Chapter 2. Understanding the Region: History, Society, Politics and Culture

Good research design in the region starts with context. This chapter highlights features that most often affect research practice [33][43].

Historical layers. Precolonial trading states and kingdoms, Indic and Chinese cultural influence, the spread of Theravada Buddhism, Islam and Christianity, and long maritime trade shaped the region [34]. Most of the region experienced European or American colonial rule, with different legacies: the Dutch in Indonesia, the Spanish and then Americans in the Philippines, the French in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the British in Burma/Myanmar, Malaya, Singapore and Brunei, and the Portuguese and then Indonesia in Timor-Leste. Thailand was never formally colonized [33][43]. The anti-colonial movements, the Second World War, the Cold War and its conflicts (including the wars in Indochina), and the formation of postcolonial nation-states strongly influence national narratives and which subjects are politically sensitive [35].

The region as a concept. “Southeast Asia” as a unit is a relatively modern category, and scholars debate its usefulness [44]. Researchers should treat it as a starting point for comparison, not as a cultural unity.

Religion and belief. Islam is the majority religion in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei; Theravada Buddhism in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar; Catholic Christianity in the Philippines and Timor-Leste; Mahayana, folk and Confucian traditions alongside others in Vietnam; and Singapore is religiously plural. Animist and local belief systems remain important in many communities, often blended with world religions [37][42]. Religious calendars (Ramadan, Buddhist Lent, Lunar New Year, Songkran, Tet, Christian feasts) affect availability of participants and timing of fieldwork.

Languages. Researchers will meet national languages, regional languages (such as Javanese, Cebuano, Shan or Hmong), Chinese dialects, Tamil, English, and colonial languages. Language choice is political and practical: a survey in the national language may exclude minorities; interpreters can shape findings [57].

Social relations and values. Social life often emphasizes hierarchy, respect for elders and officials, family and community obligations, and indirect communication to maintain harmony and “face” [38][39]. Concepts that researchers may encounter include gotong royong (mutual help, Indonesia), kreng jai (consideration for others, Thailand), hiya and pakikisama (shame and smooth interpersonal relations, Philippines), adat (customary law, in Malay and Indonesian contexts) and many others [37][40]. These ideas are not rigid rules, and individuals vary, but they influence how people respond to interviews, requests for consent and questions that might cause embarrassment.

Political environments. The region includes liberal and illiberal democracies, monarchies, single-party states and military-led governments. This affects which topics can be researched, how data are handled, and the safety of researchers and participants. Some topics, such as monarchy, religion, ethnic relations, land rights, political opposition, historical atrocities, border areas and national security, require special care in many places [36][33].

Economies and development. Income levels range from among the highest in the world (Singapore, Brunei) to lower-income economies, so research infrastructure, funding, library access, internet connectivity and laboratory capacity differ widely [71].

Implications for research

Build time for relationship building and local approvals.

Learn about the local history of research itself: for example, past exploitative or “helicopter” research has made some communities wary.

Plan for language support and translation.

Consider how your identity (nationality, gender, age, religion, institutional affiliation) affects access and trust [58].

Reflection: What historical or political sensitivities might affect your research topic, and how will you find out about them?