# data[].attributes.body
BY: Denise Oaper and Ezekiel Adorio

The lower class is made up of people who are at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder, with poor education, low income, and low-status jobs.

Low educational attainment and disability are two of the most common reasons for people struggling to find work or falling into poverty.

In general, the term "lower class" refers to people who work in jobs that are easily filled. These jobs usually don't pay well or have much prestige, and they don't need workers to obtain a high school diploma.

Lower-income families are the most vulnerable to sliding into poverty if a family member loses his or her work.

The majority of media also call the Lower class as the “Underclass”, types of people that get characterized inaccurately because of the lack of education and income.

Types of people also known as poor are those who do not work and just rely on public assistance, such as food stamps and welfare checks as their primary source of income.

Issues

Lower-class people experience an unjust treatment of society. They always get looked down upon by everyone.

These types of people are reliant on the free items that the government. They mostly rely on the donations that are given to them because they are not able to provide themselves with sufficient money to buy necessities like food and clothing.

Most jobs, if not all jobs, use education as the standard if you are qualified or not. That’s why the lower class people have a hard time applying for jobs because they’re not given the chance to prove their capabilities because most jobs only focus on the resume of applicants.

Because of the lack of education, the Lower Class has, most do not know what's right and wrong. Rape cases, Stealing, and other crimes are known in our country for there are many of us that are not well-educated.

Real-life Situations in the Philippines:

Members of the Lower class are most likely to have difficulties in applying for jobs.

These people have less access to advanced health care units.

Lower-class people mostly rely on food donations in times of need.

These people are the ones that are more likely to suffer from unemployment.

Solution:

Good governance

No violation of Human Rights

Equal Benefits

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

This quote tells us that if we want to help someone, we should not just give them what they want and need (like groceries, money, etc.) because it will only help them for a short period of time. Though, we can do that sometimes, but not all the time. If we really want to help someone, we should teach them how to earn money themselves, so that they can provide for themselves and not rely on other people. We can either lend them money to start their own business or help them find a job.

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Rayback Barrera

The lower middle class is known as the “sandwich” class, these white-collar workers have more money than those below them on the “social ladder”, but less than those above them. The lower middle class is often made up of people with lower incomes such as Managers, small business owners, teachers, and secretaries.

According to a book called “The Lower Middle Class as a Historical Problem” by Arno J. Mayer of Princeton University.
“The lower middle class is a complex and unstable social, political and cultural compound that deserves close and systematic analysis” – as it states there in the content of the book that we need a systematic analysis or a way of thinking to really put together and understand the actual situation of a lower middle class.

Example of today’s lower middle-class problems:

Monetary Problem: This is one of the most typical issues that a middle-class man faces. How can one anticipate anything different given the state of the economy and the ever-increasing expenses of everything from groceries to gasoline? The middle-class man encounters hurdles every step of the way since there is simply no money left, no money to save, and no money to buy anything with a meager salary that barely covers power bills and taxes.

Quality Education: Education, like everything else today, has caught up in terms of expense. All parents wish for their children to receive a good education. Yet, the middle-class man may not even be able to consider it. Most students who attend prestigious colleges and universities believe that prestigious private schools, tuition, and coaching sessions are required. Additional costs include mandatory picnics, Industrial Visits, and payments for other annual programs, among other things. However, most middle-class children must attend government schools and may not receive any tuition unless it is extremely low.

Health-related and Medical Problems: The majority of people in the middle class do not have health insurance. Not every doctor is compassionate, and not every clinic will waive fees.

# data[].attributes.body
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Sociology/Introduction_to_Sociology/Book%3A_Sociology_(Boundless)/09%3A_Stratification_Inequality_and_Social_Class_in_the_U.S./9.03%3A_The_Class_Structure_in_the_U.S./9.3F%3A_The_Lower_Class

https://www.ecnmy.org/learn/your-society/status-in-society/socio-economic-class/

https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/06/29/protecting-economic-and-social-rights-during-and-post-covid-19

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/sociology/social-and-global-stratification/types-of-social-classes-of-people

https://www.jstor.org/stable/1876000

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/sociology/social-and-global-stratification/types-of-social-classes-of-people

https://www.investopedia.com/

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-disadvantages-of-being-part-of-the-middle-class

https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-dangerous-separation-of-the-american-upper-middle-class/?amp

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Denise Oaper and Ezekiel Adorio

Magdalena, ano'ng problema?

