Patron-client Relationships Research Articles

Political Clientelism in Rural Areas: Understanding the Impact on Regional Head Elections in Indonesia

Political clientelism is a strategy often used by candidates or political parties to gain electoral support by offering goods, money, or services in exchange for votes. In the rural context, this patron-client relationship develops more strongly due to the high economic and social dependency between communities and political actors. This research focuses on the phenomenon of political clientelism in rural areas and its impact on regional head elections in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive approach. Research findings show that political clientelism in rural Indonesia, especially in agrarian areas, strengthens patron-client relationships in which political elites exploit the economic dependence of communities to gain support through material promises. This causes voters to vote based on short-term favors rather than the quality of the candidate, thereby exacerbating transactional politics and undermining the integrity of the election. Factors such as low political education, limited access to information, and economic instability reinforce citizens’ dependence on local patrons, including village heads, who have access to favors. As a result, the democratic process in rural areas is distorted, focusing more on the distribution of resources than on the vision of candidates, making systemic change difficult to achieve .

The Challenger's Social Skills: Bengkalis Panglong Business

This article focuses on the social skills possessed by the challengers, in this case, charcoal panglong (a place for wood processing and charcoal production) owners, entrepreneurs, and their workers who are able to survive the regulations on the utilization of mangrove forests. The battle in this field began in the days of the Dutch government. The purpose of this study is 1) to reveal how the contestation of stability and change in the charcoal panglong business in Bengkalis. 2) to analyze the social skills possessed by the owner of the charcoal panglong and his workers, hereinafter referred to as challengers, in maintaining the existence of his business until now. The ability to maintain the charcoal panglong business and its business existence. A series of research studies using a qualitative approach, using interviews and observations, were conducted by the author to reveal a series of strategic action fields in the forestry business. The findings obtained show that challengers have always competed with incumbents (mangrove forest policies and regulations) and governance units for a long time. This field contestation has occurred since 1853, starting from the time the Dutch government established a panglong in Bengkalis to meet the demand for wood and charcoal from Singapore and Malaysia. The challenger always maintains its business existence by fulfilling all obligations as a holder of a community forest license granted by the president and also as a charcoal export license holder to Malaysia; of course, to meet these export needs, another skill it has is maintaining a stable supply of charcoal for export. The patron client relationship is one of the challenger's skills in maintaining good relations with the local community and its workers. The market field analysis using Fligstein and McAdam's Field Theory of Strategic Action Field (SAF) helps explore the elements of social skills in SAF so that the structure of stability and change in the forestry charcoal panglong business arena can be illustrated more clearly.

Deciphering dictators’ discourse on Indigenous democracy: a case of Karimov’s Uzbekistan

ABSTRACT Why do dictators ‘indigenize’ democracy? This article analyses discourses on democracy in a consolidated authoritarian regime to show how it assists in authoritarian regime-building. The article shows that in the case of Uzbekistan, Karimov’s rhetoric selected and essentialised features of an Uzbek nation, such as community, solidarity and fairness. The regime imposed such features on the Indigenous self-governing institutions, known as mahalla, to foster authoritarian control by turning community to guarantee ideological coherence, by imposing state hierarchy in the name of solidarity and by establishing local networks of patron-client relations in the name of fairness. Through quantitative content and critical discourse analyses of Karimov’s speeches from 1995 to 2015 published by the official press in Russian, the authors operationalise Karimov’s rhetoric on Indigenous democracy and through the analysis of legal acts that governed mahalla, they illustrate how such interpretations strengthened the authoritarian regime.

Patron-client relations in cultural communities to support inclusive urban design and sustainability

Patron-client relations in cultural communities to support inclusive urban design and sustainability

Reciprocity and patron-clientelism as forms of an institution of mutual assistance network in villages of the Republic of Tatarstan

The sustainability of the rural world of the Republic of Tatarstan today largely depends on the development and functioning of the institution of network mutual assistance. I attempt to study the situation, making use of network theories in sociology as well as concepts of reciprocal and patron-client relationships as key aspects in the reproduction of mutual assistance networks. Drawing on field interviews collected in various villages of Tatarstan, I examine the actors and practices of mutual assistance in reciprocal and patron-client rural relationships and argue for the necessity of further support and development of mutual assistance networks in rural areas as a way of securing collective mutual insurance in an unstable economic situation.

