“TITAS OF MANILA”: AN INVESTIGATION ON HOW ELITE WOMEN IN MANILA USE THEIR GENDER AND CLASS TO FORM BOUNDARIES

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to provide a realistic window into the lives of elite women in Manila, Philippines. When “studying up,” research is usually done on elites in developed countries. Through studying elite women who live in a developing country, where there is a large wealth disparity, this paper aims to add to the sociological conversation on elites and boundary making. My study population is the “Titas of Manila”—upper and upper-middle class women of the Philippines who live in Manila. In this study, I analyzed in-depth interviews to gain insight into the titas’ perspectives, beliefs, values, and understandings of life. I found that “Titas of Manila” use their gender and class to create physical, organizational, as well as moral boundaries that distinguish them from the rest of Filipino society. These findings provide a nuanced perspective on the everyday lives of the “Titas of Manila.”