“A Consumer or Societal Indisposition?” Pagtawad as a Determinant of Macroeconomic and Sociopolitical Issues

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Arwen Alexis Gestoso
Pharell Allystaire Tacsuan
Leo Vicentino

Abstract

Although relevant literature captured why pagtawad (haggling) is a culture, previous studies overrule the sociopolitical and economic factor that explains the broader reason why pagtawad becomes a buyer's escape to the state crisis that this phenomenon uncovers beneath decentralization. To prove this argument, through a phenomenological study of the Biñan local market, known for its historical significance, low poverty incidence, and understudied city, informants were asked about why they think pagtawad is a market’s regular transaction. In conclusion, several themes emerged through thematic analysis, including response to the high inflation rate, fixed pricing, consumer rights, cultural conformity, unemployment, underemployment, poverty, and budget maximization. Pagtawad in itself is a dyadic transaction–between buyers and sellers; however, this microscale interaction points to a more nuanced link of decisions upheld by the LGU and the nation-state. Ultimately, marketplaces are microcosms that reflect the nation-state’s anti-poor policies, ill-judged allocation processes, awry economic choices, and unethical structural maintenance.

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Articles (refereed)