Values Formation within the Family as an Antecedent of Civic Participation

Abstract

Values formation during childhood is crucial in the development of children which serves as the basis of their behavior and actions outside the family and in later life. 131 volunteers of UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungód were selected as the sample of this study to understand how values formation in childhood translates to civic participation. Using explanatory sequential design, this research gathered data in two phases. Quantitative phase used Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) to determine the motivations of the respondents to volunteer while the Scales of Parenting Styles (SPS) assessed the parenting styles of the respondents’ parents. Data was analyzed using descriptive quantitative analysis. Six participants were chosen for the qualitative phase and their cases were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results highlighted the importance of values formation during childhood in the learning and practice of values associated to civic participation. Parents played important roles as models of desired behaviors and socializing agents through their parenting styles and practices as well as extended childcare. Modeling and practice of behavior through family socialization contributed to their positive development. Volunteers were motivated to participate in civic activities to seek understanding of social issues and real-life situations of Filipinos anchored by their values and high regard for humanity and life. Definition of civic participation based from their experiences was also presented in the results. Main values components of civic participation are pakikipagkapwa, malasakit, and pananagutan which are recommended to be embedded in the family’s core values to contribute to the development of children’s sense of civic duty.