Anti-Intellectualism among Secular and Non-secular Tertiary Students: A Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract

This research is primarily concerned with describing the experiences of University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) students on anti-intellectualism. This research utilized a grounded theory approach to generate an description on anti-intellectualism and to elaborate and explore on the themes and concepts regarding anti-intellectualism. Twenty-three individuals were interviewed with the use of a semi-structured interview to determine the four research objectives: (1) know the concepts of antiintellectualism; (2) describe the experiences of students with regards to antiintellectualism; (3) identify the factors that lead to anti-intellectualism; (4) identify the effects of anti-intellectualism on students who have experienced anti-intellectualism. The experiences of the participants with regards to anti-intellectualism can be expressed or seen in different aspects. The experiences of the participants can be divided into three: the personal, the interpersonal, and the virtual. The personal experiences of anti-intellectualism constitute the manner that the participants would choose to express anti-intellectualism and the accompanying emotions to their expression of antiintellectualism. The interpersonal experiences consist of the encounters that the participants have with their peers, families, teachers, etc. In addition to this, the interpersonal experiences detail the ways in which the participants would choose to engage or interact with the anti-intellectuals and the emotions they would feel when encountering anti-intellectuals. The virtual experiences are similar to the interpersonal experiences in the mode of engagement and the emotions felt. The difference lies in the medium wherein the participants would interact with the anti-intellectuals. The findings include the participants’ defining anti-intellectualism as a behavior and/or attitude that is hostile towards intellectuals.Furthermore, anti-intellectualism is not limited to one group. Rather, this study found that the concept of anti-intellectualism in the Philippines is one that is expressed in all facets of society and can be expressed by any individual. Anti-intellectualism is said to be influenced by an individual’s personal insecurities. In addition to that, anti-intellectualism is found to be influenced by the family, friends, church, school, media, and politics. Furthermore, anti-intellectualism has also become a cultural problem wherein the Filipino values like kapwa have become a perpetuator of anti-intellectualism. This is because these Filipino values enable smooth interpersonal relationships which are important for most Filipinos. The effects of anti-intellectualism brings about numerous negative and positive changes. The positive effects consist of the development of the value of critical thinking and the expansion of one’s acceptance or patience. Negative effects include the instilling of fear and doubt within the participants or the conformity to the anti-intellectual attitudes and behaviors of others.