Tausug Social Organization

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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental concept that defines the Tausug kinship system?

Bilateral kinship

Vertical and horizontal structure

Usha and Waris

Ego-centered kindred relationship (correct)

What is the function of community leaders or family heads in the Tausug society?

To resolve land disputes

To provide financial assistance

To manage deviations from marriage rules (correct)

To encourage mutual help among relatives

What is the significance of the usha and waris in the Tausug kinship system?

It defines the roles of husband and wife

It influences decisions on community leadership

It establishes the relationship between parents and children (correct)

It determines the distribution of land

What is the basis for recruitment in government and private sectors in the Tausug society?

Kinship status Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the Tausug kinship system in terms of generations?

It is based on descent Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of kinship status on land claims in the Tausug society?

It influences decisions on land claims Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the relationship between ego and their parents in the Tausug kinship system?

Magtalianak Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the first descending generation of ego in the Tausug kinship system?

Kaanakan Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the grandparental generation in the Tausug kinship system?

Apu Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the relationship between ego and their grandparents in the Tausug kinship system?

Magtaliapu Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the collateral kin of ego, such as cousins, in the Tausug kinship system?

Pangtungud Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the fifth generation of ego's descendants in the Tausug kinship system?

Apu ha siki Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the 'salas' in a Tausug house?

It is the primary room for receiving guests and relaxation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'pantan' in a Tausug house?

It is a storage area for agricultural products and kitchen utensils. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'kusina' in a Tausug house?

A separate structure for food preparation and cooking. Signup and view all the answers

What is the influence of Islam on the Tausug's cultural practices?

Islam has influenced most of their rituals, but they still maintain their traditional practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'pagtatandak' in Tausug culture?

A tradition of jumping on the house floor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the decorations in the 'salas'?

They display the Tausug's cultural heritage and Islamic faith. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Roles in Tausug society are defined by kinship status (e.g., husband, wife, father, mother), and come with expectations and rules of conduct. This kinship structure serves as the foundation of social organization, influencing an individual's identity, social standing, and behavior.
Marriage rules define whom one can and cannot marry, and encourage mutual help among relatives. These rules often involve arranged marriages, where the union of two individuals is seen as a way to strengthen family ties and secure alliances between clans.
Deviations from these rules are managed by community leaders or family heads, who play a crucial role in resolving conflicts and upholding social norms. They ensure that individuals conform to the expected behaviors and maintain social harmony within the community.
In addition, the Tausug society places great importance on respect for elders andauthority figures, as well as adherence to traditional customs and practices. This emphasis on social hierarchy and tradition helps maintain order and continuity within the community.

Usha and Waris: The Tausug Kinship System

The Tausug kinship system is centered around the concept of usba and waris, a bilateral kinship system where an individual has equal relationships with both paternal and maternal relatives. This means that an individual's social and cultural identity is shaped by the equal importance given to both paternal and maternal lines, unlike patrilineal or matrilineal societies where one lineage is dominant.
Usha consists of the father's siblings, parents, and their siblings. This includes paternal aunts, uncles, and cousins, who play important roles in an individual's upbringing and socialization.
Waris consists of the mother, her siblings, parents, and their siblings. This maternal side of the family provides a complementary influence on the individual's life, with maternal aunts, uncles, and cousins contributing to their social and cultural development.
The balance and equality between usba and waris are essential in understanding the Tausug kinship system, where family relationships are characterized by mutual respect, reciprocity, and cooperation.

Structure of Usha and Waris

The Tausug kinship system is organized vertically and horizontally:
- Vertical structure: includes all kin in ascending and descending generations with ego as the point of departure. This means that it encompasses the entire lineage of an individual, including their ancestors, parents, siblings, children, and grandchildren. It provides a clear familial hierarchy, with each generation building upon the last.
- Horizontal structure: represents collateral kin of ego, such as cousins, from both usba (paternal) and waris (maternal) sides. This includes aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, as well as more distant relatives like great-aunts and great-uncles. It highlights the relationships between individuals of the same generation.

Vertical Structure

Ascending generations:
- First generation: parents (ina and ama, mother and father) - The most immediate family members, responsible for upbringing and guidance.
- Second generation: grandparents (apu) - Playing a vital role in passing down cultural traditions, values, and wisdom to the younger generation.
Descending generations:
- In many cultures, including some indigenous societies, the concept of generation is deeply rooted in family and community relationships. The categorization of generations is often based on kinship ties and age.
- First generation: children (kaanakan) - the direct offspring of a person, often referred to as one's own kids.
- Second generation: grandchildren (kaupuan) - the children of one's own children, typically considered an extension of the family.
- Third generation: grandchildren on the lap (apu ha gibahan) - in some cultures, this refers to great-grandchildren who are still young enough to be held on one's lap.
- Fourth generation: grandchildren on the knee (apu ha tuhud) - often symbolizing a great-great-grandchild who is old enough to sit on their ancestor's knee.
- Fifth generation: grandchildren at the foot (apu ha siki) - in some societies, this refers to great-great-great-grandchildren who are now old enough to stand on their own and be at the foot of their ancestor.

Features of a Tausug House

The salas (living room) is the main room in a Tausug house, used for receiving guests and relaxation. It is often decorated with traditional Tausug furnishings and ornaments, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The pantan (porch) is located at the back of the house, connected to the kitchen, and is used for various activities and storage. It's a versatile space where family members can engage in casual conversations, enjoy the outdoors, or even conduct small gatherings.
The kusina (kitchen) is a separate structure from the house, equipped with special tools and equipment for cooking and food preparation. This setup allows for efficient food preparation and cooking, while also keeping the main house clean and free from cooking odors and smoke.

Important Cultural Practices

The Tausugs observe specific and mandatory practices that are rooted in their culture, but have been influenced by Islam. These practices are an integral part of their daily lives, reflecting their unique cultural identity.
One of these practices is Pagtatandak, or jumping on the house floor. This ritual is performed during special occasions such as weddings and celebrations, where guests and family members gather to partake in lively music and dance, accompanied by the rhythmic thumping of feet on the floor.

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Description

Understand the roles and relationships defined by kinship status, marriage rules, and social expectations among the Tausug people. Learn how these social norms influence society, government, and community leadership. Explore the importance of mutual help and deviation management in their social system.