Dogeaters explores the exploitative, authoritarian institutions colonial powers like Spain and the United States create in their colonized lands. In the Philippines, these powers cultivate elites to help maintain their power while subjugating the majority.

The novel depicts how the economic patterns set by Spanish colonialism, and later perpetuated by American influences, have entrenched a system of oppression in the Philippines. This system, marked by the export of raw materials to finance the import of US goods, perpetuates the dominance of traditional elite families. Hagedorn illustrates this through the Alacran family’s coconut plantation, showing how power is concentrated in the hands of a privileged few.

The novel also delves into the theme of nepotism and the consolidation of power within elite circles. Severo Alacran’s hiring of Rio’s father and uncle epitomizes this dynamic: “Though he was well aware of Uncle Agustin’s abrasive personality, a job was created for him, and he became Associate Vice President in Charge of Shuffling Papers” (79). This highlights the entrenched cycle of inequality and authoritarian control and demonstrates how influence and wealth circulate within the same familial and social networks, reinforcing the existing power structures.

The corrupt practices among the elite that uphold the authoritarian regime are depicted in scenes that might seem trivial on the surface.