book chapter

Land tenure and development among the Rungus of Sabah, Malaysia

modernization and the emergence of a landless pesantry : essays on the integration of peripheries to socioeconomic centers (33) • Published In 1985 • Pages: 110-155

By: Appell, George N..

Abstract
In this paper, Appell discusses the impact of modernization on Rungus economy and land tenure. The first part of the article is a review of Rungus social organization and economy. The second part looks at the impact of modernization. Appell discusses ethnic relations and the devaluation of the Rungus by English government officers, Chinese shopkeepers, and Muslim traders, who employ the usual epithets: 'dirty,' 'dumb,' and 'lazy.' According to Appell, the Rungus have not succumbed to this negative stereotyping, but have sought to take control of their economy and future. They realize the value of education and send their children off to schools. Conversion to Christianity is seen as an opportunity to distinguish themselves from the Chinese and Muslims. Politically they are active in the Dusun-speaking people's Kadazan Cultural Association. The government's implementation of permanent individual ownership of the land has resulted in a change from uxorilocal to virilocal residence and also to the erosion of the corporate nature of the village.
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Economic planning and development
Cultural participation
Real property
Ethnic stratification
Political parties
Religious denominations
culture
Rungus Dusun
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Southeast Asia
Document Type
book chapter
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2000
Field Date
1959-1963, 1986
Coverage Date
1950-1986
Coverage Place
Kudat District, Sabah, Malaysia
Notes
G. N. Appell
Includes bibliographical references (p. 152-155)
LCCN
sf 93010190
LCSH
Dusun (Bornean people)