Participation in Formal Associations of Middle-Aged Men in Barangays Malamig and Mamplasan in the Municipality of Binan, Laguna

Abstract

This is a study that aims to determine middle-aged men's participation in formal associations, and its relationship with educational attainment, occupation, and income. The study areas are two urbanizing communities, Barangays Malamig and Mamplasan in the Municipality of Binan, Laguna. These barangays are hosts of two industrial parks. The study uses Ferdinand Tonnies, Theory of Gesellschaft which tells that the people living in Gesellschaft create and join formal associations to pursue individual interests. The characteristics of middle aged men, that is, educational attainment, occupation and income are taken as independent variables, and participation in formal associations as the dependent variable. Sixty or 15% of the middle-aged men in Barangays Malamig and Mamplasan were interviewed as respondents of the study. The level of participation is measured by adapting the Chapin Social Participation Scale which is modified by the researcher to meet the needs of the study. The data gathered are cross-tabulated, and illustrated in tables and figures. To analyze the relationship between dependent and independent variables, the statistical technique of correlation is employed. The study finds out that the relationship between participation in formal associations, and educational attainment, occupation, and income is weak and insignificant.