Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Punks, Monks and Politics - Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Explore the complex concept of authenticity through a social science lens in Punks, Monks and Politics: Authenticity in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, this work examines how identity is expressed and perceived in Southeast Asia. In a world where being described as inauthentic can be seen as an insult, this book looks at what it means for a behavior or performance to be truly reflective of one's identity. While social science often views certain traditions with skepticism, labeling them as invented, this text looks deeper into the sociological and existential dynamics that drive people to strive for genuineness. This book provides a unique perspective on the struggle for trueness in identity, moving beyond simple criticisms of historical faithfulness. It is an essential read for those interested in the intersection of culture, sociology, and the search for identity within the specific contexts of Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.