The Poor: Smarter Than You Think

I stumbled upon an article from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism site. It essentially makes a case for a more intelligent "poor vote" that we give the poor credit for. Here are some excerpts:

Based on the results of 16 focus-group discussions in rural and urban poor communities throughout the country, the IPC study shatters stereotypes about the poor voter. It's key findings include:

- The poor ranked education, experience, platform, and track record as among the most important criteria for choosing candidates.
- They do not necessarily have high regard for the wealthy and powerful. What they do have are idealistic notions of leadership, valuing qualities such as piety (makadiyos), helpfulness, sincerity, and responsibility.
- Celebrities are not necessarily preferred by poor voters. Many said they value educational qualifications, but they were also suspicious about those with superior education. They said experience and good intentions more than compensate for a lack of college education.
- The most import sources of influence in the choice of candidates among the poor are, in declining order: the media, the family, the church, and political parties. Surveys come in last on the list.
They're not that different from how the rest of us are... are they?

The most frequently mentioned qualities of a good leader were:
Makadiyos (God-fearing)
Matulungin (Helpful)
Matapat (Loyal)
Responsable (Responsible)
Matalino (Intelligent)
Masipag (Hardworking)
Maprinsipyo (Principled)
Tumutupad sa pangako (Keeps promises)
Mapagkakatiwalaan (Trustworthy)
Source: Institute of Philippine Culture

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