Intergenerational social mobility in Malay family organizations : a case of FELDA Trolak Utara, Perak

Abstract

This study discusses the issues of intergenerational social mobility experienced by two generations of Malay families in FELDA Trolak Utara, Perak. The objectives of the study are to examine the patterns of social mobility, the socio-cultural factors that are responsible for the intergenerational social mobility patterns, and to identify the challenges experienced by two generations of the Malay family organizations during the social mobility process. The study involved fieldwork conducted from December 2014 to August 2015 for a period of nine months. The study employed the qualitative method using participant observation and in-depth interviews, using interview schedule with thirty families and several FELDA key personalities. The findings of the study show that the majority of the informants experienced upward intergenerational social mobility in terms of their level of education and occupations. Although horizontal intergenerational social mobility was also observed, nevertheless the cases were very limited in number. Social factors such as the major roles played by the Malaysian government, family institutions and individuals’ positive attitudes towards education in particular, had contributed to the immense incidence of upward intergenerational social mobility. In addition, other socio-cultural factors such as merantau tradition or hijrah (migration), religion and cultural traditions and values further strengthen such patterns to take place. Interestingly, the study further provides a new and distinct perspective in understanding the true sense of a more integrated and comprehensive approach of intergenerational social mobility as perceived by the informants. Such integrated approach is manifested through the informants’ emphasis on a balance of material and perceived non-material dimensions for the sake of achieving progress in this world and the akh?rah (Hereafter). While the material dimension marks the level of education and occupation as its yardsticks, the perceived non-material dimension dictates a more impeccable production of quality individuals that excel in the spiritual, akhl?q (morality) and social dimensions. Such qualities were observed to positively contribute to a harmonious state of informants’ familial relations particularly when the values of respecting and taking care of the elderly parents’ welfare were highly emphasized. In general, it is evident that the said infusion of material and perceived non-material dimension is able to produce a distinctive type of valuable human capital that excels in both material and perceived non-material development. In actual fact, this study provides some fresh and interesting insights to the sociological body of knowledge especially in intergenerational social mobility studies. Finally, this study further suggests a number of possible avenues for future research on intergenerational social mobility that could not be covered by this study. This includes large scale studies using a quantitative approach, comparative studies among different ethnic groups and areas of residence, and lastly, longitudinal studies on certain research participants for a certain period of time.