The Network of Kinship Relationship and Self-Help Activities in Poor Urban Areas of Manila

Abstract

This paper examines the function of kin relationship, and in particular, where they relate to self-help activities progressing in poor urban areas of Manila. The residents utilize extended kin relationship in their daily lives, especially when involving themselves in the distribution of social resources which have been brought about through self-help activities. The people who use their kinship ties effectively can achieve a more favorable or higher social status for themselves and their kin groups. Therefore this paper also examines the social meaning of self-help activities as the origin of the societal heirarchy of power and rather than material wealth or resources.