The Cost of Culture: Examining the Socioeconomic Disparities caused by Cockfighting among Ilonggo Bettors

Abstract

Cockfighting remains a deeply rooted cultural practice in the Philippines; however, when persistently pursued as a form of gambling, it generates significant but often hidden socioeconomic costs. This study explores these socioeconomic disparities caused by persistent cockfighting involvement. Anchored in Becker and Murphy’s (1988) Rational Addiction Theory, it examines how habitual gambling, despite an awareness of long-term harm, follows a rational yet destructive pattern motivated by short-term rewards such as excitement, social connection, and perceived financial gain. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study identified three (3) major themes: intensified financial vulnerability, declining employment commitment, and erosion of family relation-ships. These themes encompass twelve (12) subthemes: (1) cockfighting expenses consume daily earnings; (2) bettors borrow to cover losses; (3) savings and income plans are disrupted; (4) loss of financial control; (5) absenteeism from work; (6) declining job performance; (7) weakened work commitment; (8) mismanagement of work schedules; (9) household financial strain; (10) emotional family conflicts; (11) neglect of family roles; and (12) erosion of emotional family support. Findings show that the normalization of cockfighting within com-munities reinforces these destructive behaviors. The study highlights the urgent need for multi-sectoral inter-ventions and further research to address the broader consequences of this culturally embedded yet socially harmful form of gambling.