A Phenomenological Study on the Identity Disclosure of Student Activists of Their Political Involvement

Abstract

Activism involves doing acts that would help bring about social and political change. Despite this, the current government has been constantly saying negative things about movements and organizations that fight for different causes. The views of the government may affect the views of family members and, in turn, may have an effect when a student activist discloses his/her political involvement. This phenomenological study aims to explore the lived experiences of student activists who have disclosed their identities to their families. The respondents of the study were gathered through a non-probability sampling technique – purposive and respondent-driven sampling. An informed consent was given and discussed to each chosen participant before proceeding with the study. The data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews guided by a semi-structured guide. Analysis of the participants’ stories was done through thematic analysis. While there are student activists who voluntarily tell their families of their identities, or there are families who are aware of their child’s activism, most student activists get “outed” before they could even decide telling their families. The reactions were varied. The biggest concern of all families revolve around safety.