UNPACKING THE SELF

• Political self is the subject of study in Political Science.
• Political self is described as the nature, functions, and origins of political self.
• Any activity concerning the government or governance of the state is an example of political participation.
• Political participation can be defined as a citizen's actions or activities anchored in politics.
• Theoretical perspectives in the development of political self are identified and described.
• Politics from Politeia, an ancient Greek word used in Greek political thought, especially that of Plato and Aristotle, is an important part of human development because it promotes ideologies or beliefs about democracy, citizenship, human rights, freedom, family, health, and other social issues.
• Politics exists in all human societies and serves as the mechanism by which individuals develop power and understand proper functioning of a democratic society as a citizen.
• Citizenship is the most basic identification with the nation and denotes the membership of a citizen in a political society.
• As a citizen, a person enjoys full civil and political rights, including protection inside and outside the territory of the state.
• The political self organizes one's beliefs, attitudes, and affiliations and aids in the processing of politically relevant information.
• People use their political values and belief systems to define themselves as unique individuals of society.
• The family has a hierarchical structure which requires each member to perform his or her role, with each position carrying a set of rights, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Traditionally, the father is the most influential member of the family and acts as the leader, establishing rules to maintain order in the family.
• The role of the father as the leader entails power and authority, as he coordinates with the mother in helping the children perform the roles necessary for a successful family.
• The theory of symbolic interaction suggests that behaviors are products of communication, meaning, and symbols.
• Church emphasizes moral behaviors may also influence political behaviors and the political self.
• In peer groups, the members are equal in status.
• Interaction with peers encompasses and emphasizes the equal distribution of power, rights, and privileges among members of the group.
• Mass media could also be a key source of information on politics, and thus may influence an individual's political values and beliefs.
• In order for political participation to work in a society, a covenant of mutual trust and respect among members of the society must exist.
• The church also helps shape the ideals of citizenship and democracy through their religious teachings, values, and disciplines.
• In terms of the functionality of status and power, students are more likely to comply with rules in school because it entails serious and greater consequences.
• The cognitive theory suggests that the mental activities (e.g., knowledge, perceptions, ideas) of individuals are important determinants of behavior.
• Political participation can be defined as citizen's actions or activities anchored in politics.
• Political socialization is viewed as a lifelong process by which individuals gain knowledge about politics.
• According to the social learning theory, a person can acquire learning through observation and imitation.
• A person can acquire learning through observation and imitation.
• The family and school consist of members who are different in status and power.
• Peers are also important in influencing the political self.
• From an early age, individuals are taught to obey and treat parents with respect and conform to their rules.
• The Philippine Constitution recognizes the duty and responsibility of parents to educate and train their children to become good, useful, and worthy citizens of the country and to prepare them for future responsibilities.
• The Philippine Constitution recognizes the vital role of schools in inculcating among the youth the value of patriotism and nationalism and in encouraging their involvement in public and civic affairs of the country.
• The school has a similar structure to the family, with the teacher acting as the leader of the group.