Tagalog Social Hierarchy: Similarities and Differences with Javanese People

Are the Tagalog people of the Philippines comparable with the Javanese people in terms of social hierarchy and structure? Are they being frowned upon by other ethnic groups within their respective countries? Here, we delve into these questions, exploring the nuances of social hierarchy, discrimination, and the differences between the Tagalog people and the Javanese people.

Understanding Tagalog Social Hierarchy

The Tagalog people of the Philippines have a distinct social hierarchy and structure that is based more on status in life and educational attainment rather than ethnicity. Many Tagalogs believe in the

notion of nobility and superiority, leading to a hierarchy where individuals who are wealthy, educated, and well-mannered are highly respected. Conversely, those who are poor, uneducated, or unassuming are often looked down upon.

Is Discrimination Based on Ethnicity?

It is important to note that the Tagalog people do not discriminate based on ethnicity. They discriminate based on skills, knowledge, and status. Intelligence and wealth are typically frowned upon, while respect is given to those who hold a higher status. Often, the desire to emulate the American culture, which is associated with high status, drives this perception. However, their attempts to copy American styles, like wearing ill-fitting suits, show a blend of admiration and misunderstanding of the cultural context.

Tagalog Ethnicity and Diversity

Tagalog is not a monolithic ethnic group. It comprises various sub-groups that have their own unique characteristics despite speaking the same language. For instance, people from Bataan and Laguna may speak Tagalog natively but do not consider themselves part of a unified "Tagalog People." Instead, individuals from Bulacan, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Manila identify more with their birthplace than their language. Other regions like Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Tarlac, Aurora, and Quezon also have native Tagalog speakers who do not consider themselves as one cohesive group.

Comparing Tagalog and Javanese People

While the concept of "Luzoneo" does not exist, it is interesting to compare the Tagalog people to the Javanese people of Java. Similarly, Javanese people do not identify as "Luzones" or "Luzoneo." Unlike the diverse groups within the Philippines, Javanese people are more cohesive in their identity, as they primarily identify with their region, Java, rather than a broader ethnolinguistic group.

Conclusion: "Tagalog Self-Entitlement"

The phenomenon of "Tagalog self-entitlement" emerges due to the 1987 Constitution's favoritism towards the Tagalog language, which historically comes from the central regions of the Philippines, particularly Metro Manila. This has inadvertently led to a sense of superiority among Tagalog speakers, who often assume a higher status compared to speakers of other languages.

It is crucial to recognize and address these issues to promote inclusivity and mutual respect among all ethnic groups in the Philippines.

Keywords: Tagalog people, Javanese people, social hierarchy, ethnic discrimination, status in life