Bakit 'di ka makawala sa kadena?

At sa gabi-gabi, ikaw ay nasa selda

Ng hanapbuhay mo ngayon

Magdalena, ano'ng problema?

Alam naman natin na dati kang Nena

At sa iyong ama, ikaw ay prinsesa

Ano'ng nangyari sa 'yo?

Ito'y kuwento ng isang babaeng

Tulog sa umaga, gising sa gabi

Ang kanyang mukha'y puno ng kolorete

Sa lugar na ang ilaw ay patay-sindi

This song tells the story of a woman who’s name is Magdalena. During her childhood days, she had a best friend who’s name is Ernesto. He narrates the story and in the first part, he said that Magdalena was treated like a princess by her family. Ernesto developed his feelings for Magdalena as they grew older. During their High School Prom, Magdalena fell in love with a man from Manila. She decided to follow him; unfortunately, she didn’t find the man she loves.

As time passes by, Magdalena’s still nowhere to be found in their hometown. Ernesto decided to follow her. Luck was in his hands for he saw Magdalena in a poster with different hair color. He decided to go to the said location in a poster. When he arrived, the lights were continuously switching colors. He was surprised to see Magdalena dancing on a stage wearing dark make-up and not wearing any clothes— just shoes.

Agad pumasok sa silid, pero bakit ang dilim?

Madaming lamesa't mga nag-iinumang lasing

Nang biglang nagpalakpakan, may mabagal na kanta

Sa maliit na entablado ay nakita ko na

Ako ay nagtaka, nagtanong, nagkamot

Bakit s'ya sumasayaw na sapatos lang ang suot?

After they met at the club, they had a one-night stand. Magdalena then left a letter to Ernesto then left him afterward.

"Mahal kong Ernesto, alam kong tulog mo'y malalim

'Di na 'ko nagpaalam, 'di na kita ginising

Salamat nga pala sa pasalubong mong kalamay

At sa pinakamasayang gabi ng aking buhay

Nang iniwan ko ang baryo natin, ang akala ko

Isang tunay na pag-ibig ang matatagpuan ko

Hinanap kung saan-saan at kung kani-kanino

'Di ko inakalang ito ang kahahantungan ko

Imbis na ako'y sagipin, itinulak sa bangin

Ito pala'ng ibig sabihin ng kapit sa patalim

Kung mabaho sabunin, kung makati gamutin

Kung hindi na masikmura ay ibaling ang tingin

Kahit ako ay bayaran at kaladkaring babaeng

Alam ang amoy ng laway ng iba't ibang lalake

Isa lang ang kaya kong sa 'yo'y maipagmalaki

Ikaw lang ang bukod-tanging hinalikan ko sa labi

Gusto ko mang manatili sa 'yong mga yakap

Ako ma'y natutuwa dahil ako'y iyong nahanap

Wala na yatang walis ang makakalinis ng kalat

At ang katulad ko sa 'yo ay 'di karapat-dapat

Pinangarap kong sa altar, ako'y iyong ihatid

Ngunit sa dami ng pait, ang puso ko'y namanhid

'Di ko makakalimutan ang pabaon mong halik

Pero pakiusap, huwag ka na sana pang babalik

Regalo ng Maykapal ang ikaw ay makilala

Salamat sa alaala, nagmamahal, Magda"

This music video tells us that Magdalena is a victim of poverty. Due to Socio-Economic Class, Magdalena didn't have many privileges. She graduated from High School but didn't continue to College. For that reason, she couldn't find any decent jobs in Manila because she isn't qualified. That's why she introduced herself to prostitution.

As sad as it may seem, there are many Magdalenas in our world. There are so many people who aren't privileged, and they think that this kind of job (prostitution) will help them for it is the fastest way of earning money. Some people have jobs with small wages so they couldn't provide as much for their families. If only we had the same advantages, the world could have been a better place. But, that is not the case. We live in a system where each class is divided. Unfortunately in our country, most of us are in the Lower Class, that’s why there are most that do illegal works to fasten their income (prostitution, selling drugs, etc.).

