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Minangkabau & Nuer
economic determinism
noun a doctrine that states that all cultural, social, political, and
intellectual activities are a product of the economic organization
of society
I happen to believe that economics is the determining factor in much of recent human history. ... Even foraging cultures must depend on an economy of sorts; the basic vegetation of the land and water are a resource which even the most primitive culture must have to survive. ... The Minangkabau and Nuer are each examples of how economics play a vital role in shaping their culture.
Economics
The Minangkabau have developed their economy largely based on their physical environment and the riches sought by European trading partners beginning centuries ago. ... “Cattle are the focus of Nuer life” (Culture Sketches pg. ... Not only do the Nuer depend on them for their existence, they are the center of their culture. ...
“Their social Idiom is a Bovine Idiom” (Culture Sketches pg. ... The unwritten “thek” reminds me of the Minangkabau “adat”, which consists of the customs and rituals of the Minangkabau culture. ... Although I did not find any particular information on the subject, I am certain that technology, including computers and access to the internet has radically changed their economics and, more slowly, their social relationships. ...
Of the two cultures, clearly the Minangkabau most closely resemble western culture, and probably is shifting more in that direction as time goes by. Our culture, in my view, is an economic culture. ... When we export our culture of money and things, it usually works pretty well (at least for corporate America). In today’s world, where everything is globally linked, the Minangkabau are positioned well to preserve parts of their culture while expanding their opportunities.
Approximate Word count = 1793
Approximate Pages = 7.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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