The Filipino Knight: Chivalry in Prosocial Behavior Among College Students in Las Pinas City

Abstract

This study attempted to understand chivalry in prosocial behavior among Filipino college adolescents aged 17-22 and relate it to the Philippine context Two hundred fifty three respondents were purposively included in the study. A questionnaire that consisted of a scale that looked into the prosocial behaviors performed by the respondents which reflect chivalric virtues and essay questions that asked of their practice of prosocial acts, concept of chivalry, and stand on the issue of sex in chivalry was administered. The data were analyzed by triangulating statistical and qualitative data with information established in other studies. Results show that respondents understand chivalry as a concept that involves an extraordinary person possessing remarkable characteristics, an ordinary individual who engages in the promotion of ideals or a term that pertains to the masculine entity. In all the virtues, the respondents garnered a mean score of 3 and above, except for the virtue, mercy. From this, it can be deduced that a Filipino knight is optimistic and has faith in God; keeps promises but also tends to use “kasi” to evade responsibility; holds on to values but is inclined to allow “pakikisama” to get in the way; values the family, community and the sense of “utang na loob”; persistent in the face of adversary while remaining generous to his fellow “victims in the tragedy”; industrious; and has a sensitiveness that allows for compassion and empathy for others but is also made vulnerable to offense that may escalate into conflict. Although male and female respondents have a significant difference in their display of prosocial behavior which reflects the virtues of chivalry, both sexes believe that men and women are equally chivalrous. While the results show the strengths of male and female chivalry, the underlying values and traits among Filipinos also emerged.