Video:

Magdalena Music Video

https://youtu.be/UlrMUV00L1w

MMK: Maria sells herself to support her education https://youtu.be/o75gwmwjsk

Tadhana: Girl gives up her body for 20K!

https://youtu.be/skz72jgSNik

P1-M illegal drugs seized in Cotabato raid:

https://youtu.be/Dv_36GTMuwQ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Gloc-9 feat. Rico Blanco - Magda (Director's Cut)

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Bea Claro

Working-class is a socioeconomic term used to describe a person in a social class that provides a low pay salary and is required to have an education requirement that has a skill or physical labor. Most working-class jobs are found in the service sector clerical, retail sales, and low-skill manual labor vocations. People in the working class usually do a lot of work yet they receive a minimal salary which makes their daily lives even difficult to sustain.

Working-class people must have a college diploma, and many of them are also classified as middle- or lower-middle-class.

Sociologists such as William Thompson, Joseph Hickey, and James Henslin say that the lower middle is the largest class. In the class models by the sociologists, the working class comprises between 30% to 35% of the population of a country, roughly the same number in the lower middle class.

A lot of people who fall into the working class category are the ones who are most likely to conduct a protest or a program in order to inform our government and society that the benefits they are receiving are not commensurate with the amount of work they are doing. That’s why working-class people require a decent and reasonable wage because they are frequently the ones who support our economy in growing and surviving. Government officials must work on this as soon as possible especially now that we are in this time of the pandemic, a lot of workers are risking their lives in order for them to hold on and to have an income to provide for their necessities.

# data[].attributes.body
The song “Walang Natira”

"Pahinga’y iipunin para magamit pag-uwi"

"Gugutumin, sasaktan, malalagay sa peligro"

"Uuwing nasa kahon ni, wala lang testigo".

The song describes the condition in the Philippines and the reasons why some Filipinos labor in other countries. The song also describes OFWs' experiences while working abroad, such as being restless, being abused, and dying without a witness.

The song's lyrics, "Pinuno ay ungas sila lamang nakikinabang pero tayo ang utas," reflect the previous government's terrible leadership, which used power to buy their way to luxury, which is why many Filipinos were forced to work in other countries.

The song's lyrics, "Kumita ng dolyar na ipapalit sa peso," state the result of weak administration and governance. Filipinos are subjected to rising prices as the value of their currency depreciates.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFJZUCg3_DQ

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Paolo Penecitos

With few exceptions, the upper class is defined by family, status, and wealth, and it is passed down from generation to generation as lower class parents breed lower class offspring, and this is the cruelty of our world in which only a few get out of poverty while many fall back into the same hole their parents were in. “Advantages breed more advantages. Those born in the upper classes are more likely to stay in the upper classes, and high-earning entrepreneurs come from highly educated, well-to-do families,” said Peter Belmi, PhD, of the University of Virginia. People in the upper class have high-paying jobs that require a lot of skill, intelligence, and a degree.

The upper class is made up of people who have jobs and come or have wealthy families. Only a small percentage of people get rich enough to become upper-class. Moreover, a hierarchy still exists in today's society, where rich families stay rich for generations, while lower-class people stay poor for generations, because we are stuck in a mindset given to us by our culture.

Solutions to prevent classism:

1. End poverty through free education.

2. Creating more jobs in the Philippines can lead to a stronger economy.

3. Allow public funds to go toward alleviating poverty and providing shelter for the underprivileged.

4. Providing  healthcare and food to those who are in need.

5. Government should  help with payments and understand late payments.

6. Compassion and Compromise.

These solutions can only be made true if our government becomes better, nourished, and smarter with how they use the natural resources of the Philippines.

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Paolo Lazarte

The upper-middle-class, according to sociologist Mark Weber, comprises highly educated and/or professional persons with high and comfortable earnings. The upper-middle class has far less income and prestige than the upper class but enjoys a higher standard of living than the lower-middle or working classes. They highly value tertiary education for themselves and for their children. They want their children to get bachelor's and master's degrees. That is why many upper-middle-class people have graduate degrees in fields like law, business, or medicine, which are commonly required for professional jobs. The upper-middle class is distinguished by its educational attainment.

