Malay peasant society in Jelebu

Swift, M. G. (Michael Godfrey)

Book

Malay peasant society in Jelebu

Athlone Press; Humanities Press • (29) • Published In 1965 • Pages: x, 181

By: Swift, M. G. (Michael Godfrey).

Abstract
This book is concerned with change and continuity in the social organization of Malasian peasants. The focus is on the impact of economic changes, with particular reference to the expansion of rubber trees, on the materilieal kinship system of Malayans living in the Jelebu district of Negri Sembilan state. The central theme of the book shows the gradual declining of the matrilineal kinship system for a wide variety of reasons. The most important of these include the rise of political islam and expansion of global market forces. The first dislocated traditional (adat) rules which previously enhanced Malayan womens' roles in land ownership, inheritance and family life. The later generated tension that tended to replace rice, which had been villagers' prime choice for diet and its cultural values, with highly lucrative, but male dominated, rubber trees.

Community structure

Cereal agriculture

Special crops

Burial practices and funerals

Water supply

Social relationships and groups

Territorial hierarchy

Status, role, and prestige

Gender status

Kin relationships

Regulation of marriage

Buying and selling