Date of Publication
2025
Document Type
Bachelor's Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences major in Organizational and Social Systems Development
Subject Categories
Social and Behavioral Sciences
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department/Unit
Behavioral Sciences
Thesis Advisor
Czarina Labayo-Prieto
Defense Panel Chair
Marlon D.L. Era
Defense Panel Member
Zaldy C. Collado
Abstract (English)
This study investigates Kamote Driving—the colloquial term for patterned, noncompliant maneuvers, such as counterflowing and abrupt lane switching—not as isolated irresponsibility, but as a culturally rationalized (mal)adaptive behavior in response to chronic systemic failure in Metro Manila's traffic ecosystem. Utilizing a Concurrent Mixed Methods Design (N=72 drivers) and anchored in the Behavioral Systems Conceptual Framework (integrating Merton's Strain Theory and Filipino Cultural Psychology), the research systematically examined the interplay between social identity, cultural values, and environmental constraints across the congested districts of Ermita, Malate, and Quiapo. The quantitative analysis confirmed that this phenomenon is powerfully driven by cultural values, with Diskarte (Beta = 0.7818) and Bahala Na (Beta = 0.1481) serving as the dominant psychological mechanisms that predict noncompliance (R² = 0.672). This propensity for rule-breaking is statistically stratified by economic vulnerability (Hypothesis 1), as Lower SES drivers and Public Transport/Motorcycle Drivers are significantly more prone to these behaviors, supporting Strain Theory. Furthermore, Traffic Density (Mean=4.30) and low Infrastructure Quality are confirmed as foundational environmental triggers. The synthesis of quantitative and qualitative findings establishes that Kamote driving is a systemically reinforced cultural product enabled by the erosion of Rational-Legal Authority, where drivers leverage Diskarte to ensure mobility when the formal traffic system fails. The study concludes that effective intervention must focus on neutralizing the rewards for adaptive noncompliance and restoring institutional legitimacy rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
Abstract Format
html
Abstract (Filipino)
Sinusuri ng pag-aaral na ito ang Kamote Driving—isang kolokyal na termino para sa mga magaslaw na magmamaneho sa kalsada, tulad ng pag-counterflow, hindi pagsunod sa batas trapko, at biglaang paglipat ng lane. Sinisiyasat ang penomenang ito, hindi bilang iresponsableng pagkilos sa kalsada, kundi bilang isang kultural na rasyonalisadong (mal)adaptive na pag-uugali bilang tugon sa hindi mabisang sistemang trapiko sa Metro Manila. Gamit ang Concurrent Mixed Methods Design (N=72 drivers) habang nakaangkla sa Behavioral Systems Conceptual Framework (pagsasama ng Merton's Strain Theory at Filipino Cultural Psychology), sistematikong sinuri ng pananaliksik ang ugnayan sa pagitan ng pagkakakilanlang panlipunan (social identity), mga kultural na halaga (cultural values), at mga limitasyon sa kapaligiran (environmental constraints) sa mga masisikip na distrito ng Ermita, Malate, at Quiapo. Kinumpirma ng Quantitative Analysis na ang penomenang ito ay matinding hinihimok ng mga kultural na halaga, kung saan ang Diskarte (Beta = 0.7818) at Bahala Na (Beta = 0.1481) ang nangingibabaw na sikolohikal na mekanismo na humuhula sa hindi pagsunod sa batas trapiko (noncompliance) (R² = 0.672). Ang ganitong posibilidad ng paglabag sa mga patakaran ay istatistikal na hinuhubog ayon sa kahinaan ng ekonomiya (Hipotesiya 1), dahil ang mga drayber na may mas mababang SES at mga drayber ng Pampublikong Transportasyon/Motorsiklo ay mas nagpapakita ng mga pag-uugaling ito, na sumusuporta sa Strain Theory. Bukod pa rito, ang Densidad ng Trapiko (Traffic Density) (Mean=4.30) at mababang Kalidad ng Imprastraktura (Low Infrastructure Quality) ay nakumpirma bilang mga pundasyong nagaambag sa kapaligiran. Ang sintesis ng mga natuklasan ng kwantitatibo at kwalitatibo ay nagtatatag na ang pagiging Kamote Driver ay sistematikong pinatupad ng kultura na isinulong ng mahinang Rational-Legal Authority, kung saan ginagamit ng mga drayber ang Diskarte upang magkaroon ng mobilidad sa kalsada kapag binigo sila ng umiiral na sistemang trapiko. Napagpasyahan ng pag-aaral na ang epektibong interbensyon ay dapat tumuon sa pag-neutralize ng mga gantimpala para sa adaptive noncompliance at pagpapanumbalik ng lehitimong institusyon sa halip na umasa lamang sa mga parusa ng batas.
Abstract Format
html
Language
English
Format
Electronic
Keywords
Automobile drivers—Psychology; Traffic safety--Philippines--Manila
Recommended Citation
Basilio, N. H., Hernandez, D. T., & Herrera, K. P. (2025). Driving while Filipino: Kamote culture, (mal)adaptive driving behavior, and a behavioral study of Manila’s traffic system. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_behsc/42
Upload Full Text
wf_yes
Embargo Period
12-19-2026