Lawyers, physicians, dentists, engineers, professors, architects, civil service executives, and civilian contractors make up the upper-middle class.

The difficulty with this program is that: if you don't have a job or a steady income, you might easily be thrown off. We can overcome this if we are given the opportunity to demonstrate what we have learned if we are given government positions.

Another issue with the middle-upper class is that children born into it are under pressure from their parents to excel academically. One answer is for parents to understand their children's learning capacity and to allow them to develop at their own speed.

Another issue is that upper-middle-class wages are taxed at a much higher rate than investment income, which is where most families get their money. Warren Buffet even mentioned that he pays less in taxes than his assistant. We should charge individuals the appropriate amount of tax so that they can afford to pay it while still having enough money for their daily needs.

Example of situations in the upper-middle-class

After graduating, law students are having difficulty obtaining work.

When the market is down, stockbrokers are experiencing a tougher time since their income is unstable due to our economy.

During the Covid pandemic, most of the CEOs went bankrupt due to a lack of business and lack of demand.

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Paolo Penecitos and Paolo Lazarte

The very first line of this song speaks of the upper-class being entitled to a seat from which they never rise.

“Kayo po na naka upo, subukan niyo namang tumayo”,

This line tells us that the people on this so-called chair pretend to be unaware of what is going on around them and choose to ignore their people as long as they have power. This power becomes their obsession; that’s why they are willing to compete to sit on the “chair”.

Also, "At baka matanaw, at baka matanaw ninyo ang tunay na kalagayan ko”.  As to the previous line, people are asking the one who’s sitting on the “chair” to stand up. This line states the crying and begging of the people for the higher-ups to notice the real problem that is happening in the country, especially in the lower class, and do something about it.

In the end, we discover that the people on the chair are not aristocrats, but rather ordinary people with ordinary clothes and lives. For the most part, upper-class people are oblivious to the people below them; there are some exceptions, but most ignore the class struggle beneath them because it is in our nature as humans to be selfish. As a result, some turn into greedy beasts desiring more wealth and possessions than they could ever hope to use.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvWVfYwpMD0

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Sofia Gonzales

There is no need for us to have a particular status in life in order to be accepted in our economy. We are all entitled to equal benefits and rights. Not everyone is born with the ability to be economically solvent, independently wealthy, educated, and have a steady income. But, we should all work together to achieve our goals and make significant changes in our lives.

Infographic: Sofia Gonzales

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Sofia Gonzales

“Sana'y pag-ibig na lang ang isipin

Ng bawat isa sa mundo

Sana'y pag-ibig na lang ang isipin

Sana'y magkatotoo

Sana'y laging magbigayan

Sana'y laging magmahalan”

These lines from the song say it all. They provided a compelling reason for us to consider why we should fully accept, be fully kind, and fully love everyone. There is absolutely no harm in doing good for yourself and for others. Doing so will make a difference and may influence others to do the same while changing our perplexing world somehow.

We are born into this world to help one another, to accept each and everyone, and to always do good for ourselves and for others as well. We all share the same world and we should all be responsible enough to support and protect one another.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_H4l6frmk

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Devon Degamo

Human rights are moral principles or norms for specific standards of human behavior that are routinely protected by municipal and international law.

Human rights are rights that we have simply under our existence as humans; they are not granted by any state. These universal rights belong to everyone; regardless of nationality, gender, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status.

Real-life Situations in the Philippines: Extrajudicial Killings.

Solutions: The best possible solution to this is to remove laws that allow officials to take a person’s right to live, speak, defend, and etc.

# data[].attributes.body
BY: Devon Degamo

This music video (shows human rights):

“Different voices, different choices.”

“You can’t talk peace and have a gun”

“So many faces, so many races”

These three particular lines from the song say a lot. The first and third one refers to us being different from each other and that we have different choices to situations in our life. The second one refers to the cruel reality of what has happened to Human Rights as a whole. People use peace as a medium to get what they want. Is it peace if peace is being forced?

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClNTn1wtq7E

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Music video by Francis Magalona performing Kaleidoscope World. (C) 2000 BMG Records Pilipinas Inc.