Common Efforts in the Development of Rural Sarawak, Malaysia

Book excerpt: The subject of research was whether it is possible to establish modern cooperative societies in traditionally integrated communities. Views of laymen, politicians and sociologists are presented. The characteristics of tribal societies and loosely structured societies are discussed. An analysis is made of the location of research in Sarawak, in particular the Government's development policy and aspects of the Land Dayak structure and culture. Case studies and surveys showed that Land Dayak villages disintegrate when they are incorporated into the market economy and political structure of Sarawak. The frequency of traditional cooperative activities diminishes and new activities do not become institutionalized, because no material sanctions are connected with social control. Sometimes an outwardly oriented traditional leader or close guidance by development workers retards the process of disintegration.