SIL International Publications

Social Organization of the West Coast Bajau

Relation Text: 
SIL Electronic Working Papers 2011-009
Statement of Responsibility: 
Miller, Mark T.
Authors: 
Issue Date: 
2011
Abstract: 
In this paper I describe the social organization of the West Coast Bajau of Sabah, Malaysia. A brief survey of their geographical and historical setting reveals trends of increasing individualism and the weakening of reciprocal economic exchanges. I then present data on Bajau kinship, household structure, and marriage. These data reveal that the Bajau household is markedly individualistic in nature, determined more by choice of residence than by prescribed family roles. This individualism is further seen in Bajau engagement and marriage practices. Finally, I discuss factors which contribute to a Bajau sense of identity. I show that reliance upon reciprocal labor is still a part of Bajau society, as observed in village feasts which strengthen social cohesion among the Bajau. The village exchanges are practiced within the framework of Islam. Thus, while in some ways the Bajau are an individualistic people, their reciprocal feasts and the common thread of Islam contribute to their community life and sense of identity.
Extent: 
36 pages
Subject: 
Ethnography
Sabah
Reciprocity
Marriage
Kinship
Islam
Identity
Household
Feasts
Engagement
Country: 
Malaysia
Field: 
Subject Languages: 
Content Language: 
Nature of Work: 
Domain SubType: