means to pay your debt with gratitude.
• Pakikisama


  • There is a general yearning to be accepted and well-liked among Filipinos. This applies to one and his or her friends, colleagues, boss, and even relatives. This desire is what steers one to perform pakikisama.
  • The word pakikisama literally translates to "helping others." Therefore, this trait usually fosters general cooperation and performing good or helpful deeds, which can lead to

  others viewing you in a favorable light.
• Utang na Loob


  • With utang na loob, there is usually a system of obligation. When this value is applied, it imparts a sense of duty and responsibility on the younger siblings to serve and repay the favors done to them by their elders
• Respect (Paggalang)


  • Filipinos are accustomed to using the words “po,” “opo,” and “ho” when they are conversing with older people or, sometimes, with those who are in a high role or a prestigious member of society. Using these words is customary in the Philippines, and it shows a sign of respect.
  • Respect can also be shown toward the elders by kissing their hands before leaving/to say goodbye and upon arrival/to greet them.
  • The younger members of the family can show respect towards older siblings by calling kuya to older brothers and ate to older sisters
• Independence


  • Recently, there is an estimated number of 2.2 million Overseas Filipino Workers abroad. The independency of individuals show when they work in places far from the people they depend on – their families. Filipinos became independent when they work in faraway communities or countries.
• What qualities are Filipino workers recognized for worldwide?

  Dedication, perseverance, and determination
• How do the qualities of Filipino workers reflect their service?

  They show exemplary service towards others
• Who are the Overseas Filipino Workers mentioned in the text?

  Doctors, nurses, caregivers, and nannies
• What is notable about the care provided by Overseas Filipino Workers?

  They show sincere care and genuine concern
• How do Filipino children give back to their families?

  By performing jobs that benefit their families
• What do Filipino children do for their parents when they reach old age?

  They take good care of them
• What are the key aspects of Filipino workers' service and family values?


  • Recognized for dedication and perseverance
  • Exemplary service towards others
  • Sincere care from Overseas Filipino Workers
  • Family-oriented values leading to caregiving
• Trust


  • Generally, Filipinos are family-oriented people. With this, the value of trust within their families still exists. Husbands and wives trust each other in managing household expenses. Family members trust each other in sharing their problems. Trust is important in a family for it strengthens the foundation of any relationship.
• The Philippines is commonly referred to as a melting pot of western and eastern cultures. The traditional culture of the Philippines is heavily influenced by the traditions of the indigenous Austronesian people. The cultural landscape also shows Spanish, American, Japanese, Arabic, and Indonesian influence. The major religions in the country are Christianity and Islam which have played a significant role in shaping the culture of the Philippines
• Social Beliefs and Customs


  The social beliefs and customs practiced in the Philippines are primarily influenced by religion and demographics of the region where they are practiced. The traditional customs of the indigenous Filipinos are based on the beliefs of the Austronesian inhabitants of the Philippines.
• What percentage of Philippines residents identify as Christians?

  90.07%
• What percentage of the population in the Philippines are Roman Catholics?

  80.58%
• What percentage of the population in the Philippines follows other Christian denominations?

  About 11%
• What is the second largest religion in the Philippines?

  Islam