Malaysian youth: family oriented collectivists

...but there are examples of the trend "Tribalization"

By: Per H Nilsson

Tribalization exists in Malaysia among young people but is not as common as in the West. In general, individualism is not encouraged in society, family and friends set the standards for acceptable behavior. This is also emphasized in the schooling system where the students are seen as a collective and not as individuals.

But there are examples of Tribalization even in Malaysia, one being the notorious “Mat Rempit”, a Malaysian term for individuals that participate in illegal street racing with motorcycles and scooters. They usually travel in groups late in the evenings and ride their motorcycles in a dangerous, provocative manner. A search on YouTube will display several examples of this behavior.

However, youth in general do not try to distance themselves from their parents’ generation as many of their peers in the West; instead they tend to blend in with the rest. Family ties are very strong; parents have high expectations on their children and play an active part in their education and career choices. In Malaysia like in the rest of Asia respect for elders and authority figures like teachers is the norm, youth listen to them and are expected to follow their advice.

The National Youth Survey 2007 published by the opinion research firm Merdeka Center showed that the majority of Malaysian youth do not see themselves as being able to make a difference within their community. Youth are not inclined to join clubs or associations, only one out of every five in the poll reported being member of a group.

Malaysia today is a middle income country with strong economic growth. The objective is to be a fully developed country by year 2020. The growth is to a large extent consumer driven, Kuala Lumpurs’s many shopping centers lure people to spend their hard earned money. Post-materialism is not prevalent, to show success it is important to wear designer clothes and expensive accessories like brand name watches.

For further information please contact Per H Nilsson by e-mail!