FROM STREETS TO SCREENS: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF CONVENTIONAL AND ONLINE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
FROM STREETS TO SCREENS: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF CONVENTIONAL AND ONLINE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Summary/Abstract: Using the Philippines dataset of the World Values Survey (Wave 7), this study analyzes the socio-demographic determinants of political participation in the Philippines. With the use of logistic regression analyses, eight indicators of political action- four conventional (signing petitions, joining boycotts, attending peaceful demonstrations, and joining strikes) and four online (searching for political information, signing e-petitions, encouraging others to take action about political issues online, and organizing political activities, events and protests online) were analyzed vis-à-vis several socio-demographic variables. Results indicate that gender, education, age, employment status, social class, religion, and settlement type have a significant impact on political participation. Women were consistently less active in conventional forms of political action and were less likely to sign e-petitions. Education emerged as a strong predictor, with college graduates being more likely to participate in both conventional and digital forms of political activity. Income and class also have significant effects. Upper-class and upper-middle respondents were found to be more likely to participate in boycotts, while lower-class individuals were less likely to engage in strikes. Employment status also mattered, with part-time workers and retirees participating more in strikes and boycotts which are conventional forms of political action while students were found to engage more in online information-seeking about politics. Differences in settlement revealed stronger conventional forms of participation among district residents in strikes, while capital and regional residents were less likely to engage in demonstrations and petitions. Religion is also significant with Muslims more likely to encourage others to participate in political action online and "Other" religions more active in conventional actions. Finally, younger Filipinos were the most prominent participants in online or digital activitie.

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