Social Capital in the Patron-Client Dimension towards the Sustainability of Seaweed Cultivation Businesses in Rural Areas, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

The system of livelihoods in seaweed cultivation becomes the subject of study because of the factor of production, and the distribution of the output of production requires a strategy of merging between something material and non-material that involves interaction with various actors in society. The social capital awakened by the actors in the seaweed cultivation business through the patron-client dimension is an effort to ensure the sustainability of the business. The study aims to characterize the components of social capital that bind, bridge, and connect in the context of the relationship between actors in seaweed cultivation, including the important role of the combination of these three types of social capital in the sustainability of the seaweed cultivation business. The Research methods use qualitative descriptive approaches. Data is collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with open, axial, and selective encoding. The results show that actors in seaweed cultivation enterprises combine the social capital components of bonding, bridging, and linking selectively, depending on the interests behind each interaction with different actors. Social bonding capital is owned by seaweed farmers in their interactions to gain access to financial capital (in the form of cash and loans). The patron-client relationship pattern is the most prominent of the reciprocity relationships, where the patron is the provider of corporate capital and the guarantor of subsistence is the cultivator. The social bridging and linking capital is owned in its interaction to gain access to social assistance and political support as well as networking. Mechanisms of sale of seaweed production are dominated by marketing networks using intermediary services (middlemen) through the concept of personalized exchange. In such market trading, the symptoms of “boro” (guarantees) are detected through subscription relationships between sellers and buyers characterized by regular personality contacts and through credit mechanisms known as “take now, pay later”. Therefore, social capital plays an important role in the sustainability of seaweed farming in the countryside. In a situation of economic or environmental change, social capital can help the farmer adapt and survive in his business and household life. We found that social capital plays an important role in the rural habitat system, where access to livelihoods depends on social relationships. Thus, support is needed to strengthen the capacity of social capital in societies because the configuration of the social capital elements can inherit the cognitive social capital, the social structural capital and the social relational capital necessary for the improved social, economic and cultural development of societies.

Patron-Client relationships in capture fisheries business: A policy challenge

Patron-Client relationships in capture fisheries business: A policy challenge

The Role of Clientelism in Facilitating Orphanage Trafficking

ABSTRACT Orphanage trafficking involves the recruitment and/or transfer of a child into a residential care facility for a purpose of exploitation, including labor, sexual exploitation and servitude, or child institutionalization for profit. Orphanage trafficking has been recognized as a form of child trafficking under international law and has been increasingly reported in a range of countries, including Cambodia and Myanmar. Despite the growing academic focus on this subject, the specifics of how children are targeted, recruited, and transferred into these unregulated orphanages for exploitation remain largely unclear, as do the precise social mechanisms employed. Drawing on qualitative research, this article delves into the significant role that patron-client relationships play in the recruitment, transfer, exploitation, and concealment of child exploitation within unregulated residential care facilities established for exploitative or profit motives in Cambodia and Myanmar. It reveals how orphanage directors exploit clientelism to circumvent regulations, manipulate and undermine bureaucratic systems meant to protect vulnerable groups, and legitimize illegal activities through a process of formalization. The article explores the implications of the use of clientelism in orphanage trafficking for prevention efforts, child protection governance reforms, and rehabilitation of children whose perception of exploitation and victimization has been shaped by their socialization to clientelism norms.

The diplomatic authority of William Davison

Abstract Secretary William Davison (d. 1608) is best known for his involvement in the execution of Mary, queen of Scots, in 1587. This article explores Davison’s earlier diplomatic career, specifically his mission to the Low Countries in autumn 1585. It argues, first, that Davison was an influential political actor prior to his elevation to the privy council, as he fulfilled significant diplomatic responsibilities and was highly regarded by his conciliar patrons; and second, that study of Davison’s diplomatic career casts new light on familiar debates over mid-Elizabethan diplomacy, men of business and patron-client relationships.

Peran Kiai dalam Pemilihan Bupati dan Wakil Bupati Kabupaten Blitar Tahun 2020

This study examines the role of Kiai in the 2020 Blitar Regency Regent and Deputy Regent Election, especially in supporting the incumbent candidate pair. The main focus is to understand how Kiai, as part of a non-party social network, captures voter support and why they failed to win over the incumbent candidate's pair. This study also explores the motivation of Kiai in providing support and the form of patron-client relationship between Kiai and students or the voting community. Through qualitative descriptive methods, this study reveals that although the support of Kiai and ulama is important, the personal charisma of the candidates and the limitations of the campaign due to the Covid-19 pandemic also greatly affect the election results. The results of this study are expected to provide insight into local political dynamics and the important role of Kiai in political contestation in Blitar Regency.

