Resistance from the periphery: the case of Plastikan Community.

Abstract

Resistance from the Periphery delves into the social, political and economic interactions of the residents of an informal settlement that have been suffering from constant threat of eviction and demolition. The exploration of the lived experiences of the residents gives light to the factors that contribute to their formation of a movement that tries to resist a more economically and politically advantaged entity. Initially, the purpose of this study was to determine the processes and dimensions of social exclusion affecting the residents of Plastikan Community in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City. This has been achieved through the employment of the grounded theory methodology. However, aside from achieving the initial purpose, a core category also emerged explaining how the residents of the said community are reacting to such phenomenon. Ten subject respondents were selectively interviewed through theoretical sampling. Five waves of data collection and data generation were conducted. Data analysis began as soon as the first data were collected through memoing and coding. The coding paradigm was of three parts. First is the open coding. This is followed by axial coding by utilizing the conditional relationship guide. Selective coding was the final phase and was conducted through the use of reflective coding matrix. Twelve categories were refined from a number of open analytics that emerged. The categories were arranged in the conditional relationship guide matrix in order for these categories to be saturated. The result from the conditional relationship guide matrix were then assayed and plotted in the reflective coding matrix to saturate the emergent core category. The emergent core category was: Resistance against multiple disadvantages. Processes emergent from this core category were: (a) the deprivation of rights of the residents due to the lack of government support and presence, (b) social engagement formed through similarities of conditions characterized by the establishment of social bonds toward the strengthening of community-based identity, (c) political engagement due to influence of supportive entities and the solidarity brought by shared problems leading to mutually contrived political activities, and (d) resistance through community solidarity due to the collective consciousness and legal consciousness as well as their untaxable business activities. These processes happen in an environment politicized by a land dispute exacerbated by bureaucratic inefficiency. All things considered, the research informs a policy strategy necessary for a better consideration of the plight of the excluded.