Perceived Concept and Meaning of Development among Locals in Dakit, Guadalupe, Cebu City

Author: Anna Marie P. Talam (University of the Philippines Cebu, Cebu, Philippines)
Speaker: Anna Marie P. Talam
Topic: Language, Community, Ethnicity
The (SCOPUS / ISI) SOAS GLOCAL CALA 2020 General Session

Abstract

Social reality comes into being through language and signification as highlighted in the post-structuralist paradigm. This paper is a discourse that explores and examines the general patterning of thought about the concept of development from the viewpoints of local villagers who are presently facing environmental challenges in Dakit, Guadalupe, Cebu City. It examines how their lived experiences have attached meanings to their perceived idea of development and illustrates how their perception of development have shaped their responses in community development initiative. The material is based on a study conducted in Dakit, Guadalupe, Cebu City, Philippines last 2018 in which I used qualitative research methods. Key informants involve the three types (e.g. gatekeeper; purok leader; and the participants/respondents themselves). This discourse concludes with insights about how perceived thought of development influences community behavior as shaped by meanings attached in lived experiences.

Keywords: Community development initiative, development, language, social reality