The Emerging of Patron-Client Relationship in Contemporary Peasant Social Movement Articulation

This paper is a literature review in the study of contemporary peasant social movements. Peasant social movements, especially in Indonesia, are always interesting because of the complex problems that have yet to be resolved. This paper uses a qualitative method with an Integrated Literature Review (ILR) approach. The search for article data was carried out using the Google Scholar database using the keywords: "peasant social movements", "articulation", and "patron-client relationships". Furthermore, articles were sorted based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles that have been obtained are then extracted. The study results show that in articulating their interests, peasants often do so by using a combination of internal organizational networks known as resource mobilization theory and external activism better known as political opportunity theory cluster. Articulating their interests through subsequent social movement actors gives rise to patron-client relationships between them. In conclusion, we argue that the emergence of patron-client relationships has an impact on the articulation of interests through social movement actors.

Economic Dynamics of Urban Fishermen in Muarareja: The Death of Fish Auction Places

This study examines the closure of the Fish Auction Place (TPI) in Muarareja, which was caused by debt agreements between fishermen and fish traders for boat purchases. The closure of the TPI has led to fishermen losing access to a competitive sales platform and becoming dependent on the traders' markets. The research method used was qualitative with a case study approach, through semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and documentation. The research participants included 6 skippers or fishermen who own ships, 5 crew members (ABK), 6 collectors or traders, and 3 mothers who make salted fish around the TPI. Data collection was carried out from June 1 to August 28, 2023. The purpose of the study was to analyze changes in the dynamics of patron-client relationships among fishermen in Muarareja and to examine the economic and social impacts of the closure of the TPI. The results showed that the closure of the TPI changed the mechanism of buying and selling fish to be more closed to patrons (traders), which significantly affected the social and economic dynamics of urban fishermen. Based on these findings, it is recommended to examine the effectiveness of alternative programs such as fishermen's cooperatives or micro-loans, and further research is needed on the revitalization of the TPI to improve the overall welfare of fishermen. In the context of public policy, it is also necessary to consider strategies that strengthen the capacity of fishermen in facing increasingly complex global economic challenges. This research is expected to provide significant theoretical and practical contributions to the field of sociology, especially economic sociology.

Evaluating Internal Audit Excellence: Insights from Auditors and Auditees in Riau Province Regional Inspectorates The purpose of this study is to ascertain the variables that affect audit quality in the Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia, Regiona

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the variables that affect audit quality in the Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia, Regional Inspectorate. The Government Internal Supervisory Apparatus' (APIP) function has changed from that of a watchdog to that of a consultant and quality assurance agency in response to the public's growing desire for accountability and openness. This study uses auditor ethics as a moderating variable to investigate the effects of auditor competence, independence, reluctance culture, and professional correctness on audit quality using James Scott's patron-client theory. Using a survey approach, the study gathers primary data from 197 OPD leaders and 142 auditors. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used for analysis. The findings show that while independence and a culture of reluctance have mixed impacts, competence and professional precision favorably affect audit quality. The association between competence and audit quality is strongly moderated by auditor ethics, but not that between independence, a culture of reluctance, or professional precision and audit quality. According to the findings, improving ethical standards and addressing the patron-client relationship are critical for efficient supervision and the reduction of corruption, even though boosting auditor independence and competency is also important. In order to accomplish good governance and raise the caliber of audits in regional administrations, this research emphasizes the necessity of regular training and bolstering the independence of the Regional Inspectorate.

The Biafra Lobby: international civil society patronage in the Biafran secession conflict, 1967–70

ABSTRACT This article sheds light on the partisan involvement of non-state networks in secession conflicts. Building on the patron–client relations framework, it develops a concept of civil society patronage that allows zooming into the relationship between secessionist movements and their allies in international civil society. This framework is then applied to the Biafra conflict (1967–70) and the activities of the so-called ‘Biafra Lobby’ in the United States to examine the motives, instruments and impact of support. The study offers a fresh perspective on the international relations of secessionist movements and demonstrates the benefits and also the limitations of non-state support.

Understanding Local Perceptions of Impacts of Climate Change Among Small-Scale Sama-Bajau Fishers and Their Patrons in Wakatobi National Park, Indonesia

Understanding similarities and differences in perceptions of climate change impacts aids in the development of co-adaptation strategies. While there has been extensive research on perceptions of climate change impacts among small-scale fishing communities, studies focusing on the perspectives of maritime tribes, fishers, and their respective patrons in small islands are notably scarce. The current study compares the perceptions of climate change impacts by Sama-Bajau fishers and their patrons in Wangi-Wangi Island of Wakatobi National Park. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, casual conversations, field observation, and secondary data analysis between August 2021 and February 2022. Findings revealed that although fishers and their patrons similarly perceived some impacts, they perceived others differently because of distinct sources of information and experience. Fishers, middlemen and employees of fishing companies perceived the impacts through personal observation and information from other fishers while government and non- governmental officers relied on scientific reports and personal experience in addition to the information given by the fishers. Future research should explore context-specific coping, adaptation and transformation measures based on local perceptions and diverse patron-client relationships to inform policy development.

