Inequality Then and Now: A Look at Rizal’s Time and the Philippines Today

Inequality has always been a defining issue in Philippine society. From the Spanish colonial period—when José Rizal wrote his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo —to the modern era, social and economic gaps continue to shape the everyday lives of Filipinos. Although centuries apart, many of the injustices Rizal witnessed still echo in today’s Philippines. Inequality During Rizal’s Time During the late 19th century, Philippine society was marked by extreme inequality maintained by colonial power. A few elites enjoyed privilege, while the majority of Filipinos lived with limited rights and opportunities. 1. Social Class Hierarchy Under Spanish rule, people were grouped into rigid classes: Peninsulares (Spaniards born in Spain) held top positions. Insulares (Spaniards born in the Philippines) ranked below them. Mestizos and the illustrados were allowed some education and wealth. Indios , the native Filipinos, formed the lowest and most exploited class. Th...