The iCross-Cultural Citizen Project- Our Indigenous World: Samoan Westernization-Group 7: Kinship and Social Structure:

Monday, July 15, 2013

Kinship and Social Structure:

Before Westernization:

The Samoans follow the Hawaiian Kinship Terminology. They follow descent groups through the first born, and usually the first-born male. They also follow the descent groups through the father’s side. Each descent group has its own place in the village and where the Matai regulates and rules. Samoan social structures consists a number of Aigas (larger extended families) that is led by Matais. Matais can male or female and are usually elected because of a blood relation.

After Westernization:

The power of chiefs has been reduced, and the wealth returned by expatriates has flowed into all sectors of society, undermining traditional rank-wealth correlations. A commercial elite that has derived its power from the accumulation and investment of private wealth has become increasingly influential in politics. Other than that, most of Samoan social structures have been unchanged. Kinship has not seemed to change as well.

Bibliography:

Fa'a Samoa

2010: Kinship and Social Structures: The Samoan Way. Electronic document,

http://samoanculture.wordpress.com/kinship-and-social-structure/, accessed July 14,

2013.

Ahlburg D.A.

1991: Remittances and their Impact. A Study of Tonga and Western Samoa.
Electronic document, http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Samoa.html#b, accessed
July 14, 2013.

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Background Information:
Welcome to the Samoan Islands, home
to some of the most beautiful islands and parks known to mankind. This island
has a rich history of interesting stories that delve into the Westernization of
a once native culture as well as the preservation of traditional Samoan
culture. Since the 1960’s, the Samoan Islands have experienced the influence of
Western European and American culture. However, although many traditions and
practices of the tribes of native Samoans are being compromised, the people of
Samoa actively work to preserve their cultural practices. Many Polynesians have
successfully fought for the preservation of their land, language, and culture
to leave their rightful mark on the Samoan Islands. In the Samoan Islands you
will find Americans, Westernized Samoans, and traditional Polynesians all
living together in an attempt to keep peace and work harmoniously.

Geographic Location:

The Samoan Islands are divided into two territories: Samoa and American Samoa. The American Samoa consists of seven islands that lie southwest of Hawaii. To the west of the American Samoa are the oldest Samoan Islands. Majority of Samoans reside on Tutuila, which is a well developed Urban area with the famous Pago Airport that welcomes many visitors. The next closest island is the Aun’u Island. To the East, there are the islands of Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’ u. These Islands are home to the world’s most beautiful beaches and are frequently visited by tourists. The original Samoan Islands lie farther west. They are the islands of Upolu, Apolima, and Savai’i. These areas have some of the richest tropical ecosystems that the Samoans have fought to protect over many decades.

Bibliography:

U.S. Department of the Interior

2010: Field Study of the Effects of the 29 September 2009 Samoa Tsunami

U.S Department of Commerce

Tuitila Map and American Samoan Information. Electronic document,

http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/obop/smo/smoinfo.html, accessed July 15th, 2013.

The Vision:

The iCross-Cultural Citizen Project’s vision is to create an online cross-cultural space for students, professionals, and youth to learn and exchange cross-culturally sensitive information about contemporary indigenous experiences. From that outsider student’s perspective, we will try to theoretically explore possible collaborative solutions to problems that affect the indigenous populations of our planet. Finally, we hope for the future creation of a space where indigenous youth can share their experiences and their realities with us for real mutual collaboration to take place