Jonathan P. Chan June 24, 20152012-58934 PI 100 X2-A

Social Stratification of the Philippine Colony

During the period of Spanish colonial rule, the Filipino population was divided into different social classes. It was a way to differentiate the ruling classes from those of common birth, and to ensure that the seat of power rests on the hands of the Spanish. The social stratification present during those times is similar to the one we have today. Unlike the stratification present in contemporary times, however, it was not possible for one to move across the different classes.

There are four bases for classifying a particular individual to a social class. These include (1) property and wealth, (2) education, (3) race or skin color, (4) place of birth. The first two grounds for social classification are self-evident. Those who have great wealth and are educated belong to the upper echelons of society while those who lack neither belong to the lower caste. Considerations on race and birthplace, on the other hand, were practiced because we were a colony subjugated by foreign rule.

Thus, it is not surprising that pureblooded Spaniards born in the Iberian Peninsula topped the social pyramid. They were called the peninsulares due to their birthplace and were Spaniards on an extended visit to the country. The peninsulares were the wealthiest and most politically powerful among all the social classes with them holding the highest positions in government. Birthplace also played a major factor in social classification since the Philippine-born insulares or creoles did not have the same opportunities as their peninsular brothers. While they remained pureblooded Spaniards, they were regarded as a lower class and received discrimination from their peninsular brothers despite holding positions of power. These two compose the higher ranks of public office and thus, formed only a small percentage of the population.

During centuries of Spanish rule, it was not uncommon for Spaniards to bear children through intermingling with the native population. At first, these mestizos were often the illegitimate offspring of Catholic friars that see through the religious exploitation of the Philippines. However, wealth-seeking Spaniards eventually married into the local aristocracy called the principalia. The principalia were a group of natives descended from the ruling elites of pre-colonial times. They were relatives of the datu or maharlikas. These people retained some privileges of rule and maintained local positions of government. Intermarriages between the principalia and these Spaniards elevated the formers rank in the social hierarchy while giving the latter an access to indigenous wealth.

Below the ranks of the principalia and Spanish mestizo were those who were fruits of intermarriage between the native indio and Chinese traders. They formed a social group called mestizo-sangley. The mestizo and principalia formed the middle class and were able to afford education and send their children to universities here and abroad. As such, these educated men became the ilustrados. An important consideration in the analysis of colonial society is that wealth and education were inseparable facets of social structure. According to the reading, Who is Filipino?, education was almost exclusively the prerogative of wealth. The rich were wise and the wise were rich. While the mestizo and principalia formed a larger population than the Spanish rulers, their numbers were still dwarfed by the overwhelming number of Chinese traders and native indio.

The Chinese formed a social class near the bottom of the pyramid. They were hardworking traders who the Spaniards discriminated against and the indios laughed at but were nonetheless a wealthy group of people. They had family-owned establishments and were business minded in all of their affairs. This culture even persisted in modern times wherein people of Chinese descent own several of the successful enterprises here in the country.

The bottom of the socioeconomic pyramid was occupied by the vast majority of natives called the indio. They were poor laborers of Malay ancestry who were exploited by the Spanish conquerors and felt the full brunt of colonial rule. These people were heavily taxed and overworked while possessing a few rights. They could not vote or be elected in public office and were relegated as a subdued class meant to serve their Spanish masters. The indio was kept ignorant about the workings of the world and were blinded with religious fervor by the abusive friars. They were kept at bay through fear mongering and threats of eternal fire or attacks by the Muslim moors and other hooligans.

References:

http://www.slideshare.net/officialLSAINTZ/social-structure-26169226http://tabonwoman.blogspot.com/2009/05/spanish-period.htmlhttp://www.slideshare.net/Noctis747/social-classes-12942253