Transformation of traditional ceremony as rational choice: A case study of Toraja society in Indonesia

1st International Conference on Global Issue for Infrastructure, Environment & Socio-Economic Development

经济学;社会科学（总论）

Hasbi^1 ; Pulubuhu, D.A.T.^1 ; Arsyad, M.^2 ; Liu, O.P.^3

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Hasanuddin, Bangi, Selangor

43600, Malaysia^1

Department of Agricultural Socio-economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Hasanuddin, Bangi, Selangor

43600, Malaysia^2

Institute of Ethnic Studies, National University of Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor

43600, Malaysia^3

关键词: Decision making process;    Field observations;    In-depth interviews;    Indonesia;    Qualitative approach;    Social status;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/235/1/012036/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1755-1315/235/1/012036

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

Every ethnicity around the world has a different tradition of funeral ceremony. One of these in Indonesia is called rambu solo' performed by Torajan people in Toraja (or Tana Toraja). Rambu solo' is a traditional funeral ceremony, which aims to respect the spirits in returning to the immortality life with their ancestors. This study thus aims to understand the motives and the decision making process with regards to the chosen form of the rambu solo' ceremony from the rational choice perspective. The study adopts the qualitative approach. Data was collected through indepth interviews and field observations, as well as documentation related with the traditions and culture of Toraja community. The research findings indicate that the motives for social status value did not reflect rational choice. Nevertheless, these factors social status value is the most cited reason why informants chose a certain form of rambu solo' ceremony. On the other hand, it was found that economic motive reflects rational choice. It was, however, the least cited factor by informants on why they chose a certain form of rambu solo' ceremony.