essay

The elastic rule: conformity and deviance in Kelantan village life

cultural identity in northern peninsular malaysia (63) • Published In 1986 • Pages: 55-74

By: Raybeck, Douglas.

Abstract
This document examines the process by which Malayan villagers in Kelantan state label acts and actors deviant. Based on closer analysis of villagers attitudes to selected acts such as cross border contraband trading, prostitution, and gambling, the author notes marked disparity between definitions of deviance employed by the state and those which exist at the village level. The document also shows that villagers display considerable reluctance to label fellow villagers as deviant even where there is no ambiguity concerning the deviance of a particular act. These findings suggest the need for taking account of both villagers self-concepts of deviance and processes through they employ such labels.
Subjects
Social personality
Personality disorders
Family relationships
Community structure
Social control
Informal in-group justice
Behavior toward non-relatives
Legal norms
Crime
Offenses against the state
Property offenses
Social offenses
Homosexuality
Sex and marital offenses
Trial procedure
Crime
culture
Malays
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Southeast Asia
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem; 2009
Field Date
1968-1969
Coverage Date
1968-1986
Coverage Place
Wakaf Bharu, Kelantan State, Malaysia
Notes
Douglas Raybeck
Includes bibliographical references (p. 73-74)
LCCN
83011421
LCSH
Kelantan--Civilization