From Nagorno-Karabakh to Taiwan: measuring patron-client relations of de facto states

ABSTRACT Seeking to add a comparative element to the study of patron-client relations, this article introduces a multidimensional measurement tool for analysing de facto-patron state relations. The tool is used to measure military, political, societal and cultural resource exchange sustaining de facto state patron-client relationships, focusing on the client side of this dyadic relationship as this is where the defining features of patron-client relationships are most evident due to the asymmetry of resources. The study uses original data on Abkhazia, Kosovo, Nagorno-Karabakh, Northern Cyprus, Taiwan, Transnistria and their respective patron states. Comparing their degrees of dependence and differences based on the type of patronage, the article also discusses the merits and shortcomings of the tool, inviting further development.

Shopping in the Rainforest: Provisions of Uneven Living at the Sari-Sari Store

This article examines how patron-client relationships deepen into relations of pity, obligation, and dependency through rural neighbourhood stores. Based on ethnographic research on Palawan Island, I examine relations between Tagbanua and their store-owning neighbours in order to consider firstly, how social differentiations of class and ethnicity are reproduced through stores, and secondly, the role of these stores in the reproduction of contending moral claims regarding the foundational basis of this inequality. I suggest that what is being debated can be understood in terms of a right to provision. In drawing on this case study, I argue that the right to provision allows us to consider how the right to provide is bound within claims about the right to be provided with the conditions that make viable provision possible. Shopping in the rainforest, therefore, concerns the moral claims central to how a person can make a living and live with others.

High Political Costs: Private Political Donations in the 2018 East Kalimantan Regional Election

This study examines the misuse of private political donations in the 2018 regional head elections in East Kalimantan. The high political cost of patron-client relationships, where entrepreneurs act as patrons and candidates act as clients, motivates this study. The study aims to investigate political influence in the 2018 regional head elections in East Kalimantan. It employes a literature review, utilizing secondary data from journals, national survey results, and government publications relevant to the research problem. The findings indicate that concerning the issuance of mining business permits (IUP), there is political influence in the regional head elections in East Kalimantan. In 2017, the number of IUP were 1,194. This number increased to 1,404 from 2018 to 2020. Out of these, 428 IUPs have not yet been certified as Clean and Clear (C n C), and 160 are classified as illegal mining.

Conceptualising patron-client relations in secessionist conflict. A research agenda

ABSTRACT This article breaks new ground in the study of secessionist conflict. It conceptualises the relationships between host states and secessionist groups and their patrons, and outlines directions for future research on the topic. Based on a review of patron-client research across multiple disciplines I derive four constitutive features of patron-client relationships: cooperative resource exchange, asymmetric power dependence, diffuse obligation and durability. Secessionist patron-client relationships, however, are a distinct sub-type: patrons are external to an intra-state conflict, support either the host state or the secessionist group and include both states and non-state actors, in particular international organisations and diasporas. Future research on secessionist patron-client relationships can go in many directions. This article focuses on two: the motives for forming, maintaining and terminating patron-client relationships, and the impact of such relationships on secessionist conflict. For each dimension, I identify gaps, puzzles and controversies in the literature, offer theoretical building-blocks and identify options for in-depth study.

STRUCTURATION IN COMMUNICATION OF VEGETABLE FARMERS WITH MIDDLEMAN IN BATURITI DISTRICT TABANAN BALI

This study aimed to uncover patterns of structuration in communication between vegetable growers and intermediaries in the Baturiti District. This study employs a critical communication methodology. Data was gathered via interviews, observations, and document analysis approaches. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive qualitative interactive methods based on structuration theory. Phatic communication, patron-client relations, and divergent communication are forms of structuration in communication, as revealed by the research results. According to the empirical findings in this research, communication actions are shown to improve relationships, resulting in a tendency towards greater intimacy.
 The result is that the relationship pattern of vegetable farmers has been tied to economic actors, namely middlemen, for a very long time. The theoretical finding in this research is that structuration in communication is in line with the concept of symbolic interactionism, which focuses on efforts to provide interactions using symbols and containing power to weak parties. This research contributes to policy making related to the use of agricultural products.
 Keywords: communication structuration, vegetable farmers, middlemen