The Making of an Activist: Understanding the Agents of Socialization that Contribute in Forming Student Activists

Abstract

The history of student activism goes as far back as the history of the academe itself. For over centuries, students have voiced out their complaints on the existing social order without fear on the authorities concerned. The study focused on the four agents of socialization that influences students in becoming activists. These four factors are identified as the family, peers, school and the mass media. The study aimed to know which of these factors play the greatest role in the formation of student activism. The hypotheses that were to be proven merely stated how styles of parenting, the influences of peer organizations, the school’s orientation on activism, the student’s socio- economic status and the awareness of the students to certain issues cater to their increasing involvement in cause- oriented activities. From the review of related literatures, the four factors stated have varying effects on different levels of students. Therefore, their main impact on the students generated the full empowerment of the student body. It has also been found out in past studies that the socio- economic factor plays a very important role in the rise of student activists. Family influences, as well as the influences of the academe, claimed to be the contending factors on the phenomenon of activism. The study used the theories of socialization and collectivity as the two frameworks that have a great effect in the activism of students. Given these factors, the researcher then devised a questionnaire that shows the relationship of the variables in each factors and the relationship of each domain in the involvement in activism as a whole. The researcher used the non- experimental descriptive research design in order to present the motives that lead students to engage in activism. The sample population came from two representative universities of each type of school. The University of Sto. Tomas represented the private schools, while the University of the Philippines Manila represented the public schools. These sample populations were obtained through random sampling and the subjects were chosen through snowballing method. Self- administered questionnaires were distributed by the researcher as to know the respondents’ view on how they trace their activism. Lastly, the researcher used the Pearson Product Moment Correlation in order to know the relationship of each of the four domains in the respondents’ involvement in activism. T-test was used in comparing which of the two types of school generate more influences on activism. It was found out that the four factors have influenced students in varying ways. Different aspects showed different levels of influence from the four independent variables. Findings showed that low socio- economic status is not a factor in the rise of activism among the students. However, the styles of parenting employed by the parents, their -decision- making patterns, and the involvement of parents and siblings in community organizations generate greater chances of activism among the students. The family’s involvement in activism, on the other hand, was not a factor in the trend of student activism. This is also true in the frequency of the discussed issues, where social matters were given less priority at home. The peers have also a significant effect in the students’ attitude toward social change. Their involvement in activist organizations show that most student activists have either one or more friends who are themselves members of cause- oriented activities. The discussion of social issues are also more prevalent in this factor rather than the family domain. Peers also generate more conformity on the discussion of issues which made he researcher believe that because peers have more congruence with our values rather than our families, then they have more influence on the individual self of the activists. Findings in the school domain provided that private schools have lesser orientations on the issue of student activism. The orientation to student activism is more acceptable in the public schools because of fewer restrictions on the attitudes of students. There is more exercise of academic freedom in this type of school as compared to the private domain. But its prevalence on private schools gives chances to other factors to emerge. Also, activism could be seen prevalent on big universities where almost every course is offered. Thus, the differences in the backgrounds of students created a positive approach toward activism among the students. The last issue discussed is the mass media as a catalyst for activism among the students. This showed the highest influence over any other factor discussed. Respondents admitted that some of them joined activist organization only because of the intensity of the issue and their particular stand to the existing social disorder. Among the issues that generated concern among the students are the human rights and social justice issues. and student concerns. The study has obtained very important findings. Student activism is something shaped by the interplay of the four agents of socialization. The individual may not prefer to be an activist, but the existing social condition, added to the interplay of the four agents generate awareness that lead to the uprising of the students. Thus, students must not be blamed for fighting for what they believe is right. They must be supported and honored for speaking up for the people.