THESIS ABSTRACT

1. TITLE: Rethinking Igorot Identity: A Genealogical Critique

Total Number of Pages118

Total Number of Text104

2. AUTHOR: Marie Frances Denise D. Calde

3. DEGREE: Master of Arts in Philosophy

4. TYPE OF DOCUMENT: Unpublished Thesis

5. ACCREDITING INSTITUTIONS:

Department of PhilosophySaint Louis UniversityBonifacio Street, Baguio City

Commission on Higher Education La Trinidad, Benguet

6. Keywords:

Genealogy, History, Identity, Igorot, Knowledge, Power, Postcolonialism, Social Construction,

7. Abstract

The researcher conducted this study to determine the existent mockery and prejudice extended to the igorots grounded on the initial response that they possess eccentricity or that their culture belong to a different level of formation or civilization.

To answer why said matter exist, the researcher used Foucault’s genealogical critique and identified that the negative connotation of the word igorot is a colonial construct. This matter as it persists in the society fashion

the people’s perspective of who an igorot is that more often than not results to prejudice and bashing of character. As the identity has been standardized as that which do not partake to the standard of non-igorot, it appears that there exist a criteria to which the igorot must confer, a universal and immutable which are not igorot.

Not only that Foucault’s genealogical critique would center on standards but also on how standards are used as concealed mechanisms of power as a way of maintaining subjection and domination. Since the igorots accordingly do not possess the upright mechanisms to govern themelves, then they needed to be governed or left subjugated. The negative connotation of the word that homogenizes their character is transformed as a strategy to keep them overpowered.

With all of the foregoing, the study indicated a rethinking of the igorot identity which means looking further into the recesses of the igorots’ experiences, that there is more than merely recasting their imposed derogated character.