KAPWA: A Core Concept in Filipino Psychology

KAPWA: A Core Concept in Filipino Social Psychology

Virgilio EnriquezBorn: November 24, 1942 in Santol, Balagtas, Bulacan

Father of Filipino Psychology

Died on August 31, 1994 at the age of 51.

Pakikipagkapwa (shared identity)Definition:

This idea of “shared self” opens up the heart-doors of the I to include the Other. Here, it is not important if you are rich or poor, or status in society. “People are just people in spite of their age, clothes, diplomas, color or affiliations.”

Concept of Pakikipagkapwa1. Strangers2. Acquaintances3. Peers4. Friend5. Best friend6. Soul mate, Lover

KapwaThe “unity of the one-of-us-and-the-other”, according to Virgilio Enriquez who declared the concept as a Filipino core value.Kapwa, meaning ‘togetherness’, is the core construct of Filipino Psychology.

2 Categories of Kapwa1. Ibang Tao (outsider) 5 domains:

a. Pakikitungo: civility b. Pakikisalamuha: act of mixingc. Pakikilahok: act of joiningd. Pakikibagay: conformitye. Pakikisama: being united with

the group

2 Categories of Kapwa2. Hindi Ibang Tao (one-of-us) 3 domains:

a. Pakikipagpalagayang-loob: act of mutual trust

b. Pakikisangkot: act of joining others

c. Pakikipagkaisa: being one with others.

Pakikiramdam: A Pivotal ValueDefinition:

Filipinos use damdam, or the inner perception of others’ emotions, as a basic tool to guide his dealings with other people. It characterizes Filipino emotion. Enriquez named this emotional quality “shared perception”.

Kapwa: Core Value of Philippine Value

As a general description, the distinct value system of Philippine people can be summarized and summed up into having dominant characteristics of moderation or having just enough or being sufficient, having the family as the center and priority in life, trust in God, nationalistic traditions of independence,

cooperation and unity, charity, heroism, group participation, friendship and companionship, sense of justice and equality, concept of human dignity and human rights, non-violence, historical awakening, environmental consciousness, and the emergence of empowered people and nation. Filipinos are known to be hospitable.

Pakikisama/PakikipagkapwaTo Filipinos, “pakikisama” is a very important trait. “Pakikisama” is the ability of a person to get along with others to maintain good and harmonious relationships. It implies camaraderie and togetherness in a group and the cause of one’s being socially accepted.

Pakikisama/Pakikipagkapwa“Pakikisama” requires someone yielding to group opinion, pressuring him to do what he can for the advancement of his group, sacrificing individual welfare for the general welfare.

Pakikisama/PakikipagkapwaOne good aspect of pakikisama exists within close family kinship and is interpreted as helping each other. Pakikisama is defined as an apathy towards others with the readiness to help.

The end..

Reporters:Diana Bucacao

Lhea Sajonia Aireen Sinong