The construction of social behavior and cultural legitimacy in Nias folklore: a folklore ethnological perspective

This research examines how folklore constructs social behavior, produces cultural meaning, and legitimizes the social order in society. Using a qualitative folkloric ethnology approach and content analysis, data were collected from nine informants and compiled into 16 analytical story units. These findings suggest that folklore systematically constructs behaviors through a pattern of repetitive action-consequences that promote norm adherence, solidarity, respect for parents, and hierarchical relationships. These patterns are supported by the cultural meanings of harmony, collectivity, morality, and social order. Furthermore, folklore functions as a mechanism of cultural legitimacy by naturalizing norms through the repetition of narratives across generations. This research contributes theoretically by conceptualizing folklore as an integrated narrative system that performs cognitive, evaluative, normative, and legitimacy functions in shaping the social order.