Serafin E. Macaraig's Social Problems is a foundational work in Philippine sociology, published in 1929 by The Educational Supply Co. in Manila. The book originated as a syllabus for an elementary sociology course that the author taught for eight years at the University of the Philippines. Its publication marked a significant moment, as it represented one of the earliest systematic, locally-produced sociological texts by a Filipino scholar. The work provides a context-rich analysis of the societal challenges confronting the Philippines during the American colonial era. It moved beyond purely theoretical sociology to examine specific, contemporary national issues. Macaraig structured the book to discuss broad sociological concepts—such as social forces and processes—before applying them to local concerns, including poverty and pauperism, the rise of secret societies and gangs, and agrarian conflicts between tenants and landlords. A substantial portion of the text is dedicated to population movements and the problems faced by Filipino laborers migrating to Hawaii and the United States. The book's focus on national problems and institutional development reflects the growing self-awareness and aspiration for self-governance among the Filipino intelligentsia in the decades leading up to the Commonwealth period. It serves as a valuable document for understanding the state of social science education, the complexity of pre-war social issues, and the development of local academic discourse in the Philippines.
Social problems