Striving for Prestige in Samoa: A Comparison of Men,Women, and Fa’afafine

ABSTRACT

In numerous non-Western cultures around the world, a small but meaningful proportion of individuals occupy alternative gender categories beyond the man/woman binary. A substantial body of past research has shown that feminine, same-sex attracted males in Samoa—a nonbinary gender known as fa’afafine—are more altruistic toward their nieces and nephews than are Samoan men and women. The present study examined the degree to which these kin-directed altruistic tendencies of fa’afafine are motivated by striving for prestige, and hence demonstrating value, within their family. Results showed that cisgender men and women do not differ in the degree to which they seek familial recognition of their altruistic behavior toward nieces and nephews. However, compared to men, fa’afafine sought significantly more acknowledgment of this altruism. These results illustrate one proximate cognitive mechanism for the elevated kin-directed altruism of fa’afafine and highlight the importance of the sociocultural context in which these motivations develop.     

魔鬼的笔迹(二)--前殖民话语,人种/族类见解和跨文化认同在德国殖民过程中的作用

萨摩亚人———“高贵的野蛮人”在殖民接管的前夜,最有影响的关于萨摩亚人的人种观念即为“高贵的野蛮人”[24](P205232)他者时,人们常常启用高贵的野蛮人这一套话,但这一比喻与其他比喻的不同尚待仔细分析。③我们都熟悉这样的说法:在19世纪社会理论的框架内,法国和苏格兰的启蒙运动把当代的非欧洲人说成是与欧洲人不同步,不是生活在一个时代。①大部分社会进化学说似乎不承认与非西方人有真正的亲族关系,它们也不认为人类的早期发展阶段有什么美德。最有影响的高贵的野蛮人的说法却恰恰相反。在这里,非西方人成了欧洲人的一个早期版本。…     

Spare the rod and spoil the child: Samoan perspectives on responsible parenting

Abstract

Cultural groups hold different beliefs, values and understandings that shape the way people parent. From a Samoan perspective, raising children as good citizens involves ensuring that children know how to behave appropriately. If necessary, there is a place for reasonable physical discipline. Moreover, many believe that the way western parents and teachers relate to children is socially irresponsible. This paper explores Samoan understandings of responsible parenting. It argues the case for cultural difference in approaches to parenting, and for the emergence of a ‘third space’ in which cultural groups negotiate the globalizing pressures of Western values. The paper draws on an emerging research literature and interviews with students, teachers and parents in Samoa. The study has implications for educators, social workers and policy makers in New Zealand and other Pacific Rim countries where Samoans form a significant proportion of a rapidly growing Pacific population.     

回望西萨摩亚民族的心灵--诗歌《我们心中的死者》简论

西萨摩亚当代最杰出的诗人温特在南太平洋文学史上占有非常重要的地位,他的代表作《我们心中的死者》是该民族的史诗,它以传统的文化作为背景,审视了波利尼西亚民族心灵和精神的成长;外来文化和传统文化的相遇和冲突是他诗歌的重要主题,他的诗歌同时也表达了诗人对历史的追述和个人的感受,展示波利尼西亚民族心灵深处活跃的永不泯灭的历史感。     

试论温特的《榕树叶子》

获得新西兰文学最高成就奖"威蒂奖"的《榕树叶子》是西萨摩亚裔新西兰作家温特的代表作,它多角度叙述了一个西萨摩亚家庭在动荡的历史语境和政治语境下的变迁、冲突和转变。小说使用和发展了传统的波利尼西亚式的叙事手法,向整个世界展示了真正的西萨摩亚,堪称一部民族史诗。     

Mothers’ attitudes and beliefs about infant feeding highlight barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in American Samoa

BackgroundIn American Samoa, initiation of breastfeeding is almost universal but exclusive breastfeeding, a promising target for obesity prevention, is short in duration.Aims(1) To examine American Samoan mothers’ feeding experiences and attitudes and beliefs about infant feeding and (2) to identify potential barriers to exclusive breastfeeding.MethodsEighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with American Samoan mothers at 16–32 days postpartum. Interviews focused on mother's knowledge and beliefs about infant feeding, how their infants were fed, why the mother had chosen this mode of infant feeding, and how decisions about feeding were made within her social surroundings. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted to identify salient themes in the data.FindingsIntention to exclusively breastfeed did not predict practice; most women supplemented with formula despite intending to exclusively breastfeed. The benefits of breastfeeding were well-recognized, but the importance of exclusivity was missed. Formula-use was not preferred but considered an innocuous “back-up option” where breastfeeding was not possible or not sufficient for infant satiety. Identified barriers to exclusive breastfeeding included: the convenience of formula; perceptions among mothers that they were not producing enough breast milk; and pain while breastfeeding. The important support role of family for infant feeding could be utilized in intervention design.ConclusionThis study identified barriers to exclusive breastfeeding that can be immediately addressed by providers of breastfeeding support services. Further research is needed to address the common perception of insufficient milk in this setting.     

Conceptions of pregnancy health and motivations for healthful behavior change among women in American Samoa

Background

American Samoan women are particularly at risk of obesity-related non-communicable disease (NCD), requiring efficacious interventions to protect their health and that of their infants. Prior studies have identified pregnancy as an ideal time for behavior change interventions related to NCD.