Lecture 10: Pacific and Cultural Belief systems Flashcards
What are the three types of Political status in the Pacific?
´Dependencies
eg. New Caledonia (France)
´Compact of Free Association
eg. Cook Islands (NZ)
´Independent States
eg. Independent State of Samoa (1962 from NZ)
What are the two perspectives of ‘Our Sea of Islands’?
Two different perspectives:
Pacific Islands focuses on the small lands
Oceania denotes a large sea with its inhabitants, accomplished seafarers.
What are the common values of Pacific cultures?
respect (for elders, for people in positions of authority)
service (obligation of care between individuals and groups)
collectivism (which reflects the way we see the world)
family (which brings identity and belonging)
spirituality (as the cornerstone of traditional values and cultures)
What does the value of ‘Respect’ entail? Use Teu le va for this:
Teu le va
The phrase refers to Samoan practices of values and beliefs, to ensure respect and polite communication in any context
The practice of ‘Teu la va’ is to value, cherish, nurture and take care of the ‘va’, the space/relationship
It recognizes the special connections people have within the community (brothers/sisters; male/female; people
of higher ranking)
What does the Collectivism value mean?
Thinking and acting collectively in matters such as land-holding, education, decision making for the group and for individuals, support for individuals
- Working as a group
- Doing what’s best for the group
- Families and communities have a central role
- Compliance to the norm
How is the term family in Pacific belief a bit different:
the term family is not understood as the nuclear family (typically father, mother and siblings), but as the extended family (with grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and more)
What does the Spirituality value entail?
Spirituality includes spiritual and religious practices
When it comes to health, turning towards a greater power can be reassuring
