Belongingness and Exclusion: Vecindad and Naturaleza in the Augustinians of the Philippines, 1565-1680

Date of Award

12-1-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts major in History (Option I: Thesis)

First Advisor

Mark Alexander C. Dizon, PhD

Abstract

Vecindad (citizenship) and naturaleza (nativeness) as categories of rights and privileges were practiced and adapted differently in Spain and in the Indies; in the case of the Philippine Augustinians, vecindad and naturaleza were applied either as a tool of inclusion or exclusion. This thesis argues that that the application and practice of these two concepts were constantly evolving during various important events in the history of the Philippine Augustinians; dependent on the needs of the province at that particular point in their history. The pioneering years of the nascent Augustinian Province of the Philippines was best described as united, harmonious, and accepting to all of its members. This remained as long as the paramount need for evangelization and consolidation dominated the minds of the early missionaries. However, as the province grew in numbers, prosperity, and complexity, the original ideas behind Castilian nativeness and citizenship were discarded and instead, redefined to differentiate those who merited privileges and those who were excluded to its access.

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