The social costs of globalization are often too high for certain sectors, such that the argument that it is temporary in nature may not hold true due to their possible catastrophic consequences.  Despite the perceived negative effects of globalization, policy-makers worldwide remain optimistic on the economic prospect of the phenomenon.  Globalization must lead to social and economic development, and an improved quality of life for all.

Thus, this study ascertains how the social actors in Philippine society have positioned themselves amid the changing economic environment.  It looks into the process by which the social actors, through collective and individual action, have developed and strengthened coping mechanisms against the attendant social costs of globalization and, in the process, met the prerequisites of social adjustments.