Abstract:
The research study focused on the concept of gender identity, “Pagkalalaki” (masculinity) and “Pagkababae” (femininity), in the context of the Philippine society. The study then attempted to explain the influence of gender on the Filipino being. The researcher utilized quantitative and qualitative methods in the data collection process wherein both descriptive and cross - sectional designs were employed. The methodological process employed the use of random sampling among the barangays in Quezon City, conducted and resulted in the selection of 10 barangays as the official research sites. A total of 97 individuals, composed of both males and females, aged 19 to 21 years old, participated and responded to the survey questionnaires. Consequently, focus group discussions for both genders were carried out in four randomly selected barangays from among the previously chosen samples. The participants in a focus group discussion were homogeneously clustered according to gender and possessed the same inclusion criteria as the survey respondents. Findings showed that gender persists as a dichotomous concept in Philippine society. Gender remains to be directed as a role - oriented notion, for women, in particular. Self - assertion, on the other hand, prevails to be a dominant idea among men. The social construction of gender exists as a theme in explaining the self - schema of the respondents, which facilitated in the processing of their current identities.
