Home⇛Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives⇛vol. 4 no. 6 (2026)

Exploring Speculative Feminism in Pre-Colonial Philippine Literature

Stefi Marie S. Tacogue | Adrian Protacio

Discipline: English studies (non-specific)

 

Abstract:

The study of Filipino women as a construct and subject of selfrepresentation in Philippine literature remains limited, despite a shift in 21stcentury feminist readings. While existing studies engage with feminist perspectives, there is a lack of research that applies speculative feminism to Philippine folktales. Hence, this study aims to explore how gender dynamics and feminist themes are depicted and reimagined in selected Philippine folktales through the lens of speculative feminism. This study analyzes three texts: The Cycle of the Sun and the Moon (Manobo), The Good Prince Bantugan (Maranao), and The Prowess of Aliguyon (Ifugao). Using qualitative content analysis informed by feminist speculative design, and guided by Butler’s theory of gender performativity and Propp’s Morphology of the Folktale, the narratives were examined for patterns of gender roles, relationships, and power. The findings reveal that the folktales incorporate and challenge feminist themes through intersectional analysis, drawing on patriarchal concepts and male-centered narratives. Characters consistently perform conventional gender roles and engage in gender-stereotypical relationships, reflecting repeated patterns shaped by social norms. These are seen in male characters taking on roles of strength, heroism, and decisionmaking, while female characters assume nurturing and supportive roles. At the same time, key themes emerge, including the reinforcement of masculine dominance, the expectation of feminine compliance, and the performative nature of identity through repeated behaviors. These patterns highlight how gender roles are both enacted and sustained across the narratives. Through a speculative feminist lens, the study suggests that these narratives can be reimagined in alternative futures in which characters reject fixed gender roles, redefine love and power, and break free from recurring cycles of oppression. Overall, the study shows that speculative feminism can broaden learners’ perspectives, particularly through instructional materials such as the researcher’s curated learning module.



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