Community/Autonomy in Daily Life: Practices and Perceptions

Abstract

This chapter is a series of ethnographic examples illustrating how Gibalis strive for autonomy within a variety of activities. First, there is a discussion, a series of specific acts (talking on the phone, driving, going fishing, and choosing a spouse) to demonstrate how the activity is negotiated so that Gibalis can have personal satisfaction without violating cultural norms. Then there is an explanation of the cultural importance of keeping one’s autonomy, self-control, and self-respect while simultaneously giving others latitude to follow their own wishes within a tribal- and community-oriented society. Examples such as attitudes toward authority and how oaths are used to regulate behavior, are used to explicate how Gibalis maneuver between creating a harmonious public persona and achieving their own goals.