PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON BIRACIALISM AMONG FILIPINO ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Biracials are individuals from parents of two different races. They have difficulty in adjustment. As there are limited studies on Filipino adolescents  who are biracials, the present research determined the challenges experienced by biracials studying in the Philippines. The participants of the study were chosen according to the following  criteria: 1) either mother’s or father’s nationality is Filipino and the other parent has another nationality; 2) currently staying in the Philippines for not over five years; 3) born and raised in a foreign country other than the Philippines.   A qualitative approach using phenomenological design was used in the study. There were six biracials who participated in the study. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. The results of the study revealed that the dominant challenges experienced by biracials include language barrier, difficulty in adjusting with other students, and difficulty in balancing two cultures.  Positive experiences were also encountered by biracials. They also felt privileged being biracials as they were accepted by the community. However, the respondents of the study experienced being bullied and discriminated by other students.