Cultural Continuity and Sustainability: The Role of Youth in Preserving Meranaw Traditional Handicrafts

This study explores the socioeconomic and cultural significance of Meranaw traditional handicrafts in Lanao del Sur through the theoretical framework of cultural capital. Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of social reproduction, the research highlights how embodied cultural capital—manifested in weaving skills—facilitates the preservation of social identity and artisanal expertise through intergenerational transmission. These practices not only sustain cultural continuity but also confer prestige and legitimacy within Meranaw communities. A.H. Halsey et al.’s perspective on economic opportunity is applied to demonstrate how cultural capital is transformed into financial capital when traditional crafts enter wider markets through trade fairs, exhibitions, and cultural tourism. By functioning as viable sources of livelihood, handicrafts empower artisans and stimulate local economic growth. Furthermore, Yosso’s framework of cultural capital and identity underscores how Meranaw crafts serve as symbols of collective pride, reinforcing community belonging while projecting cultural heritage onto national and global platforms. The study also investigates the critical role of Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs), mentorship programs, and institutional support from organizations such as the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage and the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism. These initiatives highlight the importance of youth engagement in ensuring the continuity and adaptability of these living traditions. Ultimately, this research argues that Meranaw handicrafts are more than economic commodities; they are cultural legacies and social markers essential to sustaining livelihoods, preserving heritage, and strengthening the cultural identity of the Meranaw people.