Momma: Understanding Young Farmers’ Perspective of Betel Nut Chewing in Bashoy, Kabayan, Benguet, Philippines

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Dianne A. Bay-an

Abstract

This paper explores how young farmers in Bashoy, Kabayan, Benguet perceive betel nut chewing through the reasons, beliefs, and social meanings they attach to the practice. The researcher employed the qualitative research design through the conduct of in-depth interviews and participant observation. The respondents of this study provided a new perspective on betel nut chewing as it is already an integrated part of their farming life. They claim betel nut chewing as a productive vice because it provides them with benefits such as warmth, strength, focus, relaxation, and hunger and thirst regulation. Betel nut chewing has also become an integral part of creating and cementing friendship among farmers as it is also a part of their celebratory practice after every harvest and other occasions. It has slowly built its place as an agent of communication among chewers which are also farmers.

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References

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