Description
Book SynopsisMoral Politics in the Philippines offers an in-depth examination of the political participation and discourse of the urban poor in Manila. After the ousting of Ferdinando Marcos in 1986, society in the Philippines fractured along socioeconomic lines. The educated middle class began to recognize themselves as moral citizens and political participants while condemning the poor as immoral “masses” who earn money illegally and support corrupt leaders. Conversely, the poor believe themselves to be morally upright and criticize the rich as arrogant oppressors. Wataru Kusaka looks at the dangers of this moralization of politics during the last several decades, and he analyzes the damaging effects it has had on democracy by excluding much of society and marginalizing the interests of those most in need of resources.
Trade Review"Kusaka reveals a class-based conflict more emotionally raw than Marxist conceptions of class conflict." — New Mandala"Overall, the book is commendable for its rigorous empirical work and theoretical reflections. Anyone who enjoys intellectual provocations, whether specialising in Philippine politics or democratic practice, is encouraged to closely read this book." — Asian Journal of Social Science 46 (2018)"Kusaka helps further develop a promising new theoretical approach for understanding the failure of democracy in the Philippines and other countries. He mounts a powerful critique of prevailing proposals to overcome that failure." — Philippine Sociological Review, vol. 65
