Iban social control : the infant and the adult

Abstract

PREFACE

This dissertation examines the process of Iban social control. To accomplish this, I have largely had to concentrate on the black side of Iban life, for to understand social control, one must thoroughly examine what kind of behaviour is being controlled. It must therefore be appreciated by the reader that this dissertation only gives an incom­plete picture of Iban life. In fact, during my 15 month stay with the Iban I rarely observed the kind of behaviour which forms such an important part of this dissertation. What I did experience was the quality of life and the ready sociability that exists in every Iban longhouse. The kind­ness and consideration of many Iban is, to a Westerner's eyes, exceptional and their generosity is second to none. As in any society, however, there are some people whose behaviour falls far short of the expectations of the group, and it is to these marginal people that the attention of this dissertation is principally directed. I cannot state too strongly that most of the examples in this dissertation are of the rare individual who, in any society, makes life unpleasant for others. Show more