Dr. Michael Cullinane connects with the Cebuano Studies Center of USC

The assistant director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Dr. Michael Cullinane, is presently in Cebu to do a research project entitled "The Urban Origins of the Cebu Political Elite, 1757-1940". He is connected with the Cebuano Studies Center of USC.

The research will focus on the emergence of an urban elite in Cebu City's Parian, especially from the 18th century to 1860, and more broadly throughout the city since the 1860s. Emphasis will be placed on the movement of urban-based elites into various municipalities of Cebu Province during the 19th century and on the impact these movements had on transforming local social and economic elites.

The project will also delve on the subsequent impact of the political institutions implemented in the 20th century by the Americans, in particular the introduction of municipal and provincial elections, resulting in a province-wide politics that was soon dominated by urban-based families with strong links to the municipalities.

Dr. Michael Cullinane is on a Fulbright Senior Research Fellowship.