During the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, the society was divided into classes or social strata, with the highest class being the peninsulares (Spaniards born in Spain), followed by the insulares (Filipinos of Spanish descent), the mestizos (persons of mixed Spanish and Filipino ancestry), and the native Filipinos or indios (commoners).
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During the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, the society was divided into distinct classes or social strata based on race, ancestry, and occupation. The highest class was the peninsulares, Spaniards born in Spain who held the most power, wealth, and privilege. They occupied top positions in the government, church, and business. According to historian Glenn A. May, “The peninsulares were given 100 percent of the top jobs in the Philippines,” leaving little representation for the native population.
Next in line were the insulares, Filipinos of Spanish descent who enjoyed relatively more social status and employment opportunities than pure-blooded Filipinos. The mestizos, persons of mixed Spanish and Filipino ancestry, and the children of Spanish and Chinese marriages were considered a separate class. They were often educated in Europe or Manila and held middle to upper-class jobs, such as merchants and clerks. Lastly, the native Filipinos or indios, composed mostly of farmers, fishermen, and unskilled workers, were at the bottom rung.
Interestingly, there were instances where a person’s occupation or wealth could move them up the social hierarchy. Some mestizos and indios acquired wealth through commerce or agriculture and were able to intermarry with the Spanish or gain administrative positions. However, these individuals remained an exception rather than a rule.
A table summarizing the social stratification in the Philippines during Spanish time is presented below:
| Social Strata | Description |
|---|---|
| Peninsulares | Spaniards born in Spain who held the most power, wealth, and privilege |
| Insulares | Filipinos of Spanish descent who enjoyed relatively more social status and employment opportunities than pure-blooded Filipinos |
| Mestizos | Persons of mixed Spanish and Filipino ancestry, and the children of Spanish and Chinese marriages who held middle to upper-class jobs |
| Native Filipinos or Indios | Composed mostly of farmers, fishermen, and unskilled workers who were at the bottom rung |
In conclusion, the social stratification during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines was heavily influenced by race, ancestry, and occupation. This division resulted in unequal distribution of wealth, power, and representation among the population, with peninsulares holding the most dominant position. To quote Antonio de Morga, a Spanish official who witnessed the society first hand, “In the same Spain, we see nobility, clergymen, and the common people; here, there is only one sort of people—no kings, no lords, no wealthy men, no priests except those who come from outside, and no lower-class people except the Indians.”
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The classes were divided into four: Maginoo (Noble Class), Timawa (freeman or commoner), Maharlika (warrior), and Alipin (servant). The Maginoo are the royal blooded such as the Datu, which is the leader of the barangay consisting of 100-500 persons.
A video response to “What is the social stratification in the Philippines during Spanish time?”
The video discusses the evolution of Philippine politics and governance, starting from the pre-Spanish regime. It highlights that the Philippines had an existing government led by a Datu who had complete control. The social stratification at that time consisted of the upper, middle, and lower classes, including two types of slaves. The present-day social stratification comprises the upper, middle and lower classes, as well as the poorest of the poor. The video provides an overview of the Philippines’ political and social growth, which eventually led to the formation of modern Philippine politics and government.
More interesting questions on the issue
What is the Filipino social stratification in the Philippines?
Response: 3 Social Classes in the Philippines: Low, Middle, and High Income. There are three primary social classes in the Philippines: the low-income class, the middle-income class, and the high-income class. However, the poor are ranked below the low-income class.
Additionally, Who is considered as the lowest among the social stratification in Spanish Philippines? Native peoples
In the Spanish racial hierarchy, indios were the lowest-ranked group. The order was peninsulares, criollos, mestizos, Filipinos and indios.
People also ask, What is the highest social class in the Philippines during the Spanish period?
The principalía or noble class was the ruling and usually educated upper class in the pueblos of Spanish Philippines, comprising the gobernadorcillo (later called the capitán municipal and had functions similar to a town mayor), tenientes de justicia (lieutenants of justice), and the cabezas de barangay (heads of the
Also Know, What was Philippine society predominantly during Spanish era?
Answer to this: Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines, our residents were predominantly animistic, far from what we believe now. However, in Spain’s successful conquest of our nation, Filipinos were slowly converted to Christianity despite various uprisings against a new religious system.
Also asked, What was social stratification in the Philippines during the Spanish era? The Social stratification in the Philippines during the Spanish Era Peninsulares.: They are the highest class in the Philippines, entrusted with the officesof high rank. Peninsulares are pure blooded Spaniards born from Spain and sent to Spanish colonies to govern. Often, they are awarded with great favors and large quantities of land.
Just so, What is a social class in the Philippines? Response will be: It refers to a position of families that share the same or nearly status according to the criteria of evaluation in the system of stratification. In the Philippines, three social classes can be seen in the community: (1) the upper class has high personal income, inherited wealth and economic influence;
What is the history of racial mixture in the Philippines? The response is: Christianity, Shinto, Buddhism. Except for the many Chinese migration waves, the history of racial mixture in the Philippines occurred on a smaller scale than other Spanish territories in Americas after and during the Spanish colonial period from the 16th to the 19th century.
What were the social structures and population groups in the Philippines?
In reply to that: Social Structure and Population Groups The Population’s Legal Division The Laws of the Indies, which also extended to the Philippines, divided imperial society into a República de Españoles, on one side, and, on the other, a Republic de Indios, each with its own institutions and governance mecha- nisms.
What was social stratification in the Philippines during the Spanish era? The Social stratification in the Philippines during the Spanish Era Peninsulares.: They are the highest class in the Philippines, entrusted with the officesof high rank. Peninsulares are pure blooded Spaniards born from Spain and sent to Spanish colonies to govern. Often, they are awarded with great favors and large quantities of land.
Then, What is the social structure of the Filipinos? Response to this: Social structure Ø The Filipinos in the 19th century had suffered from feudalistic and master slave relationship by the Spaniards. Their social structure is ranked into three groups: Ø The people that belong in this class include the Spaniards, peninsulares and the friars. They have the power and authority to rule over the Filipinos.
One may also ask, What is a social class in the Philippines? The response is: It refers to a position of families that share the same or nearly status according to the criteria of evaluation in the system of stratification. In the Philippines, three social classes can be seen in the community: (1) the upper class has high personal income, inherited wealth and economic influence;
Furthermore, Did Filipino culture remain static during Spanish domination?
The indigenous Filipino cultures in these latter areas did not, of course, remain static during the three centuries of Spanish domination elsewhere, nor were they com- pletely isolated from or unaffected by what was happening to their neighbors.