Transition in self-identity: a sociological narrative of Tamil Muslims in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Mushtaq Ahmed, Younus Ahmed, Basir, Norasikin
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English
• Published: Taylor and Francis Inc. 2019
• Subjects: HM Sociology; HM1 Sociology (General and theoretical); HM621 Culture; HM711 Groups and organizations
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/79817/13/79817_Transition%20in%20self-identity%20a%20sociological.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/79817/7/79817_Transition%20in%20Self-Identity%20A%20Sociological%20Narrative%20of%20Tamil%20Muslims%20in%20Malaysia_SCOPUS.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/79817/; https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15283488.2019.1678040?scroll=top&needAccess=true&journalCode=hidn20
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

The history of Tamil Muslims is intertwined with the Malay Archipelago since antiquity because of their geographical proximity. A community that has valued its heritage is now forced to reinvigorate itself and bridge through the current socio-economic and political scenario of Malaysia. The subsequent change in self-identity is viewed through the socio-historic approach of Anthony Giddens and the Assimilation Theory of Milton Gordon. The ethnicity with which the Tamil Muslims associate themselves has changed from Tamil to Malay, a shift highlighted among the younger citizens, carving a niche for themselves in society. The importance of a biographical narrative and the reflexivity of a modern society in the conceptualization of self-identity is noted in the case of Tamil Muslims in Malaysia.